Advice before buying used 15-85 EF-S

[distant.star]

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I don't think you can make a mistake with the 15-85mm. It's my everyday lens (and I shoot every day) on a T2i and has been for two years. The only thing that gives me somewhat better images are L lenses, but it's hardly noticeable. The IS gives you up to a four-stop advantage so even in low light you can get a good image at slow shutter speeds. It's not going to give you the bokeh of a wide aperture, nor is it going to slow motion blur, but it does most things effectively. If you're chasing kids around with it, get a flash. Also, as someone mentioned, it does a fine job with macro shots. Only my EF-S 60mm does better, but that's a macro lens.

When I first got my lens, it had some uneven focus across a plane. It went back to Canon and it's been flawless ever since.

My suggestion is to spend $640 at the Canon refurb store for the lens. You'll get a 90-day Canon warranty -- and the assurance than Canon looked at it and made sure it's working properly.

The only real alternative in this class is the 17-55mm. It's a great lens with a constant f/2.8. But if you want the broader range, this is the only one to have on a crop body.

 

[marshall]

I own both a 15-85 and a 17-55. The 15-85 is the lens that I use the most as I prefer the reach. The 17-55 is great to shot at dusk or indoors (or moving things!). The AF is also faster in the 17-55, especially in low light. IQ-wise, I would be hard pressed to tell the difference though. Both lenses are significantly better than the kit and you will notice the difference right away. Like you, I got frustrated by the kit lens relatively quickly after realizing that my old point and shoot was producing similar IQ and went for the 15-85. Extremely happy.

I am in general hesitant with used equipment unless the seller has good references and he/she is willing to take the lens back if there is an obvious problem. I think for the price you are being asked, at least in the US, you are very close to a refurbished one. Refurbished lenses -especially factory refurbished ones- are often almost like new and you get some sort of warranty + the ability to return it if you feel something is fishy.

You cannot go wrong with the 15-85. The only reason I got the 17-55 is because I had to do some indoors shootings for a friend and that is something the 15-85 is not good at (especially on a rebel where you cannot really pump up the ISO). For daylight photo I normally take the 15-85 and leave the 17-55 at home without thinking it twice.

Cheers,
Marshall

 

[sootzzs]

Thanks guys for your very insightful feedback! Really appreciated!

I've decided to pay the extra 165$ and get a new one as I reasoned that I will probably use this lens for at least next 3 years and prefer it new.

I did order one from a local retailer. The thing is they told me that the cheaper price is because it dismantled from a 7D kit. Can that somehow affect the quality of the lens?? How should I check the lens when it will arrive?

 

[electricpanic]

Thanks for the advice. I am about to buy mine. but I am still bit confused :-\