15-85MM?

TSchrief wrote in post #15579122
I have the 15-85, and like it. However sometimes I wish I had a 2.8 or faster lens in that wider ranges. I just can't pull the trigger on a 17-55, and can't afford the 24-70 2.8 II. I highly recommend the 15-85, but it doesn't do 2.8. If you need speed, you need speed.

We would all like a fast 15-85. Even a constant f/4 would more than satisfy most of us. An f/2.8, even if possible, would be very big, very, very heavy, and very, very, very expensive.

mwsilver wrote in post #15579280
We would all like a fast 15-85. Even a constant f/4 would more than satisfy most of us. An f/2.8, even if possible, would be very big, very, very heavy, and very, very, very expensive.

I wasn't exactly referring to the 15-85. Just sometimes I would like something faster. The 17-55 2.8 is not too expensive or too large, but I think it is expensive for what you get. The 24-70 2.8 II is very expensive and relatively large. I just can't pull the trigger on the 17-55. I'll shoot my faster primes in that range until I win the Powerball lottery, I suppose. The speed limitations of the 15-85 are something to consider. It matters more to some than to others.

But f2.8 is not that FAST, especially in the wider portion since the 15-85 is f3.5-4.5 @15-30mm...
You are basically losing about 1 stop in the range.

If you get the 15-85 you can also get a 30f1.4 or 28f1.8 and it will give you a lot more speed and DOF then a 17-55.

Lexar wrote in post #15579450
If you get the 15-85 you can also get a 30f1.4 or 28f1.8 and it will give you a lot more speed and DOF then a 17-55.

The 15-85mm/28mm 1.8 combo is what I'm using. The 28mm is so small I can carry it around in my pocket or bag if I really need a smaller apeture. I think it's a great alternative to the 17-55mm.

SVT Wylde wrote in post #15579567
The 15-85mm/28mm 1.8 combo is what I'm using. The 28mm is so small I can carry it around in my pocket or bag if I really need a smaller apeture.

How happy are you with the 28mm/1.8? I am really thinking of complementing my 15-85 with this - but looking at the review at photozone I am hesitating.

(Sorry, for hijacking the thread - but I think the topic has run its course....)

TSchrief wrote in post #15579411
I wasn't exactly referring to the 15-85. Just sometimes I would like something faster. The 17-55 2.8 is not too expensive or too large, but I think it is expensive for what you get. The 24-70 2.8 II is very expensive and relatively large. I just can't pull the trigger on the 17-55. I'll shoot my faster primes in that range until I win the Powerball lottery, I suppose. The speed limitations of the 15-85 are something to consider. It matters more to some than to others.

I know. But a faster 15-85 is on a lot of wishlists.

drmaxx wrote in post #15579798
How happy are you with the 28mm/1.8? I am really thinking of complementing my 15-85 with this - but looking at the review at photozone I am hesitating.

(Sorry, for hijacking the thread - but I think the topic has run its course....)

Actually, I'm interested as well. I'm not that happy with my 50mm f/1.8 in part because of IQ and in part because of of it's narrow fields of view. I would like something fast (f/1.8 or f/1.4) and wider for use in museums and such that I can easily carry around to swap with the 15-85 usually glued to my camera. I was thinking about 28-30mm lenses that won't break the bank.

drmaxx wrote in post #15579798
How happy are you with the 28mm/1.8? I am really thinking of complementing my 15-85 with this - but looking at the review at photozone I am hesitating.

(Sorry, for hijacking the thread - but I think the topic has run its course....)

You might want to ask some other members about this lens. I like my copy but I haven't used it enough to give it a fair review. Mine is fairly sharp in the center at 1.8 and very sharp from F2.2 and up. It's light, has great build quality, and the AF is blazing fast. Others swear by the Sigma 30mm 1.4 but I got a great deal on my lens here in the classifieds.

I have read some negative reviews about this lens being soft at 1.8 and it can have a fair amount of CA. I haven't found a lot of CA yet with my copy but it doesn't bother me because it's easy to fix in post.

drmaxx wrote in post #15579798
How happy are you with the 28mm/1.8? I am really thinking of complementing my 15-85 with this - but looking at the review at photozone I am hesitating.

(Sorry, for hijacking the thread - but I think the topic has run its course....)

It keeps going and going and going. But does have alot of great insight.

Lexar wrote in post #15579450
But f2.8 is not that FAST, especially in the wider portion since the 15-85 is f3.5-4.5 @15-30mm...
You are basically losing about 1 stop in the range.

If you get the 15-85 you can also get a 30f1.4 or 28f1.8 and it will give you a lot more speed and DOF then a 17-55.

I have the 28 2.8 (old one, non-IS) and the 85 1.8, and the 50 1.8. I am considering the 35 f/2 (again, the old non-IS version) to round out my fast(er) primes. I can't afford the 24-70 2.8 II, and have no desire for the 17-55. Too much money for too little return, for me anyway.