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From the Manufacturer
The new EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM sets a new standard for everyday photography on APS-C sensors. With a focal length range equivalent to 24-136mm in 35mm format, image stabilization and high-precision optics, the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM offers stellar performance from wide-angle through to telephoto.
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Lens Specifications
- Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 15 – 85mm 1:3.5-5.6
- Lens Construction: 17 elements in 12 groups
- UD Glass: 1
- Diagonal Angle of View: 84 degrees 30′ to 18 degrees 25′
- Focus System: Inner focusing system with USM
- Closest Focusing Distance: 1.15 ft. / 0.35m
- Filter Size: 72mm
- Max. Diameter x Length: 3.2 x 3.4 in./81.6 x 87.5mm
- Weight (lens only): 20.3 oz./575g
Product Description
EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM extra wide-angle to telephoto zoom lens with 35mm equivalent of 24-136mm * compatible with Canon APS-C format digital SLR cameras * Image Stabilization allows in-focus shots with longer exposure times (up to four stops slower shutter speed) * ring-type Ultrasonic Motor for fast, silent autofocus * available full-time manual focusing (automatically overrides autofocus) * minimum focus distance: approximately 14 inches * lens is 3-7/8″ long, 3-1/4″ in diameter *
Buy Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM UD Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras at Amazon
Buy Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM UD Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras at Amazon
So I picked up this lens because I wanted something that would give me more range. Overall this is a decent lens. Only issue I had with this lens is that it is slower being a variable f3.5-5, so because of this the indoor shots didn’t come out as sharp. You will have to use a higher ISO for low light conditions. If you intend to take a lot of pictures indoors or in low light situations, I would probably recommend the 17-55 f2.8. However for outdoor daylight shooting, I do like the flexibility of this lens. It gives you a very wide angle when you need it and gives you enough reach for most situations. If you are casual outdoor photographer I would recommend this lens. This lens is a step up from the kit lens that comes with the T1i. However the price tag is a bit high for what you get.
If you have to pick one high-quality walk-around lens for your Canon APS-C (1.6x) dSLR, this is it. I debated between this one and the Canon 17-55m f/2.8 IS; the additional range won over (the extra 2mm on the wide end helps noticeably, and longer telephoto reach is nice too), and being 25% cheaper didn’t hurt. The big advantage of the other lens’ f2.8 max aperture could be important to some. I shoot a decent bit of video and don’t mind the smaller aperture for a little more latitude in focusing errors; even my stills are rarely shot below f5.6, though I do have other lenses to cover other needs (50mm f/1.4 USM and 70-200 f/2.8L IS).
Coupled with the EOS 7D, this lens is perfect as a fairly compact and very capable kit. Images are sharp and colorful, focusing is quick. Build quality feels solid. No issues at all!
Why 4 stars only then? Dunno, found it hard to give 5 stars when I compare it with my faster L lenses, even though those are much more expensive. Guess it’s an absolute rating scale for me