Canon 15-85mm or Tamron 17-50mm f2.8?

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Chris
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I currently have the Canon 17-85mm lens as a walkabout and IQ is ok but having read about quality issues (ribbon cable) I am looking to upgrade before I have a failure while out somewhere where I can do nothing about it.
The two lenses I am looking at are the Canon 15-85 and Tamron 17-50 f2.8 (maybe the VC version) seeing as I am looking for an upgrade, which out if those (if any) would give the best IQ or are there others I should maybe consider? I want at least 17mm at the wide end. I know the tamron has a constant f2.8 which is great but IQ is more important to me than a wide aperture, so if it is stopped down to say f4 how does it compare?
Thanks
 
The Tamron at f/4 is utterly superb.

Its also fantastic at 2.8

I think my friend either has the 17-85 or the 15-85 and iq wise its not in the same league as the Tamron, so much so he said I need rid of this lens.

Eitherway, the Tamron is barely ever off the front of one of my bodies
 
Mine is the Non VC , i believe the code is A16.

But from what I hear the vc is just as good as the non vc.

Its well made and feels nice and weighty for a small lens, approx 400-500 grams I think.

Yeah must admit i'm not sure which lens it is, think its the 17 but I couldn't tell you without asking him.

I have to say that after having the lens with the 2.8 constant I hate using my partners 1100 when its got the 3.5-5.6 Canon lens on though but that is just personal preference as I ofter shoot at 2.8 when using the Tamron and want that constant through the whole range.
 
The 15-85 is several classes above the 17-85 in terms of IQ. It's the only non L Canon lens I have and it is not jealous of the red ring. It's only limitation is that it is an EF-S lens so it fits my 7D but not 1D Mk iv.

Top quality glass.
 
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