Canon 17-85mm IS USM vs Canon 15-85mm IS USM

[Jonesgj]

Gents,

After my previous enquiries about camera bodies I'm now think of a swapping to a Canon 50D. With this in mind I am considering what Lenses I ought to buy and wondered if anyone had any thoughts/experience/advice on the comparison of the Canon 17-85mm IS USM and the Canon 15-85mm IS USM?

Thanks in advance

[hashcake]

The 15-85mm is a newer lens so in theory it should produce overall better results.
I've not used the 15-85 but I have used the 17-85.
Have a read here.
http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/canon_17-85_4-5p6_is_usm_c16/
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0909/09090103canon15mm28mm18mm135mm.asp

[mipevo6]

I have the 15-85.
It is a very high quality lens that delivers excellent results, I am always pleased with my results.

It quite heavy though.

Check out the Flickr group for results...

Much better results than the 17-85, but then it costs more....

[greylensman]

here's a review of the 15-85 and if you check the site think it does a compare with the 17-85
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EF-S_15-85mm_IS_USM/

[HoppyUK]

15-85, no contest. Really good range, especially if you like wide angle - that extra 2mm makes a useful difference. And it's sharp.

17-85 is really nice to use, but has more than it's fair share of drawbacks.

Best of the bunch by far though IMHO, is the wonderful 17-55 2.8. And of course, it's f/2.8.

[Rob Wright]

I changed from the 17-85 to the 15-85 and the difference is really noticable, this lens is rarley off my 50D now!!

[Deckard]

Have a look here for a comparison: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0&Lens=251&Camera=474&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=675

See how the 15-85 is superior in sharpness and contrast peripherally in particular.