Canon ef-s 17-55 or 15-85

Davie

Davie

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Been thinking about giving one of these two lenses a try but can't decide which one. Lenses I already have that cover the range are a Canon ef-s 10-22, Canon ef 24-105f4L and Sigma 24-70f2.8.

This choice isn't to replace any of these lenses but depending on how I get on may be a side effect, but I hate selling stuff :lol:

The way I see it the 17-55 is faster, constant f2.8 but heavier and more expensive but considered by many to be the best ef-s lens available.
The 15-85 is wider and longer, cheaper but is slower, that said seems to have an excellent rep.

I can get a spanking new 15-85 for £500ish or a s/h 17-55 for a few bucks more, what would you do :shrug:
 
neither, because you already have lenses that cover the range...

:shrug:
 
I know trench, Chris, probably should have added that I'd like to try one while on holiday so I can carry just the camera and one lens :lol:
 
Well why didn't you say ;)

When I had the 40D, my 17-55 was seldom off the camera. Great FL on crop, fast and the IS was useful in those low light situations. I would agree that it is a damn good lens and optically is up there with the L's. Build quality isn't far behind too, but obviously no weather sealing.

The 10-22 and 17-55 were a beautiful combination on crop IMO. A nice bit of overlap which minimised lens changes and both very good optically.

I love the 24-105 on FF, never tried it on crop though. Instinct tells me it would be to narrow at the wide end for the single lens walk-about solution so I can see where you are coming from.

Still think that you should save you cash though given what you already have. Alternatively, how about renting one?
 
Buy my 17-55 and never look back. It's an awesome bit of kit. :)
 
Davie, I have a similar thread running. I have the 10-22 and the 24-105 but always find myself having to swap between them far too often for my liking because the wide end of the 24-105 just isn't wide enough for a lot of situations. So I bought the 15-85 on Friday and although I haven't had a chance to really try it out my first impressions are very favourable and I'll give it a good work out in Bangkok next week. I'll probably keep the 24-105 as it's a very good lens but, unless I'm not happy with how the 15-85 performs next week, then it probably won't get used very often.
 
Davie said:
which one :lol:


Dean, giving it some thought, as you can see ;)
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Speaking from experience of it, the 17-55. You will love it.

15-85 may be good (no idea tbh), but I can't see it being anywhere near the 17-55. While the 85mm long end would be useful, this would be diminished considerably by the f/5.6 at this length.

Edit: Having had a quick look at the reviews of the 15-85, it isn't miles away from the 17-55. However, the constant f/2.8 would be the win for me over the extra FL.
 
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ChrisJ_SLH said:
Speaking from experience of it, the 17-55. You will love it.

15-85 may be good (no idea tbh), but I can't see it being anywhere near the 17-55. While the 85mm long end would be useful, this would be diminished considerably by the f/5.6 at this length.
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Cheers Chris, I really don't doubt that it is a great lens, I guess I just need to hear more about the 15-85 to help make a decision :)

Jackwow said:
Davie, I have a similar thread running. I have the 10-22 and the 24-105 but always find myself having to swap between them far too often for my liking because the wide end of the 24-105 just isn't wide enough for a lot of situations. So I bought the 15-85 on Friday and although I haven't had a chance to really try it out my first impressions are very favourable and I'll give it a good work out in Bangkok next week. I'll probably keep the 24-105 as it's a very good lens but, unless I'm not happy with how the 15-85 performs next week, then it probably won't get used very often.
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Sounds just like the kind of situation I'm in. I don't mind changing lenses but the Mrs has taken an interest in phtography too and has her own kit so on holiday it might get a bit heavy.

I'll look for your thread and see how you get on, cheers. :thumbs:
 
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