11-25-2010, 08:16 PM
[quote name='Brightcolours' timestamp='1290709812' post='4439']
The Canon 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM is a good lens for its type, but I would never consider one... It does not open up enough to make the long end have much use (portrait focal lengths without being able to go past f5.6).
[/quote]
Depth of field at 85mm 5.6 is about the same as 2.8 at 55mm. So usefulness for portraiture is about equal. In any event, if you are careful with your backgrounds both lenses are very good for portraits. Most of my myanmar portraits were shot with a 17-85 see here: www.photography-in-style.de
If you like to travel and look for an allround lens I'd rather get the 15-85mm and supplement it with a bright prime for low light shots, where you need a fast shutter speed. You said you like landscapes, then the little extra wide of the 15-85 will be very welcome. For landscpaes f/2.8 is a waste of money, as you need to stop down anyway for greater depth of field. With family shots the extra flexibility of the 15-85 comes in very handy, too. Only get 17-55 if you know that you need to zoom in low light, otherwise an even brighter prime (30mm 1.4/ 28 1.8/50.18) will serve you much better when combined with a 15-85.
The Canon 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM is a good lens for its type, but I would never consider one... It does not open up enough to make the long end have much use (portrait focal lengths without being able to go past f5.6).
[/quote]
Depth of field at 85mm 5.6 is about the same as 2.8 at 55mm. So usefulness for portraiture is about equal. In any event, if you are careful with your backgrounds both lenses are very good for portraits. Most of my myanmar portraits were shot with a 17-85 see here: www.photography-in-style.de
If you like to travel and look for an allround lens I'd rather get the 15-85mm and supplement it with a bright prime for low light shots, where you need a fast shutter speed. You said you like landscapes, then the little extra wide of the 15-85 will be very welcome. For landscpaes f/2.8 is a waste of money, as you need to stop down anyway for greater depth of field. With family shots the extra flexibility of the 15-85 comes in very handy, too. Only get 17-55 if you know that you need to zoom in low light, otherwise an even brighter prime (30mm 1.4/ 28 1.8/50.18) will serve you much better when combined with a 15-85.