Both are EF-S mount lenses which I will use for my Rebel XS.
The 17-85 has max aperture of 4-5.6
The 15-85 has a max aperture of 3.5-5.6
Which one would be better for general use? And yes, I'm aware that the 15-85 is more expensive by a couple of hundred dollars...
The second one has IS (although I hardly think it's needed for that). And it's better made than the kit lens.
If you have not bought your camera yet, just get the regular kit lens. When you are ready to upgrade, you'll get another lens that won't overlap it.
the 15-85 is a bit faster and just a little wider... I'm not sure if it's much better optically... but just from the stats, the 15-85 is better...
Answer by EBA on 10 Jan 2010 03:06:51The 15-85 has a max aperture of 3.5-5.6 is better for general use. You can see prices Canon Rebel XS lenses at Amazon.com [URL Truncated]
Answer by Svetlana on 10 Jan 2010 03:19:21The new EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is optically better than the EF 17-85mm. I would definitely choose it, even though it IS an EF-S lens (but it's a very well built EF-S lens).
From one review of the EF-S 15-85mm lens..."The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens delivers top-tier image quality over an excellent general purpose focal length range in a nicely- sized/weighted/built body with great AF and an excellent implementation of Image Stabilization at a for-what-you-get great price. I'm impressed."
and..."The EF 17-85mm is still a decent lens. But, I highly recommend the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens over the 17-85."
and..."The new EF-S 15-85mm is definitely an improvement over the EF 17-85mm, offering sharper results at every focal length as well as distinct improvements with regard to chromatic aberration, corner shading and distortion. As well, you get 2mm wider, and a half-stop faster at the wide end."
The 15-85mm is a much improved design over the 17-85mm lens. I've had the 17-85mm for several years. It was one the kit lens for my Canon EOS 40D. This is a great lens for the money and it is a substantial upgrade from the 18-55mm lenses that Canon offers. I've thoroughly enjoyed the 17-85mm lens and recommend it. I currently shoot the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM but I might have faced a tougher choice had the 15-85mm lens been around. I say this because I think the 15-85mm is better than the 17-85 in every way...Given its price, it should be.
What makes the 15-85mm better is not just that it offers a wider maximum aperture. That extra 2mm also means it provides the 35mm equivalent of a 24mm lens on the wide-end compared to a 28mm with the 17-85mm lens. The 15-85mm lens also offers less distortion and is sharper at all apertures than the 17-85mm lens. It is also sharper than the 17-55mm f/2.8 at some points. The IS system in thr 15-85mm is also better than that of the 17-85mm. But none of these improvements are free and as a result, the 15-85mm lens commands a higher price than the 17-85mm. The 15-85mm is also larger and heavier (something to consider if you are going to hang this lens off the front of the Rebel XS) and uses larger and more expensive filters than the 17-85mm.
My view is that if money isn't an issue and you want the best lens of the two, you should go for the 15-85mm. In my opinion, the size and weight of the lens aren't serious issues if image quality is your larger priority. And the 15-85mm isn't heavy enough to be a concern to me, even if it's hanging off the end of a Rebel XS. But if on the other hand you are looking for a better lens and are a cost conscious shopper, go with the 17-85mm. I thought about the 15-85mm when it was announced but have decided to stick with my 17-55mm f/2.8 IS and upgraded my camera.
If you haven't done it already, consider checking out FredMiranda.com. It is a site that features reviews written by real people who own the lenses and cameras in question. You might also consider checking out [URL Truncated] This is, without a doubt, the best online resource I've found for reviews on Canon lenses and a pretty good source of reviews on the cameras too. Another very good online resource for reviews of Canon lenses is [URL Truncated] but, they haven't yet reviewed the 15-85mm lens.
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