Canon EF-S 15-85mm lens review
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- Full review at www.cameralabs.... - an 8 minute demonstration around Canon's general-purpose EF-S 15-85mm zoom lens by Gordon Laing, Editor of Camera Labs. For my full review which includes full optical results against a number of other lenses, please visit cameralabs . com or click the link at the start of this text!
no one ever makes as thorough a review as you do. every possibility of things that could be covered are aways covered, and the detailed reviews on a page are just detailed to every last bit.
You're very welcome! Please do visit my site cameralabs . com for all my latest reviews and don't forget to tell your friends if they're into cameras!
Hey Gordon, do you live in Queenstown?
@dcomp92 I reckon it's one of the best general-purpose lenses for the Canon EF-S system, and ideal for the 7D. Please support me by shopping through the partner stores page at cameralabs . com, and check out my full review of the lens there!
@probotnemesis Thankyou, you're very welcome! Don't forget to check out my complete reviews at cameralabs . com!
The 15-85mm remains my favourite general purpose lens for APS-C Canon bodies, BUT if you want the quietest and smoothest focusing for video, the STM lenses are better.
Thanks! That frame was generated by overlaying actual images taken with each lens and carefully lining them up - it takes time to do, but shows exactly what you'd capture as oppose to calculating it mathematically, which is often different to what you'd see in real-life.
i really like to see side by side test between this lens and the ef-s 17-55, in terms of image quality.
@bastelon yep, it's perfect for the 7D. ps - don't forget to shop through the partner stores at cameralabs . com to support me!
@Tom44400 As I said at the end of the video, I have a full report on the image quality in my review at cameralabs . com! Everything you need to know is there...
@jakal1591 Thankyou, I appreciate your kind words! There's different shows for different types of people and I'm pleased some folk still enjoy the way I do my reviews as the tide here felt it was changing to the other style!
I really can't get over how awesome your reviews are!
Will do.
And let's hope Gordon will review it as well.. I think more people are looking for an upgrade from their 18-55 kitlens (and for a realistic price)
I'd only get the 17-40 or 16-35mm if you had or were thinking of getting a full-frame body in the future. if you're sticking with cropped-frame models like the 7D, then the 15-85mm is the best choice in my view.
To replace my 18-55 with a better and more versatile one (especially below 18) I bought the 15-85 because of this very helpful review.
Got the lens today and there was a lens hood included.
Perhaps canon fixed that because of your review. Thumbs up! ;)
The zoom falling back when pointed upwards isn't the case with my lens.
Maybe it starts to do this when the mechanic is worn down.
The build quality and visual quality is very satisfying on the first look.
It's a pretty good everyday lens.
Have you heard of image stabilisation or fast shutter speeds? It's never held me back.
I have a new copy of the 15-85 lens, and it does indeed have zoom creep pointed upwards starting at 50mm, but it doesn't fall as much as shown in the video. It falls to right around 28mm, even with a UV filter and hood. No creep pointed downward.
If you're filming handheld, you may appreciate the stabilisation of the 15-85mm over the wideness of the 10-22. I tried filming with the 10-22 and really missed having stabilisation, but I do shake a lot!
I agree. Digital Review floods RUclips with all their off beat comedy style videos. All of their videos are short on substance and all about getting views. Cameralabs is one of the best by far. They take things seriously and cover most of what people want to know when looking up a review.
@Moffboy63 Yes, go to the lenses section at cameralabs . com and have a look in the complete Canon listing - I've also compared it against the 15-85mm in the 15-85mm review.
@cameralabs Thank you for your kind reply. I have read myself through your lens guides which i found really useful. After that i was hesitating between the ef-s 17-85mm and the 17-55mm lens, but since i would use it in low light conditions as well, and big zoom range is not necessary for me, i am almost certain that the constant f2,8 aperture 17-55mm lens would best satisfy my needs. You saved me the price of the 17-40mm lens, thank you very much! Best wishes. Peter
That's true, but how would you label normal EF lenses which work on all bodies? How about the EF 24-105mm for instance... would you label it 24-105mm for the full-frame owners, or 38-168mm for the cropped-frame owners? I know the mutliplication aspect is annoying, but it's a compromise which keeps them all consistent. If you own a cropped frame body, all you have to know is to multiply everything by 1.6x whether it's an EF-S lens or not.
Maybe in Australia, but over the ditch things are tighter. There are unlimited plans here in NZ, but they can be very slow. If you want a fastish connection, they meter your bandwidth quite strictly.
Click the link to the right of the video window to go to my full review - there's current pricing there...
Not something I need, but always a pleasure to watch a top quality review.
Glad you noticed! Yes, I'm finally using a new external microphone - an AKG C1000S.
This isn't a problem. It has self-correcting for that.
See my review at cameralabs . com for current pricing...
I always search for your videos when deciding on a new lens. Awesome reviews!
@ZERO3cairns Sadly not. This is a mlens you normally buy separately.
It's not that big an issue really, and many lenses suffer from it. The good news is it doesn't affect the lens when fully zoomed-in or out.
Man! I have just REALLY checked out your website, you are a blessing to anyone considering lenses and stuff!!! The way you detail stuff and the diversity of the comparisons and you have like 3 to 4 pages of comparing 3 lenses with like 100 images each! Thanks alot! You are a star! I'm at my office and I just can't log out! Lol!
I own a 7D and i honestly think this lens would be better purchase than the 24-105 L (on a 7D) after watching this review. I'll definitely check out the written one on your website.
yep... i've also realized that with the 50d with grip, and the flashgun combined with the 24-70, we could work out our elbows by shooting all day long... imagine that with added IS...
Because they don't send them anymore! Feel free to complain to pentaxian1. There's a full explanation in the Pentax section on the cameralabs forums.
@MrLukasDiSparrow it is because it is not a constant aperture lens (3.5-5.6) therefore it is changing exposures
@PlatSoul I have to use the same views and photos so that you can compare the quality and coverage between different products.
@Chowdder IS doesn't necessarily add a lot of weight. The 70-200 f/4L IS adds a mere 55 grams over the non-IS lens, including both weathersealing and image stabilization.
Yep, it was Queenstown, NZ! I was based there for six years!
@GamerManni You can use any Canon lens on your 550D.
I realise this is quite an old video but I thought I'd just point out that the 18-135mm (which is compared to the 15-85mm in terms of focus noise) now has an STM motor so it is virtually silent when focusing.
@DCuerpoJr Hi David, I tend to just use multi-coated polarisers from Hoya, so can't really comment on other types and brands, but we do have a filter section in the cameralabs forums if you'd like to ask our members! Please also don't forget you can support me by shopping for anything through the partner stores page at cameralabs . com - it's the only way I get paid!
Just received my lens from Simply Electronics - SLOW delivery - BUT I'm delighted with the lens - despite being damp & dark here in the UK the images I've just taken have real bite, lots of strong colours, the lens is wider and heavier than expected, balance is great on my 40D/ grip - might feel unbalanced on a smaller Rebel. Zoom action is robust - NO zoom creep (at all) focus is fast and spot on. Feels almost as good as my 24-105 L in action. Recommended!
Thanks again for your video review!
Please see the best buys section at cameralabs . com, and my EOS 550D / T2i preview...
Thanks for the review, it was very helpful in my decision. I got this lens a few months ago with the 60D, and just wanted to point out that my copy doesn't have the zoom creep issue that you demonstrate. So far I've been too lazy doing a video demonstrating this fact!
Hello, your question isn't adressed for me, but maybe I can help you.
The 50 1.8 has only 5 blades in the aperture so bokeh can be harsh (shoot against lights and they become pentagrams). The 15-85 has 7 blades so the bokeh is not as harsh as on the 50mm. The Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM has 8 blades and is a prime, so for the 85mm only sublime optics. The 15-85 is pretty often recommended as a portrait lens, not a dedicated one but usable.
I hope this was of any use.
Cheers from Holland.
Agree, that's is my major grip with my 24-70, indoor shots are little cumbersome since I had to tweak exposure and iso to get a good shot if the room has only one light source. IS would be a great addition, but I'm concerned about how heavy it would make the lens. Right now it's a little bit heavy for an all day walk around lens, and I would imagine with IS elements, it would make the lens that much heavier.
True, I have subbed to both cameralabs and digitalrev. This is are far superior at identifying strengths, weaknesses and specs of equipment, but drtv is what I watch if I want a laugh, and sometimes they can give me the inspiration to actually get off my ass and take photographs. Both are important channels in their own right.
@cameralabs sorry I was a bit vague, I meant on the 7D. I seem to not be getting a very clean shot. It is quite grey and also noisy with this lens but great with the nifty 50. I have done loads of research (maybe too much ?) and have my picture settings good, I think. I'm shooting at 24fps with a shutter speed of 50 which was recommended for that frame rate by various different people. Thanks for the quick response and help
GORDON! WE NEED MORE REVIEWS.
@Auffique The 50D is the baby 7D. The 550D is the zygote 7D.
@ThePurabMann The 15-85mm is better quality than the 18-135mm, so that's the one to go for if you prioritise image quality! See my review at cameralabs . com as I've directly compared the quality between these two models...
Sorry I mised the point about the sharpness. Yes it's sharp from 15 to 85mm, the only thing you should look after if it's accaptable for you is distortion @15mm and CA @85 (high contrast).
I would first ask yourself why you want a new camera at all? What aspect of the D5100 is limiting you? If money is tight, then there's no need to upgrade. Just practice and improve your technique and consider new lenses instead. I have a guide to choosing Nikon lenses at Cameralabs if you're interested.
Gordon, for the EF-S lenses, why do we have to multiply the focal by 1.6? All EF-S lenses only fit on crop frame body. They should have just say 24-136mm instead of 15-85mm. Saves everyone the trouble of multiplying in their head.
@TheJoshtree123 You mean visual noise? On which body? Fixing the ISO in manual exposure mode for video should procude pretty clean results at 100 or 200 ISO...
I got my Canon EOS 7D with 15-85 lens and it doesn't creep and has a lens cap, so guess I got lucky. Got the camera from Lens & Shutter, 100$ cheaper than other stores that I looked at. Sales person was real nice and helpful. The camera is SO! AWESOME!. Now I need to get a camera bag to protect this beautiful camera. Think i'll head back to the camera shop to see what they got.
It is a nice general lens but for sports photography I'd recommend a lens with a bigger focal length (e.g. EFS 18-135) . And for sports lower f is good, but that's usually in a higher price range (e.g. EF 70-200 / f 2.8)
I LOVE ALL CAMERALABS REVIEW!!!!
Hey Gordon, these reviews keep looking more and more professional, great job. Though this lens seems like a nice upgrade, I'm afraid I'll stick with my 17-85mm a bit longer until the price drops.
Another awesome review.
I ordered this one last night as a bit of a impulse by to replace my 18-55 kit lens and I really think I made the right choice. I knew it had ftm with a usm motor which is what I really wanted. I also knew it had good reviews and it make so much more sense than buying the tonkia 11-16mm f/2.8 for about the same price but it was still a bit of an impulse buy.
Thanks again.
@deklaola for portraits or indoor, the 17-55mm f2.8 is better... ps - don't forget to shop through the partner stores at cameralabs . com to support me!
great review sir... i've noticed that your audio has improved considerably... looking forward to your review oth the 550d, and i do hope that canon would really launch the IS version of their EF 24-70 f2.8L....
Thanks for noticing!
Yeah, tell me about it! These videos work out about 500-800MB each, which is a big chunk of my monthly bandwidth! Remmeber you can support me by shopping for anything at the partner stores page at cameralabs . com!
What a fantastic, comprehensive and extremely helpful review, thank you!
I just picked up a 7D kit with this lens.
Not even between the 50 and 24 markings on the barrel? Try what I did in the video...
thats an amazing range, pentax needs to make one
Canon has an EF 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 L series lens along with an EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 L series lens.
They'll never get the focal ration below 2.8 on an ultra wide to ultra zoom lens with their current EF mounts.
Thanks! I tried a few new things for this one!
hallo, the first thing, i've done, is to change the lenses to higher quality models. the objektiv is more important than the body - i was suprised about the "new quality"
Hi, i'm thinking about buying this lense for my dslr, especially for video, because of the quiet auto focus. would you recommend it for filming?
@Ananthu90210 Sure thing, the Canon EF-S 60mm macro.
I hope we'll see more compacts with big sensors, but who knows?
hey, im also a photography/design student and i have upgraded to a 7d and at times i find it is a bit of an overkill because i dont always use it to its full potential. it is a fantastic camera if youre into your sport photography! although it does come at a price! have a look at the 60d and the 70d both are brill dslr's!! you would b hard pushed to tell the difference in image quality compared to the 7d! but be warned other will try and tell you different, especially retair stores! good luck :)
@FructusSum I think you're placing too much weight on the colour of the plastic. Believe me, there are some EF-S lenses with cheap-looking bodies which will perform as well as a red-ringed L lens in terms of optics. Just look at the results pages of my lens reviews at cameralabs . com and you'll see. As for the 15-85mm is WILL outperform the 18-55mm in tersm of optics.
Sorry, I don't know about AUD pricing...
Gordon? New audio equipment for your videos? Your voice sounds soo much clearer. haha
Your review bought me over to upgrade from 18-135 to this lens :)
Good review with pictures to clearly illustrate its strong points which really aroused my interest. Not too lengthy either, where those who are interested in the technical details can check out your website.
Please keep up the great work!
Something I can't help but wonder: how do you afford the bandwidth, Gordon? I know New Zealand ISPs are stingy with bandwidth, and uploading a 1080p video can't be a modest endeavour.
Also, I'm very much looking forward to the eventual EOS 550D/Rebel T2i review.
I haven't done a side-by-side comparison (yet!), but I have results in both reviews at cameralabs . com which can be compared...
No, it'll only creep when pointed straight up or down.
@MrLukasDiSparrow probably because the aperture is changing from f/3.5 to f/5.6 as it is not a fixed aperture lens
Just love the lens. I film alot of mountain biking in close quarters, and it's great!
A wonderful review, as it sold me on the lens for my new 70D.
@cpinch73 I can't speak for your lens, but I can say the 15-85mm has very good quality, and will also zoom wider, albeit not as long. Please see the results and gallery pages of my 15-85mm review at cameralabs . com...
@Belichtungsrausch That's as clean as they get. I'm from England remember...
Do you guys recommend this for general and sports photography? Im a comunication student but i have been invited to sports events and i would like to know what's better and not super expensive
I have a 7d and have been using the 17-85mm canon lens, Seems like i'll be selling that lens and upgrading to this one ( 15-85mm )
Thanks for the review....
Nice review.
Due to this and some other reviews I bought this lens. It's my walkaround/streetphotography lens.
Not fast (aperture) but ok quick, the handling and AF on a 500D is ok, nothing to worry about.
As ever Gordon provides the best camera/lens reviews on the internet. This will be my next lens purchase to replace my 18-55 kit lens. Glad I opted for square filters now as I can reuse them, however what size ring will I need for this lens?
Thank you Gordon for the nice review.
@cameralabs will defiantly purchase it through cameralabs
hello there. this is just my opinion. since video is your focus, and based on your questions, why not go for a full-fledged camcorder with a decent still-photo capability? why? it's built exactly for the job. camcorders have minimal risk of overheating, can record for long durations, and obviously is a good video recorder. plus, most modern camcorders nowadays have still photo capabilities that may not be on par with dslr photos, but are more than capable, none the less.
hope this helps bro! =)
@tomaunavidamejor
one thing more. a dslr's video advantage is that you can take videos with different lenses. other than that, i can't think of any other advantages.
Great review as always Gordon. This new baby looks like a winner for Canon. As a Nikon user myself, I'd like to ask, how do you compare it with Nikon's own premium general purpose zoom, the 16-85 VR, having tested both lenses?
@MrLukasDiSparrow It is AF assist light from integrated flash.
I bought mine a few days ago. I must say that this is a very good lens (aside from what I had before, 18-55 and 55-250). The focal length works great. But from what I have, when you said the zoom creeps from 24-50mm, mine works well and no creep at all. It's either I'm lucky, it's already been fixed by canon, I got a good copy, or maybe because it's new. Well, let's hope for the third one though. :)
Thanks Gordon, very helpful.
I think i'll buy it for my 450D.. only that price and weight......
Shop around! See my comments regrading Simply Electronics (no I don't work for them!!) - sell some of your earlier kit ,like I have - its really is a cracking lens - it doesn't look 'special' like an L lens does but the images are really really good.This lens deserves a red L ring as does the fantastic 60mm f2.8 EF-S marco lens. Ps - delivery took 17 days not 2 - 8 as claimed so if you have an important event to cover order early !