Canon 15-85 lens advice

[r1flyguy]

Hi all

Excuse my very inexperienced approach to this hut I need some advice from users of the above lens.

I've been using the kit 18-55 on my 650D and given all the reviews about the 15-85 I decided that's the next lens I would like.

Today I tried out the lens in the shop and was very surprised by the totally different feel between the two lenses

Firstly the 15-85 felt very heavy in comparison and seemed to make the camera front end heavy

Secondly, the zoom focus felt quite stiff whereas the kit lens is very free moving

Now I appreciate the price difference so my question is, is this just a a sign of better build quality and strength?

Sorry for such a newbie question but the difference was quite significant

Thanks in anticipation

 

[arad85]

Firstly the 15-85 felt very heavy in comparison and seemed to make the camera front end heavy

Yes. It's heavier - and one reason we moved from xxxD to 7D (xxD would be a similar sized body).

Secondly, the zoom focus felt quite stiff whereas the kit lens is very free moving

Yes - as long as it wasn't lumpy or too resistant to the point of feeling broken.

Sorry for such a newbie question but the difference was quite significant

Try a 17-55 or 24-70 on it

 

[artyman]

The build of the 15-85 is considerably better than the kit lens so will be heavier, also it contains more glass, the size of the front element for a start, As regards stiffness, mine is now quite loose and will extend of it's own accord when pointing down, so the stiffness is probably the newness.

It is a first class lens with a very useful working range on a crop camera and only gets removed from my 7D for my Sigma 120-300.

 

[r1flyguy]

Ok, thanks,

Been pricing them up here in Hong Kong & a genuine Canon retailer in Shanghai as I visit both places on a regular basis, retail is a little over £400 as no 'VAT' to speak of.