Official: EF-S 15-85 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

krepta wrote in post #8632054
A 17-55 MkII would be nice, but I think I would stick to my current one. It's still a perfectly good lens, sharp and fast, and I have no problem with the current build. I will probably end up using it until it dies on me.

I'm looking forward to seeing reviews of the new 15-85, though. If the IQ comes close to the 17-55, at $800 it would be a steal. The focal length range is perfect for 1.6 bodies, and the variable aperture can be forgivable if the IQ is up there. If I'm reading them correctly, the MTF charts for the 15-85 look slightly better on the wide end, and slightly worse on the tele end than the 17-55. It's comparable, so it looks promising.

Indeed, Especially given the pretty good AoV increase at the wide end [24mm vs 28mm is a good difference!] if it holds the corners well...

I'm actually interested in flare performance, the 17-55 did not do so well with this for me sadly...I'm curious to see if the 15-85 does better [Maybe some better coatings in there..]

The optical design and glass used seems VERY close to the 24-105, 3 aspherical + 1 UD in the 15-85 vs 3 aspherical + 1 S-UD...The 24-105 would be harder to correct optically given its larger image circle and constant aperture mind you...So from a technical standpoint, on paper, the 15-85 seems to have the goods...

The only thing I find slightly disappointing is the fact that the 15-85 doesn't have environmental sealing (since it's bundled with a "pro sealed" camera).

Before the 7D came along, there wasn't really much of need for EF-S lenses with weather sealing since crop bodies weren't really sealed anyway. But since the 7D is built like a 1-series camera (not a current one, though) there's a need for equally built pendants to the 24-70 and 24-105.

I don't complain about the 17-55 since that lens came out long before the 7D but the 15-85 is being released at the same time so they could have thought about that... (especially at that price point, even without labeling it "L")

Anyway, I'm still excited about this lens. *keeping fingers crossed for a usable wide-angle*

sth_ wrote in post #8633584
The only thing I find slightly disappointing is the fact that the 15-85 doesn't have environmental sealing (since it's bundled with a "pro sealed" camera). [...]

As you stated, the 7D is not fully weather-sealed like the current 1D series, even though it features sealing alike the EOS 1N of old days. So I would not expect a new EF-S lens to feature environmental sealing just because it is bundled with a (partially) weather-sealed camera. As a side note, not all L lenses are weather sealed either.

I don't know if weather-sealing was ever a consideration for the 15-85, but even if it had been, cost could have been an issue. At $800, some people already find this lens out of their range (I think the price is reasonable, but I'll wait to hear reviews of its performance before passing judgment). If anything, the cost that is already in this lens went in the right places, image quality and IS. See what KenjiS commented regarding its optical design and my comments on the MTF charts. IS is useful for this focal length range, especially given the variable aperture that has a maximum of f/5.6 at the tele end.

If I had to choose one thing to change about this lens, I would leave the build and lack of weather-sealing as they are, and ask for a constant f/4.0 aperture throughout the focal length range. If I really need to be out shooting under heavy rain, or in a very dusty environment, or sometimes even during a paintball match, I use a rain/weather cover for my camera and lens. As it is, my 40D and 17-55 lens can already resist light rain, sand (from the beach), a bit of snow and freezing temperatures [KenjiS, where is that pic of yours!], and (dry) dirt without external protection. I am sure a 7D+15-85 combo would not be any worse off in terms of resistance to the environment.

KenjiS wrote in post #8632996
The optical design and glass used seems VERY close to the 24-105 [...]

I am curious, where did you find the information about the optical elements inside these lenses? The Canon product pages don't list this info.

EDIT: Nevermind, I see the "logos" on the Overview tab now. I was looking at the Specifications tab initially.

krepta wrote in post #8633746
As it is, my 40D and 17-55 lens can already resist light rain, sand (from the beach), a bit of snow and freezing temperatures [KenjiS, where is that pic of yours!], and (dry) dirt without external protection. I am sure a 7D+15-85 combo would not be any worse off in terms of resistance to the environment.

Sorry i dont have a pic of the lens itself after this, But it should be evident how bad it was..

KenjiS wrote in post #8633899
Sorry i dont have a pic of the lens itself after this, But it should be evident how bad it was..

Actually, I was thinking of the one you showed me a few days back with your camera and lens covered in snow, lol (might have been a different lens, though, I forgot). But this one is a good example too.

By the way, what is that scarecrow-looking thing attached to the lamppost?

krepta wrote in post #8633964
Actually, I was thinking of the one you showed me a few days back with your camera and lens covered in snow, lol (might have been a different lens, though, I forgot). But this one is a good example too.

By the way, what is that scarecrow-looking thing attached to the lamppost?

oh that one But that was my 200mm f/2.8L which IS weathersealed...

Something my neighbor did to "make the neighborhood prettier"

krepta wrote in post #8633746
As you stated, the 7D is not fully weather-sealed like the current 1D series, even though it features sealing alike the EOS 1N of old days. So I would not expect a new EF-S lens to feature environmental sealing just because it is bundled with a (partially) weather-sealed camera. As a side note, not all L lenses are weather sealed either.

"Partly sealed" is a pretty relative term. The 7D looks pretty well sealed to me.

It might me nit-picking since the 15-85 will probably not be used in really extreme weather conditions anyway, but it would be nice to know that your $800 lens can at least take a few drops of water without breaking... They don't need to give it the full "L-style weather-sealing" treatment but a hint that they at least tried to minimize weak points in the construction (like they stated for the 50d for example) would be nice, just for peace of mind.

From my personal experience, even my cheap, non-sealed equipment handled a bit of rain without problems but I've also read stories from people that weren't that lucky.


[edit]: Look how the finish of the 15-85 matches the finish of the 7D: Click-me I hope the haptics will match the looks.

sth_ wrote in post #8635689
"Partly sealed" is a pretty relative term. The 7D looks pretty well sealed to me.

It might me nit-picking since the 15-85 will probably not be used in really extreme weather conditions anyway, but it would be nice to know that your $800 lens can at least take a few drops of water without breaking... They don't need to give it the full "L-style weather-sealing" treatment but a hint that they at least tried to minimize weak points in the construction (like they stated for the 50d for example) would be nice, just for peace of mind.

From my personal experience, even my cheap, non-sealed equipment handled a bit of rain without problems but I've also read stories from people that weren't that lucky.

[edit]: Look how the finish of the 15-85 matches the finish of the 7D: Click-me I hope the haptics will match the looks.

I have no doubt the 15-85 will be able to handle a few drops of water. As KenjiS and I have been saying, the build of the 15-85 seems to at least compare to, if not exceed, that of the EF-S 17-55 lens. The build of the latter, although not to L standard, is still more solid than that of many of the cheaper lenses (especially the ones that feel like plastic), and, at least in my and KenjiS' cases, have proven to be able to withstand quite a bit of punishment.

You point out to the finish of the 15-85 and 7D. They look pretty good to me. It may be that Canon has actually put in quite a bit of sealing in this lens so that it can survive a small amount of rain, moisture, and dust. But on the marketing side, Canon could not possibly claim that the lens is weather-sealed. I believe that the weather-sealed claim only goes to lenses and bodies that, when attached as one system (including a protective filter required to complete the sealing on most weather-sealed L lenses), can withstand a large amount of punishment from the environment. This is why only the 1D series and some L lenses are "fully weather-sealed". And that is why Canon was careful to point out that the 7D features sealing alike the EOS 1N, and not like the current 1D series. The 7D is better sealed than any other current non-1D camera in Canon's lineup, but it is not "fully weather-sealed". That is why I used the term "partially" inside parentheses earlier. You are right, the sealing is substantial, but it is not completely full.

In any case, we will find out from reviewers soon enough how the build of the 15-85 stands up. But I think in the end you (and many others who are looking to buy this lens) will be pleased with what it can handle even though it may not be weather-sealed in the way you wish it to be. At least, that is my hope!

Like the focal range, don't like the aperture range. 3.5-4.5 or constant f4 would have made it much more appealing IMO. Price seems a bit high, but that'll probably come down over time.

Still, if the IQ is decent I would consider it. As of now I'm considering getting the 24-105 to fill the gap between my 10-22 and 100-400 (one prime in that range just isn't cutting it!) The 15-85 fills that gap and I would probably end up using it more than a 10-22/24-105 combo...the less I have to carry around, the happier I am.

Steep price for 5.6. Does anyone know if this lens is better than the 17-85mm?

Here and There wrote in post #8642020
Like the focal range, don't like the aperture range. 3.5-4.5 or constant f4 would have made it much more appealing IMO. Price seems a bit high, but that'll probably come down over time.

Still, if the IQ is decent I would consider it. As of now I'm considering getting the 24-105 to fill the gap between my 10-22 and 100-400 (one prime in that range just isn't cutting it!) The 15-85 fills that gap and I would probably end up using it more than a 10-22/24-105 combo...the less I have to carry around, the happier I am.

I actually doubt the price coming down

I think this reaction to the price of this lens is really rediculous, As is the constant "ITS NOT f/4" **** :/ I guess constant aperture just has never been a major thing for me, I'm more concerned with quality than numbers [Hey whats good about a constant f/2.8 lens thats not actually sharp until f/5.6!]

The Nikon is regularly about $789[Nikons running deals so its down at $685], the Sony is $750 and the Olympus goes for $900, Canon's being $800 is not "rediculous" and not ONE of those is a fixed aperture lens..

The Sony is f/3.5-4.5, the Nikon is f/3.5-5.6, and the Olympus is f/2.8-4 [But its an Olympus...so thats basically on par with everyone else]

The Sony doesnt have SSM mind you, The Nikon and the Olympus do, and the Sony/Olympus dont incorporate IS into the lens [Because its in-body] To defend the Olympus, its a semi-pro lens supposedly, and from what i remember its built -very- well, Never held the Sony but I'm not picturing its built terribly well given how most of their lenses are built

Truthfully, the only competition to this lens IS the Nikon, which when Nikon isnt having a sale, is $790...and honestly for a while I think it was even $829..i might go find my worksheets from earlier this year...So the Canon being $800 [Given its a newer lens design] isnt unrealistic in any measure...its perhaps "weird" to Canon shooters but i guess its not weird to me given i was prepared to switch systems to get a lens like this :/

And on a side note, I have come close to preordering this about 20 times now and being the forum guinea pig for it...I think i need more persuading to do so, My Tamron 28-75 just doesnt work the way i wanted or needed it to and i really need to replace it before i go some places...

KenjiS wrote in post #8668863
And on a side note, I have come close to preordering this about 20 times now and being the forum guinea pig for it...I think i need more persuading to do so, My Tamron 28-75 just doesnt work the way i wanted or needed it to and i really need to replace it before i go some places...

I think the price is appropriate, but, as you already know, I was one of those "****" (a little) about the variable aperture, lol. Nevertheless, this lens still seems promising, so I am willing to wait and see how well it performs before I make a decision for myself. Unfortunately, knowing the situation you are in, I don't think I can come up with any way to persuade you to serve as the guinea pig for this one!

krepta wrote in post #8672597
I think the price is appropriate, but, as you already know, I was one of those "****" (a little) about the variable aperture, lol. Nevertheless, this lens still seems promising, so I am willing to wait and see how well it performs before I make a decision for myself. Unfortunately, knowing the situation you are in, I don't think I can come up with any way to persuade you to serve as the guinea pig for this one!

Eh I'll wait...

I'll just wait for now, Around x-mas ill have a good x-mas list, See what all i get, Maybe ill somehow come up with a way to get everything i want

Does anyone actually know when this lens will ship from retailers or get into the hands of testers? It was announced weeks ago and Amazon.com and other sites seem to still have no idea on ship date.
Originally... I had heard September...now I am hearing October... I am trying to create a 2 lens arsenal. 15-85 and a 70-200 would be sick...but I cant figure out if this 15-85 is junk, good, bad...bleh..bleh.. Considering just going 24-70 and 70-200, but I take a lot of indoor photos and am concerned it isn't wide enough... Sold my 17-40...to short for most purposes.

Dagrocer wrote in post #8674107
Does anyone actually know when this lens will ship from retailers or get into the hands of testers? It was announced weeks ago and Amazon.com and other sites seem to still have no idea on ship date.
Originally... I had heard September...now I am hearing October... I am trying to create a 2 lens arsenal. 15-85 and a 70-200 would be sick...but I cant figure out if this 15-85 is junk, good, bad...bleh..bleh.. Considering just going 24-70 and 70-200, but I take a lot of indoor photos and am concerned it isn't wide enough... Sold my 17-40...to short for most purposes.

Trust me, its not