Canon 15-85mm VS. 18-135mm

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Does anyone own both of these lenses?

I'm going to be purchasing the 7d within the next few days.
But I'm stuck as to which lens to get with it.

Both of the zoom ranges will cover what I need. The only difference is the USM in the 15-85mm.

I'm hoping someone has both of these lenses and could tell me if this makes THAT much of a difference in autofocus time?

Is it really worth the extra £200 for USM?
I can't decide whether to get the cheaper lens, and then use the spare cash for a 50mm 1.4

Thanks

djs
 
I wouldn't imagine there are many people who have both these lenses since they are both very new and kit lenses for the 7d, likelihood is most people like me have one or the other.
I have the cheaper one because I decided I was only going to use it as a walkabout lens and didn't think the USM was worth £200 since I already have a 10-20 to cover the wide angle
 
The 15-85 is a premium grade lens, one of Canon's finest by all accounts. Here's one review http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-15-85mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

You get a much better lens optically, not just USM which is more cool/convenient than anything else. Almost zero real benefit in a walkabout zoom IMHO.

The other super-grade walkabout lens for the 7D is the 17-55 2.8. Still my favourite :) though 15-85 is a dream range for me, but I couldn't live with only f/3.5-5.6.
 
The 15-85 is a premium grade lens, one of Canon's finest by all accounts. Here's one review http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-15-85mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

You get a much better lens optically, not just USM which is more cool/convenient than anything else. Almost zero real benefit in a walkabout zoom IMHO.

The other super-grade walkabout lens for the 7D is the 17-55 2.8. Still my favourite :) though 15-85 is a dream range for me, but I couldn't live with only f/3.5-5.6.

Oh, I didn't know there was an optical difference as well
 
I've got a 7D with the 15-85mm and it's a nice lens being wide enough for when I do landscape.

I went for the 15-85 as it covers a very useful range for me.

That's it really - it goes down to 15mm. That is a heck of a lot wider than 18 or even 17mm.

There's no other zoom that goes that wide, with anything like the range, or the image quality. At any price.
 
Thanks for the replies.
I've checked out that review, I never noticed there was such a big difference between 15mm and 18mm!
I think I'll go for the 15-85mm then.
But I'd really like to know if there definately is a difference in quality between the 2 lenses.
 
Hi,

another 15-85mm review HERE, basically giving 3 out of 5 for each of it's 3 ratings, so a nice lens if not a brilliant one in their opinion.

The 18-135mm gets a poorer review at only 2 stars HERE

Mike.
 
just wondering how sharp this lens is? I am going to buy in the next few weeks but I just don't want anything that isn't sharp for the cost.

C
 
That review of the 18-135, interestingly, is the only review in circulation (which is odd given the amount of web based reviewers out there).

However, user reviews are more favourable for the 18-135. There was one on here that states it blew away the older 28-135 IS USM lens away for sharpness and colour (though thats not comparable to the 15-85).

I'm looking at getting the 18-135 as a useful walkabout.

Edit, found the thread - http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=168509&highlight=canon+18-135
 
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