Canon EF 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM

Please don't take the Amazon star rating too serious - every lens has its pros and cons that I wouldn't want to squeeze into a single one-dimensional figure... A quick note about me: I have been into SLR cameras and lenses for more than 20 years - as a hobby in the beginning and professionally later. Maybe because of my technical background I started testing my own lenses quite a while ago. I have a (no longer so) little test lab of my own where I do 6 different image quality tests (after taking a lens out for a while). The EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is one of quite a few Canon standard zoom lenses for APS-C cameras. "Standard" of course refers to the focal range of this lens rather than its build and image quality which is certainly above standard. Made from high-end plastics and featuring a metal lens mount the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM does have a very solid feel. The ultra sound focus motor is very fast and acurate and even more impressive is the modern image stabilizer that compensates 4 exposure values. While the resolution of the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is really good and rivals some L series lenses other image quality factors are not as good. Distortion is a serious issue at the wide end of the focal range but well under control for longer focal lengths. Color errors ("chromatic abberrations") are quite intense but only in focused areas of the image ("transverse CA"). Out-of-focus areas fortunately do not have color fringes ("axial CA") and the bokeh is very even as well. There is also some curvature of the focal plane ("field curvature") and a still healthy amount of corner shadow ("vignetting"). Overall the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is certainly one of Canon's high-end offerings and has its price tag for a good reason. Some might prefer the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM over this lens for its better maximum aperture and image quality. But of course that lens is bigger, heavier and has a much narrower focal range which limits one thing that's very important for a general purpose standard zoom lens: versatility. I have taken the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM on many trips with no regret... A much more detailed review of this lens together with all test shots, sample images and technical data is available on my website LensTests_com.

It worth the price. Though a little expensive, it is much better than the 18-55 one. I like the wide-angle.

This is a great lens for EFS cameras. I use it on a 7D and could not be happier. I have had Tamron, Sigma and other Canon lenses, including L series, and the 15-85 ranks as one of the best. For most users, it represents a perfect walkaround zoom range, starting VERY wide. Image quality is excellent, creating sharp and contrasted images. The new generation IS (4 stops) works wonders ... I've had taken handheld pics as 1/8 (!) that were keepers. This lens is not cheap (though not expensive by Canon standards) but worth every penny as part of a kit for EFS. Pair this with one of the 70-200's or even the 70-300L and you have a massive focal range with just 2 high quality lenses. Throw in a macro lens (like the EFS 60mm) if you are into that and you have a perfect kit. There are plenty of positive technical reviews out there, but from an advanced amateur, let me tell you, this is about as perfect and EFS lens you can get. You won't be disappointed. Oh, and the body is mostly metallic and feels for more solid than the less expensive EF and EFS models.

Love it. I needed wideangle, this one has 15mm and goes as far as 85mm. great lens. Would recommend, I have it on my t2i and love it

This lens really is an outstanding value in my opinion. I have been very happy with it over the few months that I have had it. I sold all my lenses (Tokina 11-16, Tamron 17-50, Canon 28-135, Canon 55-250) and bought this one and the Canon 70-300mm IS USM. For the money, neither can be beat. 15mm is wide and 85mm is long when you don't have to swap lenses. I have used this lens on my T2i and now my 60D. I would even be willing to pay $100-$200 more if it was weather proof and had a red ring 8-). Anyway, you can not go wrong with it if you want better than kit glass and don't want to change lenses all the time without the issues associated with 18-135 or 18-200, JMO.