Lens Comparason Simgma or Canon

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Hi,

which site is best for comparing lens side by side.
I currently have a Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.5 DC Macro and I have been toying with the idea of buying a Canon EF-S 15-85 IS USM F3.5-5.6.

As I am really not sure if the Canon lens is any better than what I am currently using ?

Many thanks
 
Photozone have good tests of the lenses you mention.

In quick summary (and I admit here that I've not used any of these lenses) the canon is slightly sharper, while the sigma offers larger aperture, less vignetting and a bit less CA, although DPP can automatically correct CA and vignetting on the canon lens. The Canon also has better AF (than either version of the sigma, the sigma HSM doesn't offer proper FTM) but IS is a wash vs the OS version of the sigma (which yours is not, of course).

Ultimately the IS is probably the main difference.
 
I have had a look on Photozone and it appears they have not reviewed my Sigma 17-70 lens !

The reviews I have read about the Canon 15-85 have not been that great, which is a bit worrying !
I agree the canons AF is more likely to be better than the sigma, and the Canon offers IS and quiet AF with the USM's as my sigma is noisy which is bit up on the video clips !

The sigma does suffer from some barrelling a 17mm, which is not as good as the Canon.

Then of course there is the cost, the Sigma £280 apx, Canon just over £500 !
 
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Why not look at something faster and sharper, the 15-85 seems more like a sideways step than anything.

The tamron 17-50 F2.8 is cheap enough and the non VC version is very sharp, it might not have USM or HSM but it still can beat both those hands down on IQ, or theres the 28-75 F2.8 from the same stable, £100 more but you may prefer that focal length.

I wouldn't use auto focus with video anyways..
 
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I bought the Canon 15-85 with my 7D and I find it is an excellent walk round lens with good IQ. I've no experience of the Sigma 17-70 so can't comment on that. I allso love my Sigma 150-500 so that's not a biased comment in favour of Canon.
 
I.S, thanks for the link


Well I have tried to compare the 2 lens on Photozone.
Both have vignetting issues at the min focal lengths ( Sigma 17mm, Canon 15mm ) and some barrel distortion, Canon 3.15%, Sigma 2.58%. The canon is better at full focal length ( 85mm ) 0.32% and the Sigma 0.608%
So the 2 lens I think are evenly match as both have strengths and weaknesses.
The main issue for me is the price, (which I suspect is most peoples driving factor over QC ) the Canon is £500 average price and the Sigma £260apx.
Now I was intending to sell my Sigma and buy the Canon lens.
Now I am not so sure, as I think the Sigma is a really good lens compare to the competition.
I might wait for a Canon L lens for APS-C sensor size DSLR. At least a L lens will be a step up from my Sigma.
 
I don't think you'll get an L, but the lens to go for for a performance step up is the 17-55 F2.8 IS.
 
The advice to go for a Tamron is sound. They're both far sharper than the sigma and cheaper than the canon. It's true the only better lens for a crop is the 17-55 f2.8 which is stunning.
 
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