EF-S 15-85mm

[evershine]

It seems like this new lens is quite good.   I wonder how accurate is this comparison done by this website.  The 15-85mm seems much sharper.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=675&Camera=474&Sample=0&FLIComp=2&APIComp=0&LensComp=398&CameraComp=474&SampleComp=0&FLI=3&API=1

.. though i still prefer f/2.8 constant aperture throughout for 17-55 EF-S F/2.8 .. but seeing the image so soft at f/2.8 makes me wonder...

QUOTE from one of forum..
I owned a 17-55 f/2.8 IS, the 15-85 is in every way its equal optically, and the way you worded that next bit sounds to me like "The 17-55 is more expensive and f/2.8 so it must be better" which is complete bull..

Compared to my 28-75, the 15-85 is just as good, its just as sharp if not sharper at overlapping focal lengths, with the advantage of better build, FAR better AF and IS...

[victor]

I think you have to compare both at the same aperture. It is unfair to compare one at F5 and another at F2.8. The one at F5 will definitely look sharper. One think about 17-55 is the constant aperture. Your EV do not change as you zoom, to me that is a huge plus. Else manual exposure for a variable aperture lens becomes more tricky. F2.8 can help you achieve some shots that the F3.5 can't.

[evershine]

Yes i know, i forgot to change the settings back when i post the link.  If you scroll through it and compare, you'll notice that the 15-85mm is rather sharp throughout.  The thing is at f/2.8 for 17-55 is soft at most focal length. 

However, in actual practical shooting situation, i would say the softness may not be noticeable.  I know all the benefits of constant aperture f/2.8.  The newly build lens is really tempting because of its sharpness and build quality ( though i have  not seen it for myself).



http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=675&Camera=474&Sample=0&FLIComp=1&APIComp=0&LensComp=398&CameraComp=474&SampleComp=0&FLI=0&API=0

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=675&Camera=474&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=1&LensComp=398&CameraComp=474&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=1

[cmeptb]

How about if the 17-55 is stopped down to say f3.5 or f4?

Would it be sharper or still soft? Thinking of getting rid of my Sigma 17-35 & getting this once I can find the budget...

[victor]

I am also not too sure. I lean towards the 17-55 because of the constant aperture. Have not used it personally actually.