Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens

by Geoff 14 Sep 0 Comments

CanonEF-S 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM

The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens is a variable aperture lena offering a 35mm equivalency of 24-135mm when used with a Canon APS-C, EOS Digital SLR.

This lens covers quite a large focal length range, from wide angle to telephoto. If you are keen on wide angle photography and have an APS-C Canon camera, then this is a very nice lens to have in your camera bag.

This is an excellent lens if you require the larger focal length range 15 to 85mm. In addition this lens has Canon’s excellent IS (Image Stabilisation) system which can really help stabilise the camera, lens combination from movement when using lower shutter speeds. It should be kept in mind that the IS does not help with subject movement only camera movement.

There are lenses with a wide angle view and also with a longer telephoto range but these lenses will cost you much more so it is all about balancing you spend budget and what performance you require from the lens.

Some photographers do not like the variable aperture of this type lens, however it does take excellent images. The lens is f/3.5 at the short end and f/5.6 at the longest telephoto end, this will not excite many photographers. If you do want a constant aperture lens then you will need to outlay many more dollars but it is all about value for your dollar and what you consider acceptable. With today’s high ISO capable cameras it is far easier to  use higher aperture lens. I myself do use variable aperture, wide range focal length lenses when I want to travel light, you need to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages.

This is an excellent choice if you do a lot of travelling and require a light weight camera outfit for your photography. This lens combined with a longer telephoto will form an excellent travelling kit. If you are travelling and walking around a new city many photographers do not want to be carrying a large bag of photo equipment.

There are many lenses to choose from in this category as follows:

If you want the ultimate quality from your lens then try a fixed aperture lens or a single focal length lens, but this solution will never be so convenient.

If you can live within the limitations of your lens ( all lenses have limitations), then you will become a better photographer and there have been many beautiful and spectacular images taken with this lens. If it fits your budget and you can live with its limitations then go for it.

See sample images from this lens at the Flickr site.

Specifications

  • Focal Length,  15 – 85 mm
  • Aperture Maximum,   f/3.5 – 5.6
  • Aperture Minimum,   f/22 – 36
  • Camera Mount Type,  Canon EF-S
  • Format Compatibility,  Canon APS-C
  • Angle of View,  84° – 18°
  • Minimum Focus Distance 1.2′.,  36.58 cm
  • Magnification,  0.21 times
  • Maximum Reproduction Ratio,  1:4.7
  • 12 Groups,  17 Elements
  • Diaphragm Blades,  7
  • Filter Thread, 72 mm
  • Dimensions (DxL), 3.2 x 3.4″,  8.13 x 8.64 cm
  • Weight, 1.27 lb,  575 grams
  •  The Image Stabilization system will help get sharp images with a 4-stop advantage
  • Ultra Sonic Motor (USM).

Features

  • Image Stabilization,  Yes
  • Autofocus,  Yes
  • Tripod Collar,  No

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