Canon ef-s15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 Is Usm

It’s the widest standard zoom on the market for APS-C format Canon SLRS

Considering that a starting point of 24mm is pretty ubiquitous in standard zooms for full-frame cameras, it’s surprising that this is the only zoom lens for Canon APS-C format bodies on the market that gives the same effective maximum viewing angle. The outright zoom range is also the most generous in the group, equating to 24-136mm in fullframe terms.

Originally launched back in 2009, this lens is three years newer than the Canon 17-55mm that’s also on test. Neither lens is weather-sealed and hoods are sold separately, in this case costing £38/$30 for the EW-78E hood. Further similarities include ring-type ultrasonic autofocus in which the focus ring remains stationery during autofocus and enables full-time manual override.

Despite its bigger zoom range, this lens is smaller and more lightweight than the Canon 17-55mm, and takes 72mm rather than 77mm filters. The trade-off is that its variable f/3.5-5.6 aperture rating is two f/stops slower towards the long end of the zoom range.

performance

Handling is refined with smooth operation of the zoom and focus rings, while the ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system is quick and quiet. The four-stop image stabilizer is a stop more effective than in the Canon 17-55mm lens. Sharpness is good not great and benefits from stopping down. Image quality is pleasing but barrel distortion and vignetting are clearer at the short end of the zoom range.