Sigma 17-70 vs Canon 15-85

Skipraider

Skipraider

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I'm trying to decide between a new Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 C and a used Canon 15-85 f/3.5-5.6. I originally bought a used Canon 15-85 which was sent back due to having fungus. When i had the lens i did a few comparison shots against the kit 18-55 and to be honest it wasn't as good as i had expected. This is why i am now considering a new Sigma 17-70. The f/2.8 is also appealing as taking pictures of the dog etc indoors it would be handy. Some reviews say the Sigma is really sharp apart from wide open at 17mm, decent IQ etc and then i read another which says the total opposite and that the Canon is miles better.

Has anyone had both these lenses and have any direct comparisons of the two?

Here are two comparison pictures i took with the 18-55 and 15-85. Both taken with a 550d on a tripod at 35mm and f/8. These are 100% crops, what are peoples thoughts on the 15-85? Obviously the grass area is much better on the 15-85, but the top corners look slightly sharper on the 18-55, and the centre is pretty similar.

18-55 Corner 4
1855Corner4-1000 by skipraider666, on Flickr

15-85 Corner 4
1585Corner4-1000 by skipraider666, on Flickr

18-55 Corner 1
1855Corner-1000 by skipraider666, on Flickr

15-85 Corner 1
1585Corner-1000 by skipraider666, on Flickr

18-55 Corner 3
1855Corner3-1000 by skipraider666, on Flickr

15-85 Corner 3
15-85Corner3-1000 by skipraider666, on Flickr

18-55 Corner 2
1855Corner2-1000 by skipraider666, on Flickr

15-85 Corner 2
1585Corner2-1000 by skipraider666, on Flickr
 
When I was looking to buy my 7D some years ago the Sigma was a lens I was considering, however I ended up with the 7D and 15-85 as a kit. I have been very pleased with it and it is a superb lens with a very useful focal range. The only drawback is the f5.6 at 85mm however I wouldn't hesitate to get another as I think it is the ideal walkround lens.
 
Thanks for the replies. I keep swaying back and forth on which lens would be best for me, slightly faster or more range. Im not sure about the IQ between the two either. I have been slightly put off buying another used lens too, due to the issues with the last one.
 
I had the original 17-70 without os and it was a cracking lens, remember that the f2.8 is only at the wide end!

If I was after a crop walk about today I'd go for the 15-85 as the extra width would have been handy!
 
Having had both the Siggie and the Canon lens I can honestly say the Canon wins on all counts. Sharper, better IQ and more range. If you have the budget go for the Canon - its a no brainer in my view.
 
Thanks, the extra width does come in handy, it's good to get a reply from someone that has had both lenses too. I'm definitely leaning towards the 15-85 again!
 
I've got the newer sigma 17-70 2.8-4 and its a beauty of a lens, razor sharp.
I've never used the canon so can't comment on it so If I were you I'd take my camera along to a shop and ask to try both, fire off a few shots and check them out at home on your pc/laptop.

Try Panamoz etc for a good deal.


Sent from my iPhone using Talk Photography Forums
 
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I'm dlssapointed you said that mr. Sock as I've just ordered a Canon 15-85! l was Hoping you were going to Say It was rubbish and to get the canon :p
 
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