Are you in search of a versatile and high-quality lens for your Canon DSLR camera? Look no further than the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. This lens is a perfect choice for photographers who want to capture a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to portraits, without switching between multiple lenses.
In this article, we will explore the features of the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, its image quality, and its performance. We will also compare it to other lenses in its class and answer some frequently asked questions.
1. Introduction
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is a standard zoom lens that is designed for Canon’s APS-C sensor cameras. This lens offers a wide zoom range of 15-85mm, which is equivalent to 24-136mm in 35mm format. The lens features a built-in image stabilization system, which reduces camera shake and allows you to shoot in low-light conditions without using a tripod. The lens also has a fast and accurate autofocus system, making it a great option for both still photography and videography.
2. Lens Overview
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of photography genres, including landscapes, portraits, and street photography. The lens has a maximum aperture range of f/3.5-5.6, which means it can capture good quality images in low-light conditions.
The lens has 17 elements in 12 groups, including one UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) lens element and three aspherical lens elements. These elements help to reduce chromatic aberration, distortion, and other optical flaws, resulting in sharp and clear images.
3. Build and Design
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is built with high-quality materials and is designed to last. The lens has a metal mount and a solid construction that gives it a premium feel. The lens is also weather-sealed, which means it is protected against dust and moisture.
The lens has a zoom ring and a focus ring, both of which are smooth and easy to operate. The lens also has a zoom lock switch that keeps the lens barrel from extending when you’re carrying it.
4. Image Quality
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM produces excellent image quality with good color reproduction and sharpness. The lens is capable of producing detailed and vibrant images with a good contrast range. The lens performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to its image stabilization system.
5. Autofocus System
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM has a fast and accurate autofocus system that makes it easy to capture sharp images. The lens has a ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM) that ensures quiet and
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smooth autofocus performance. The autofocus system is also capable of tracking moving subjects, making it a great option for action photography.
6. Image Stabilization
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM has a built-in image stabilization system that helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharp images, especially in low-light conditions. The image stabilization system is effective up to 4 stops, which means you can shoot at slower shutter speeds without worrying about camera shake.
7. Aperture and Bokeh
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM has a maximum aperture range of f/3.5-5.6, which is good enough for most lighting conditions. The lens is capable of producing a shallow depth of field, which creates a pleasing bokeh effect. However, the bokeh quality is not as good as some of the other lenses in this class.
8. Sharpness and Distortion
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM produces sharp and clear images with minimal distortion. The lens performs well in the center of the frame, but there is some softness towards the edges and corners, especially at wider focal lengths.
9. Compatibility and Mount Type
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is compatible with Canon’s APS-C sensor cameras, including the EOS 7D Mark II, EOS 80D, and EOS Rebel series. The lens has an EF-S mount type, which means it is designed for Canon’s APS-C sensor cameras only.
10. Comparison with Other Lenses
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is a great lens that offers a wide zoom range and excellent image quality. However, there are some other lenses in this class that offer better bokeh quality and sharper images towards the edges and corners. Some of the lenses that you can consider as alternatives to the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM are:
- Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
- Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
- Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC
11. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide zoom range
- Good image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus system
- Built-in image stabilization system
- Weather-sealed construction
Cons:
- Softness towards the edges and corners
- Bokeh quality could be better
- Price is on the higher side
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM compatible with full-frame cameras? A1. No, the lens is designed for Canon’s APS-C sensor cameras only.
Q2. Can I use this lens for portraits? A2. Yes, the lens is capable of producing good quality portraits, especially when used at the longer focal lengths.
Q3. Is the lens heavy? A3. The lens weighs around 575 grams, which is not too heavy, but it is not the lightest lens in this class.
Q4. Does the lens have a focus limiter switch? A4. No, the lens does not have a focus limiter switch.