Sell (85/1.8 + 28-135 IS USM + 18-55 IS) to fund 15-85 IS USM?

I've been prowling the lens sample thread for the EF-S 15-85 IS USM lens and the sharpness and IQ of this lens seems incredible.

Considering that I am an amateur (hobbyist) photographer who shoots a variety of things, including some portrait-type shots of my kids, would it make sense for me to sell the combo I listed in the subject to fund this lens? I would still have the EF-S 55-250 for reach, and the 50/1.8 for a budget prime.

I would lose a little reach in a walk-around lens (15-85 vs. 28-135) but would gain significantly on the wide end. I would also lose the prime aspect and low-light use of the 85/1.8, but so far I haven't really found myself using that lens very much.

I don't see myself moving to full-frame anytime soon (and maybe never), so the EF-S designation doesn't bother me.

Advice? Thanks!

The 15-85, 55-250 IS, and 50mm f1.8 will make a good setup and would be improvement over the 28-135 for sure. Might be nice to keep the 85, but another thought later get the 60 macro which is also very nice.

I am in the same situation.

I now own the 15-85. I've had it for about a week now and can't put it down.

My T1i came with the 18-55 ; 55-250 combo. I'm not a professional photographer, I don't think I will ever be but I consider myself a serious amateur photographer.
I got nice pictures out of the 18-55 when went on vacation to Hong Kong and the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands. I wanted a nicer walk around lens that wouldn't break the bank and still provide nice pictures. I purchased the new Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 thinking this would be my walk around lens, took it out for a test with the family for a day and I was disappointed with the results, returned it the next day for a full refund.

By then I was already following the reviews of the 15-85 very close, bought it and can't be happier, I ended up spending a little more than what I wanted to spend, sometimes you have to pay to play. I have a new love in my life, shhhhhhh don't tell my girlfriend. The lens is glued to my camera. I am going to take some shots with it and post them in this thread so everyone can see the lens in action.

I had in my wish list the Sigma 30 for indoors/low light shooting but I ended up ordering the Canon 50mm II 1.8 for two reasons: Price was a factor since I just bought the 15-85 and I'm not sure if I'm going to like it. I ordered a refurbished one from Adorama under $90 with a one year warranty and free shipping, can't go wrong. I have read the reviews on the refurbished units and so far people are very happy with it. In fact the lens is calibrated. If I don't like the lens I can sell it and won't lose that much money, maybe $5 of the price I paid.

I'm not planning on upgrading any time soon. For a year my official gear is going to be my 15-85mm as a primary walk around lens for general shooting. The 55-250mm for the longer zoom (to cover from 85mm to the 250, I know I have a little bit of an overlap here). An my 50mm 1.8 for Potraits/ Indoors/LowLight shooting/Dinner shots shooting.

I am still going to keep my 18-55mm IS for backup purposes (this lens is sitting in the box in my storage area in the house), in case I have to send my 15-85 for service
With this gear I have all my basis covered, I am confident that with this budget gear that I now own I will be able to get really nice, high quality shots.

I sooooo soooo happy with my 15-85, this lens is amazin. There's a $100 rebate valid until 07.10.2010 so the price is $620, but it's worth the extra money.

DON'T HESITATE ON THE CANON 15-85. It's a great lens, this lens has optical qualities of L glass,

If you plan on selling your 85mm PM me and I'll consider it.

There's a sample shooting in this thread: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=879552

I'll post mines at a later time. Stay tuned.

I would be hesitant to sell the 85 1.8, however; if you never use it and don't need the low light capabilities then I see no need to keep it. Otherwise selling the 18-55 & 28-135 for the 15-85 would be a great move. You would be covered from 15-250 with some really good IQ and would certainly be changing lenses alot less. My 15-85 stays on the camera probably 95% of the time these days, its really an awesome lens.

Sounds like a decent plan. 28-135 to 15-85 would be a no-brainer. You'll have to decide how much the 85mm is worth to you, but if you aren't using it no point in keeping it in the bag.

robbykh wrote in post #10261284
this lens has optical qualities of L glass,

I'm curious to know how you came to this conclusion.

crcal wrote in post #10262131
I'm curious to know how you came to this conclusion.

That's IMO...

robbykh wrote in post #10261284
I sooooo soooo happy with my 15-85, this lens is amazin. There's a $100 rebate valid until 07.10.2010 so the price is $620, but it's worth the extra money.

DON'T HESITATE ON THE CANON 15-85. It's a great lens, this lens has optical qualities of L glass,
Stay tuned.

sounds like somebody got carried away with their new lens!

some review sites rate the optical quality of the 18-55IS kit lens the same as the 15-85 ( www.photozone.de "the 15-85 lens is slightly over-priced regarding its performance" )

whether it's "near L glass" may be a matter of opinion !

Thanks to everyone for their input. From what I have seen, at least to my eyes, the standard shots from the 15-85 IS are a cut above what the 18-55 IS typically provides.

As one previous poster mentioned, maybe it would be worth holding on to the 18-55 as a backup or even just for purposes of comparison, since it is the least valuable of the three that would be on the selling block.

If Canon could drop this bad boy to about $450 instead of $600+, it would be a no-brainer!

fritzk3 wrote in post #10262585
If Canon could drop this bad boy to about $450 instead of $600+, it would be a no-brainer!

If wishes were horses.

It's the price that holds me back from purchasing one myself and still no constant aperture

IMO, I would rather keep the 85 1.8. It's a superb, fast lens. If you're paying that much why don't you look into getting a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 to replace the kit lens and sell the 55-250 for a 70-200 f4? I think that will make you a lot happier in the long run.

fritzk3 wrote in post #10262585
If Canon could drop this bad boy to about $450 instead of $600+, it would be a no-brainer!

Canon still wants $450 MSRP for the 17-85, so no chance of that, sadly. If you wait a year or two, used prices should come down - especially if this lens gets offered in a kit like the 17-85 did.

i have the 15-85mm on my t1i, it is an outstanding lens. it is on my body 98% of the time. super sharp, excellent range, a bit slow for low light, but paired with a 430ex ii it creates spectacular indoor shots.

watt100 wrote in post #10262269
some review sites rate the optical quality of the 18-55IS kit lens the same as the 15-85 ( www.photozone.de "the 15-85 lens is slightly over-priced regarding its performance" )

whether it's "near L glass" may be a matter of opinion !

That seems to be the case when the reviewer is concentrating on sharpness in 100% crops above all else. Many budget lenses do well here, but not so well when you look at the whole image. Colour, contrast, 'pop' (or whatever you want to call it) can give the images from a decent lens a good deal more impact.

The 15-85 IS is a much better lens than the 18-55 IS in many different ways- build, range, USM vs. micro motor AF, and yes IQ is also much better on the 15-85 with "L" like color/contrast.