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

Canon EF

Review

The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is a versatile zoom lens designed specifically for Canon's APS-C DSLRs. It serves as a solid all-rounder, suitable for a variety of photography genres, from landscapes and portraits to everyday snapshots. With a focal length range equivalent to 24-136mm on full-frame cameras, this lens offers a practical zoom range that can address most shooting situations.

Build Quality and Design

This lens features a robust build quality, with a plastic exterior that, while not as premium as Canon's L-series lenses, feels durable and well-constructed. The lens incorporates a zoom ring that operates smoothly, allowing for effortless focal length adjustments. The front element is designed with a fluorine coating that helps to repel dirt and moisture, which is a nice touch for outdoor shooting.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, the 15-85mm lens delivers sharp and clear images across its zoom range, although it's important to note that sharpness does start to decline at the far ends of the spectrum, mainly at 15mm and 85mm. The lens is capable of producing good contrast and color rendition, with minimal chromatic aberration when shooting under various lighting conditions. The built-in Image Stabilizer (IS) provides an effective advantage when shooting in low-light situations or at longer focal lengths, helping to minimize camera shake.

Autofocus Performance

Equipped with Canon's Ultrasonic Motor (USM), the 15-85mm lens produces fast and quiet autofocus, which is particularly beneficial for both photography and videography. The lens is responsive and achieves focus quickly, even in challenging lighting situations. However, it is worth noting that the autofocus can occasionally struggle in very low light conditions, which may require manual adjustments.

Versatility

The versatility of the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM cannot be overstated. It serves well as a travel lens, comfortably allowing photographers to capture wide landscapes at 15mm and portrait-style images at the longer 85mm end. The ability to quickly switch between wide and telephoto perspectives makes it a fantastic choice for those seeking a single lens solution for diverse shooting environments.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Good build quality with a reasonable weight
• Versatile zoom range suitable for various photography styles
• Excellent autofocus performance with USM technology
• Effective Image Stabilizer for low-light shooting
• Sharp images with good color and contrast

Cons

• Sharpness declines at extreme focal lengths
• Some autofocus issues in very low light
• Not suitable for full-frame cameras without crop factor consideration

Verdict

In conclusion, the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens is an excellent addition for anyone using a Canon APS-C camera looking for a versatile, everyday lens. While it has some limitations in terms of sharpness at the edges of its zoom range and low-light autofocus performance, the positives far outweigh these minor drawbacks. This lens offers great flexibility, decent image quality, and ease of use, making it a worthy choice for both beginners and more experienced photographers alike.