An other 'What lens should I get thread' ....

... but I really need some help.

I have a Canon 15-85 f/3.5-5.6 and I love the versatility on my 60D. It is the lens I have while traveling and I do a lot of candid people shots on parties and events. I love the fact that I can go wide if I can not step back any further and zoom in to get the head shots.

However, I feel the limits of this lens: f/5.6 is just not enough to isolate the close up from the background, bookeh on the lens is acceptable but by no means great and at f/3.5 (15 mm) the vignetting is substantial.
I would love to have something faster - closer to f/2.8, but with the versatility of the 15-85 on both ends.

Any thoughts?

With your requirements the Canon 17-55 2.8 IS is your best bet. If that is too pricey look at the tamron 17-50 2.8, they have a version that does have IS as well.

I feel your pain drmaxx.

You won't find a lens that goes from 15-85 with a larger aperture. The best you'll be able to do is 17-55 or 17-50. There is also a 16-50 f/2.8 Tokina. I'm not going to give my opinion on which is best, you should look at image comparisons for that.

But there is no lens that will give you that range at a larger aperture. Get a Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 OS to replace the 50-85 and a Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS to replace the rest. Then also get a Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 to get 15-16mm.

You get my point.

What I will be doing is getting a 28 f/1.8 to solve my bokeh problems. I already have a 50 mk1/2 f/1.8.

You'd love a 24-105 on a 5d

Sigma 17-50 or Canon 24-70. You just need to decide whether you want the long end or the short end more.

drmaxx wrote in post #14656680
I would love to have something faster - closer to f/2.8, but with the versatility of the 15-85 on both ends.

Any thoughts?

Clear choice is definitely the 17-5x, if you really want the longer range, the best compromise is the Sigma 17-70f2.8-4. Although not sure if you wanna give up constant f2.8 for 15-20 mm on the long end.

drmaxx wrote in post #14656680
I would love to have something faster - closer to f/2.8, but with the versatility of the 15-85 on both ends.

Any thoughts?

like others have said, you have to get another lens for f2.8, look at the Sigma /Tamron 17-50 2.8

I'm having the same problem, only I only have the old kit 18-55... I want the reach of the 15-85 with the dof of the 17-55, which is why I havn't pressed the buy button yet :/

In a single zoom, 17-5x is the ticket. I've got the 17-55 and love it. However, the range of your 15-85 is tough to give up. Have you considered keeping your 15-85 and getting a prime? Tough part is figuring out which focal length works best for you. Take a look through your pictures at the most used focal lengths and you might get a clue.

I also love my 15-85, but wanted something faster & with better bokeh. Considered the Canon 28mm f/1.8 and Sigma 30mm f/1.4. Got the Sigma and love it.

Same boat Ray33. Almost buying my 28 1.8.

You have to figure out what part of the range you want if you want constant 2.8. Or go with a Sigma 17-70 it's 2.8-4.5 instead of the 3.5-5.6, so it's faster at all ranges. I think the Canon is better quality, image and build.

I think the Sigma 17-70 would be worth a look. If you want similar focal length flexibility but a faster lens, it's a good option.

Same boat. Want atleast a 100 reach and around 18wide @ 2.8 but no one seems to have that.

ps_n_dslr wrote in post #14658628
Same boat. Want atleast a 100 reach and around 18wide @ 2.8 but no one seems to have that.

More than one lens.