Just got my 15-85mm......but is it faulty?

I just received my 15-85mm today. I was really looking forward to it after reading all of the great reviews here.

First off let me say that I had the Tamron 17-50 non-VC for a couple of days....the center of the images were tack sharp but the edges and corners were quite OOF....so I returned it as I did not want to go through trying them again and again until I received a good copy (I put that one down to just a bad copy of the lens).

Well, my 15-85 is a big dissapointment for me. The lens is quite blurry left of center and the left side. I though that it was just one pic...so I took some more and the same result. The image below shows a pic...with flash. The stitching on the couch and the leather is a clear example of the focus issue (see the left as compared to the right).

I have looked at shots taken with all of my other lenses (my 18-55 kit lens as well) and none of them show this problem.

Am I being too picky, losing my eyesight...or has anyone else here had this kind of bad luck?

Any help is appreciated.

Cheers.

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assuming you were taking these pictures perpendicular to the couch (so that the left side of the couch was within the same focus field as the right then this is definitely a problem. I have seen some people with soft "halves" with this lens, I'd give canon a call at this point.

I'm not quite sure, but it's something about an element being de-centred. Call Canon to have it repaired or simply ask the shop you bought it from for an exchange because it's faulty.

Settings? Can we get the exifs and maybe you shoot something else in daylight.

To me, it doesn't look like the left side couch threading is on the same focal plane as the right, or the cover of the book for that matter. Posting the exif info might help too as it is possible that this is a DoF issue (well, in this frame anyways).

I see the pic to small to say if it's wrong.

The left side is further away. You need to shoot a flat surface with the camera at right angles to it.

Do your worries over your new lens have any basis in real world shots? The stitching on the left side doesn't look like it's on the same plane as the right. Either come up with a better, more controlled test, or go out and just take some pics.

Here are a couple of examples....poor pics but should get the message across. Have not had one "sharp" pic with this lens (perhaps I'm spoilt with the 50 1.8 and 70-200 L f4 IS??


The first pic shows it best. Took a pic at the brick wall beside my garage.

Tv(Shutter Speed)
1/100Sec.
Av(Aperture Value)
F5.6
Metering Modes
Evaluative metering
Exposure Compensation
0
ISO Speed
200
Lens
EF-S15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Focal Length
80.0 mm
Image size
4272 x 2848

The second image is a terrible pic....but is a good example everything on the left is OOF.

Tv(Shutter Speed)
1/160Sec.
Av(Aperture Value)
F6.3
Metering Modes
Evaluative metering
Exposure Compensation
0
ISO Speed
200
Lens
EF-S15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Focal Length
44.0 mm
Image size
4272 x 2848

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Newby2Cam wrote in post #10328650
Here are a couple of examples....poor pics but should get the message across. Have not had one "sharp" pic with this lens (perhaps I'm spoilt with the 50 1.8 and 70-200 L f4 IS??


The first pic shows it best. Took a pic at the brick wall beside my garage.


The second image is a terrible pic....but is a good example everything on the left is OOF.

44.0 mm
Image size
4272 x 2848

I think you are evaluating your new lens incorrectly. If you are having doubts (like you did with the other lens) use a tripod and focus chart at different angles and distances instead of just taking pics of random things.

It looks like the flash is not hitting evenly. This would accont for the softness on the left stitching. Lighting can really affect the outcome of a photo.

A human subject would be nice, as well...

Jason C

I'd guess that you got a bad copy of the lens. A bit of bad luck also getting a bad copy of the Tamron lens. I've had no issues with my 15-85 and would easily recommend that you either replace the lens or have Canon repair it while under warranty.

I would suggest you do a more controlled test
use a Tripod, contrasty written letter subject, perpendicular position to the plane, good lighting, decent depth of field like f8, try different focal lengths etc..
If you have a defective unit, well, send it to Canon, change it for a new one or choose an alternative, it can happen, and is a frustrating experience i know
I can say i am pretty happy with my 15-85

Thanks for the advice and comments.

I do have some pics of the kids (without using the flash) and have the same result. I will be returning the lens.

Yes, I have been unlucky with those 2 lenses but have not had any issue with the others that I purchased.....so I will be patient and will find a good copy.

I think that I may have to purchase at a local store so that I can at least try a few copies and take home the one works best. At least if there is an issue with the lens I can do a direct swap (The Tamron and the 15-85 were purchsed online....other side of the country).

Cheers.