Lens Upgrade - Canon

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Prodriver

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Nigel
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Hi, I've just had another 17-85 showing error 01 and I'm getting tired of replacing the ribbons so it's about time for an upgrade.

It will be used on both a 7D and a 600D as a walkabout lens. My son is a car spotter so will be using it at car events etc.

Looking at the reviews there seems to be only 2 choices - the 15-85 and the 17-55. I did consider the 24-105 but, as most of our shots (myself and my son) are shot pretty wide I have discounted it. Already have a 70-200 and a 1.4x extender so don't really need anything too long.

Just wondered if anyone had owned both and how they compared?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers
Nice
 
They're both good lenses. My go-to walk-around lens for a crop sensor is the same 15-85, but your usage may dictate the opposite.

Optically they're both a step up from the 17-85, though the 17-55 has the edge here. Many people say it's as good as the first 24-70 f/2.8 "L".

The build quality of the 15-85 is superior though. The 17-55 doesn't feel any more solid in the hand than the 17-85 (i.e. not very), and it seems odd that a lens which is up to "L" standards optically doesn't have the construction to match.

The key issue though is whether you think having f/2.8 available compensates for the reduced focal length range. There's quite a difference between 15 and 17mm, which I find valuable but you might not. I find it valuable to be able to go beyond 55 without having to change lenses; you might not. On the other hand I can hand-hold the 17-55 at about 1/3 of a second, using f/2.8 and IS, which is amazing.

They're both good. Hope this helps.
 
Likewise.
The 15-85 is a great "everyday lans, with the bonus of being a bit wider at the 15mm end,
The difference between 15 and 17 mm may not sound much but it's quite significant in real life (roughly the difference between 24mm & 28mm in 35mm terms.)
Plus you have a comfortable overlap with your existing 70-200 at the tele end.
 
What Stewart said really, the 17-55 is a fantastic std lens for low light shooters, but the 15-85 is more versatile
 
I was deciding between these two lenses like you. I rarely shoot in low light so that was not factor in my case. In the end the extra reach of the 15-85 over the 17-55 which was the reason I chose it. Iit was a cracking lens and I was not disappointed - it was a sharp lens with good contrast.
 
Guys, thanks very much for the input - it certainly confirmed my thoughts - much appreciated.
Now to raid the piggy bank to get the lens - anyone want 3 x 17-85s LOL!!
 
Not considered the 18-135 as I have the 70-200 (and a 1.4 MKII extender) to cover the longer focal length.........
 
GeeJay57 said:
I like my 15-85mm... :)
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It seems that most who have one like them.

Need to find a sharp copy - can't seem to get access to the Classifieds although I've been on here since 2010, posted 203 messages (did have access until things changed - but had no real need to post until I decided to upgrade my kit - don't tend to get involved in critique although I have commented on the Motorsport section as son now races in Max5 MX5 race championship)

Any mods around to explain?

Cheers
Nige
 
Not a mod but I just looked at the areas you have posted. According to the stats 133 of your 204 posts have been in the classifieds. I believe the limit is 50% of posts - over that and you lose access until you go under 50% again. I'm sure a mod will confirm though.
 
Late in

I have the EF-S 15-85 and 17-55 - both superb but IMHO and experience, the 15-85 on my 70D is heads and shoulders more the go to walkabout supremo. (I had the 17-85 which also failed with cable and blade failures).

As mentioned above there is the 18-135 but the bonus reach does not negate the better IQ of the 15-85. I have the 18-135 STM on my 750D mainly for video as it really works brilliantly with the dual hybrid sensor, super fast AF tracking and no motor noise from the STM.

Steve
 
Bythesea said:
Not a mod but I just looked at the areas you have posted. According to the stats 133 of your 204 posts have been in the classifieds. I believe the limit is 50% of posts - over that and you lose access until you go under 50% again. I'm sure a mod will confirm though.
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Thanks for looking. Vaguely remember a 50% rule being bandied about when they changed things!
 
Bythesea,

Thanks for looking. Vaguely remember a 50% rule being bandied about when they changed things!
 
Steve, thanks for the insight. It seems the 15-85 is the one to go for. Don't do a lot of video but the 18-135 would be something to consider if things changed.
Nige
 
I have a 15-85 which I bought on here and it's a fantastic lens, certainly one of the better choices for a crop body.
 
I have used an ef-s 17-55 f2.8 for many years and whilst it took a while to get used to (mainly I found it a bit short) I now really like it and would recommend.
 
Looks like I've sourced a 15-85. Just waiting for collection details.

Thanks for your input guys, I'll let you know my thoughts........
Nice
 
Have you looked at the Sigma and Tamron options?
If you want a bit more reach, the Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 is a good option and not too pricey. If you're happy with 17-50mm f2.8 then you can go for either the Sigma or Tamron versions of that.
I've had the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 (the older version of the 17-50) and loved it.
Those options are much cheaper than the Canon 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM. By the way, the Canon 17-55mm f2.8 also suffers for ribbon cable problems. One owner I know has had that repaired 3 times.
 
15-86 here also, bought one for my son as his walkabout lens, does 90% of his photography with it. Really good general purpose, sharp lens.
 
Prodriver said:
Thanks guys - bought a 15-85......really pleased with it :)
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If you don't want to pay ££'s for the Canon lens hood, the JJC replacements are pretty good value.
 
Brian G said:
If you don't want to pay ££'s for the Canon lens hood, the JJC replacements are pretty good value.
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I bought a cheap hood for mine that turned out to be rubbish (didn't know about JJC stuff). After a few weeks of use, the detent lugs lost their ability to keep the hood on the lens. Ended up buying a proper Canon hood which has worked properly for over two-years so far.

The old saying "Buy cheap, buy twice" springs to mind.
 
GeeJay57 said:
I bought a cheap hood for mine that turned out to be rubbish (didn't know about JJC stuff). After a few weeks of use, the detent lugs lost their ability to keep the hood on the lens. Ended up buying a proper Canon hood which has worked properly for over two-years so far.

The old saying "Buy cheap, buy twice" springs to mind.
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Agreed.

I bought an el cheapo version from an amazon merchant.
It was advertised as having a matt finished interior, but when it arrived it was the same semi-gloss plastic as the outside.
I complained that it was "not as advertised", and was given a full refund and told to keep it.
I then tried the JJC, which was a little more expensive but a much better fit and finish.
Of course, the OEM versions are best for quality, but I really cannot understand how Canon can justify their pricing structure on these items.

If you buy an L series lens it comes with a hood, but charging extra for them on the EF-S series is just a concealed way of jacking up the price.
A hood should automatically be included with every lens.
 
Brian G said:
Agreed.

I bought an el cheapo version from an amazon merchant.
It was advertised as having a matt finished interior, but when it arrived it was the same semi-gloss plastic as the outside.
I complained that it was "not as advertised", and was given a full refund and told to keep it.
I then tried the JJC, which was a little more expensive but a much better fit and finish.
Of course, the OEM versions are best for quality, but I really cannot understand how Canon can justify their pricing structure on these items.

If you buy an L series lens it comes with a hood, but charging extra for them on the EF-S series is just a concealed way of jacking up the price.
A hood should automatically be included with every lens.
Click to expand...

I agree, a hood should be provided with every lens and they are stupidly expensive for a piece of molded plastic.
 
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