I just about have enough saved to get the 15-85, having second thoughts...

Scrumhalf wrote in post #16407454
OP was very clear he only has the budget for 1 lens. Given that constraint, the 15-85 is as good as it gets. Add a 430EX II for $200 if you can stretch the budget that far and you can mitigate the lens slowness somewhat.

Ah, then either lens (17-5x or 15-85) is still a great choice. Second the flash recommendation as well!

If you know it's limitations, and can accept them..going in, you won't regret it. It's a fantastic lens. But; It isn't fast, is known for zoom creep, has a small focus ring, and the hood will cost you extra (as will the EFs 17-55). It has excellent AF, IS, and IQ. The wide end is wide..very versatile.

For a one solution lens the 15-85 is unbeatable in my opinion, superb IQ.

If that is the range you want, and you don't need a faster lens, there is nothing I know of that comes close. It was my standard outdoor walkaround with a 50D.

If you want faster and don't mind sacrificing the range, there are lots of options in the 17-50 range.

As it happens, I bought a FF a few weeks ago and am about to sell all of my EF-S lenses, all of which are in like-new condition, with spotless glass and barrels. However, I have not yet decided whether I will sell the 15-85 separately or only with the Marumi circular polarizing filter I bought for it. PM me if interested.

Thanks guys, you pretty much confirmed what I already knew. Years ago when I had an XSi I had the 60mm Macro and loved it, while it may not be as versatile as a wider prime, I'm probably going to start saving for it next as I used it more for macro work than portraits anyway.

Not a great shot, could do with a bit of PP, but this was taken inside a cathedral, no flash, just natural light. I think this is a brilliant walkabout lens.

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I havet he 15-85 and am completely happy with it's IQ and versatility.

I just ordered the 70D along with the 18/135 STM because of the silent AF for video but I am still keeping my 15-85 for most walk around and still use.

If you can only get one lens I wouldn't hesitate to get the 15-85. If you do a lot of video that's a different issue. In that case you may consider the 18-135 STM. The results are frankly pretty darn good from what I have read here: https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1213685

gregrocco wrote in post #16407000
So I've just about saved up enough to buy a 15-85 lens. From what I've read it's one of the best lenses you can get if, like me, you're on a budget and can really only afford one.

As usually happens in these cases, however, now that I'm getting close to purchasing it, I'm wondering if there are other options I should be looking at. I have a T2i and sold the 28-135 lens I had because I didn't care for the IQ. Are there any other lenses, comparable to the 15-85 (either Canon or other makes) that offer similar range and similar performance for a similar price, or am I making the right choice in getting it?

I own the 15-85 and the 17-55... When I am going out during daylight hours its always on the crop.. Over the weekend I attended an event that was at twilight, the 17-55 replaced the 15-85..

Bottom line, when I know there is good light the 15-85 is on, and when I know light is in question, the 17-55 gets attached.

I never worry about IQ with either.

As people have already said... It's a great lens... I also agree with what others have said and you'll "need" an indoor lens as well..

I use my 15-85 outdoors exclusively.. I use my Sigma 30mm 1.4 indoors almost exclusively... I recently added a Nifty Two-Fifty (mark 1) for the times I need >85mm. I got it for 100 bucks and it's pretty darn good for a hundred dollar bill...

I love both of these lenses. If I had FF and L glass, I'd have a different opinion...

As most people said, 15-85 is a great all-arround lens. I love mine. The 15mm end is very useful and a big difference from 17 or 18mm. However, there are times that find the 85mm end too short for my needs.

If it was going to be my only lens, I'd get something at f2.8 instead. I like the 15-85 because I have faster lenses in that range, too. 15-85 alone would be useful only during the daytime, so that's not very versatile to me.

Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 or 17-50 f2.8 would be better.

gregrocco wrote in post #16407997
Thanks guys, you pretty much confirmed what I already knew. Years ago when I had an XSi I had the 60mm Macro and loved it, while it may not be as versatile as a wider prime, I'm probably going to start saving for it next as I used it more for macro work than portraits anyway.

My sister bought a 15-85 a little over a year ago for her 60D, and it hardly ever comes off unless she needs the 100mm L macro or 55-250 which is her only current tele zoom. I'd say 75% of her shooting is done now with the 15-85. Great lens.

Bianchi wrote in post #16408105
I own the 15-85 and the 17-55... When I am going out during daylight hours its always on the crop.. Over the weekend I attended an event that was at twilight, the 17-55 replaced the 15-85..

Bottom line, when I know there is good light the 15-85 is on, and when I know light is in question, the 17-55 gets attached.

I never worry about IQ with either.

I considered ordering a 17-55mm to go with my 15-85mm, I'm just not a prime lens guy.

SVT Wylde wrote in post #16411808
I considered ordering a 17-55mm to go with my 15-85mm, I'm just not a prime lens guy.

Have you tried any primes?

Good starters are the EF 50, EF 40 or EF 85.
You might be surprised by them.

Personally I'd get a 17-55 OR the 15-85, not both.

Maybe a 17-55 and an 85 prime.

Massive vote for the 15-85mm... if i could have one general purpose lens for my 7D that would be it, super sharp.. not fast but has IS which helps.. here's a few of mine with it :

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