15-85 or 17-55 on 60d

[David Davis]

Hi,

Like many people I'm looking to replace my 18 - 55 kit. I've taken some great shots with it but have more disappointments than keepers - mainly soft and off focus issues.

I've also got a 450d, 50 1.8, 55-250 ( which i love ) and recently a 60d body.

I haven't got a particular style or subject choice in photography yet but i am considering a college course in studio photography and i've my niece's wedding to shoot feb 2012 so these are deciding factors. Indoor shooting is always high on the list as well ( one reason I upgraded my body )

I think a direct replacement in focal length would be my aim, primes or ultra wides may be too specific.

If i continue to keep with the canon line then the I feel I have 2 choices.

I would love the extra reach of the 15-85 but the speed of the 17-55

So if anyone has used either of these on a 60d ( or 450d ) I love some feed back

[mondmagu]

Hi David,I recently purchased the 60d and 17-55 f2.8 lens after using the 450d and 18-55 lens for three years.
I researched a lot on which lens to get and decided on the 17-55.I must admit,a new camera and a fast lens is like learning to walk again!!
Reading your immediate needs--a wedding and indoor photography--- the 17-55 f2.8 lens would appear to suite your needs.But the reach of the 15-85 is appealing.And it is a lot cheaper than the 17-55.But I believe it suffers from vignetting and CA at the wide end, but having said that I have no experience of the 15-85 lens.On the other hand the 17-55 is expensive and also heavier.
If I were you I would visit the camera shop you are intending to purchase from and try the camera with the two lens and see which suites you best.It is the only true way to decide which suites you.

Des

[wavemachine]

I have the 15-85 and have to say I have no complaints as a general walk about lens and it is more than up to the job and gets great results. It does suffer from CA and barrel distortion but this has rarely been a major issue for me and can be corrected in PP although I think it is fair to say that most lenses with that zoom range will suffer to different degrees.

Having said that though if you are planning on doing a wedding or indoor work I would be more inclined to look at the 17-55 F2.8 as it is a faster lens, if the wide end isn't so important then I would also consider the 24-70 L which has a bit more reach and the L series build and optics although it doesn't have IS and is quite heavy.

[davewebleyphotography]

I wanted a fast wide lens for my 60D, in the end I bought the Sigma 17-50 f2.8. I read a few reviews which favoured it over the Canon 17-55 f2.8.

So far I am very impressed, and for £550 I think its a good buy.