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HomePhotographyLensesSLR LensesCanon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens

BH #CA1585IS • MFR #3560B002
516 reviews
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens
Key Features
  • EF-S-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
  • 24-136mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Aperture Range: f/3.5 to f/36
  • One UD and Three Aspherical Elements
A flexible zoom to benefit working in a variety of situations, the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM from Canon is a 24-136mm-equivalent lens designed for APS-C-format DSLRs. Ultra-Low Dispersion and aspherical elements are featured in the optical design to control color fringing, distortion, and a variety of aberrations throughout the zoom range, and a Super Spectra coating has been applied to reduce flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity. The lens also features an Optical Image Stabilizer, which minimizes the appearance of camera shake by four stops to better enable shooting handheld in difficult lighting conditions. Additionally, a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor is featured, too, which affords quick, quiet autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override.
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Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Overview

By B&H Photo's

A flexible zoom to benefit working in a variety of situations, the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM from Canon is a 24-136mm-equivalent lens designed for APS-C-format DSLRs. Ultra-Low Dispersion and aspherical elements are featured in the optical design to control color fringing, distortion, and a variety of aberrations throughout the zoom range, and a Super Spectra coating has been applied to reduce flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity. The lens also features an Optical Image Stabilizer, which minimizes the appearance of camera shake by four stops to better enable shooting handheld in difficult lighting conditions. Additionally, a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor is featured, too, which affords quick, quiet autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override.

Standard zoom is designed for APS-C-format Canon EF-S-mount DSLRs, and offers a 24-136mm equivalent focal length range.
One Ultra-Low Dispersion glass element noticeably reduces color fringing and chromatic aberrations for high clarity and color fidelity.
Three aspherical elements minimize spherical aberrations and distortions for improved sharpness and accurate rendering.
Super Spectra coating has been applied to individual elements to minimize ghosting and flare for greater contrast and color neutrality when working in strong lighting conditions.
An Optical Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to four stops to better enable working in low-light conditions and with slower shutter speeds.
A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), along with an internal focusing system, is employed to deliver fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override.
Rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.
UPC: 013803108651

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Specs

Focal Length15 to 85mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 24 to 136mm)
Maximum Aperturef/3.5 to 5.6
Minimum Aperturef/22 to 36
Lens MountCanon EF-S
Lens Format CoverageAPS-C
Angle of View84° 30' to 18° 25'
Minimum Focus Distance1.15' / 35 cm
Maximum Magnification0.21x
Optical Design17 Elements in 12 Groups
Diaphragm Blades7, Rounded
Focus TypeAutofocus
Image StabilizationYes
Filter Size72 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)3.21 x 3.44" / 81.53 x 87.38 mm
Length at Maximum Extension4.96" / 126 mm
Weight1.27 lb / 575 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight1.56 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)5.9 x 4.1 x 4"

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Reviews

Great for canon aps-c

By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-31

I bought this lens to upgrade from kit 18-55mm aps-c lens. I have had this lens for a year now and like the all around range for indoor and outdoor photography. This lens has faster auto focus and is easier to clean than a kit lens.

good lens

By Craig
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2019-12-03

very good lens for the money... well built, clear photos.

Couldn't ask for better

By Leo_B
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-08-03

This is a great lens. The service was excellent. Quick shipping. Good packaging. Couldn't ask for better. Well, I guess I could have asked for someone to give it to me. :)

Replacing a 17-85 mm

By Leo
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2019-05-13

Ive had this lens for only a few weeks.  On a recent photo shoot it performed well.  Will have a better opportunity to evaluate after several months of use.  The 17-85mm Canon, which I replaced  was a real dud.  It failed several times.  Made me  wonder why I bought another Canon.

Canon EF-s 15-85mm a must have lens.

By GenScott
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-02-09

The Canon EF-s 15-85mm is an excellent lens for any photographer. In the 1990s my wife and I took a trip to Europe and I took my trusty Canon A1 with the FD 28-85mm f4 lens along with a few filters and some 20 rolls of film. Last year we decided to go back but this time I wanted to take a compact, light weight kit capable of covering a variety of photographic opportunities. After careful consideration, lots of research, and extensive review I came up with, what I consider, the perfect combination, the Canon SL1 with the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. The EF-S 15-85mm zoom proved to be the perfect lens, light weight, compact size, solid build, image stabilization and excellent optics. For street scenes and buildings I could use the 15mm wide angle and then zoom to longer focal lengths for architectural details, portraits and framing a scene. With image stabilization I was able to take great pictures inside museums such as The Tower of London and Louvre Museum and night time attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame cathedral and Big Ben. I took along the Canon 500d close-up filter to increase the versatility of the EF-s 15-85mm lens and got some great photos of flowers and coins. I could travel all day without feeling burdened by my camera and knew I had the equipment needed for almost any photographic situation. Canon came up with a lens that challenges the quality and attributes of its “L” series lenses but at a price that is consumer friendly. The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens is a no brainer, I highly recommend this zoom to anyone that wants a top quality versatile lens.

New Lense - Initial use was positive

By Jeff
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2018-05-14

Used lense on camping trip. Clarity was excellent. Use of combined UV and Cir-PL filters produced some vignetting. "Spring" greens were strong but sun was also very bright creating mixed exposures in the woods. Was previously using Canon EF-S 18-200 and 17-85 and quality was better with 15-85. I think quality will be excellent under cloudy conditions or consistent exposure.

Excellent versatile lens

By Carl
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-06-14

A must for photographers.

Great Walking Around Lens

By Brent
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-05-12

Great lens, tack sharp. I bought it to use as a walking around lens it’s perfect for the job.

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question

I use a Canon 70d. Many reviews report some rather strong chromatic aberration and barrel distortion at 15mm and again towards the 85mm focal lengths. Is this really a serous concern in the real world or will enabling the 70d's (or any cameras) internal Lens aberration correction remove these issues fairly well? Would I end up having to a lot of post work clearing these issue up with light room or other software? Thanks for your help.
Asked by: Steve
I have not had any problems with the lens in question.Also I say that I am an amateur photographer and my perception could be different from yours. I find the lens a good choice for travel.
Answered by: CARLOS R.
Date published: 2018-08-27

Is the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens ...

Is the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens better than the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens?
Asked by: Mary
Dan, Thank you for your reply. I do have another question. Im currently using the 18-135 but I was wondering what the next step up is from the 18-135mm for better, more sharp images. Ive currently been using the 18-135mm mainly for product photos for my online store as I do like the zoom functionality. I also have the 100mm Macro and the 50mm Nifty Fifty as other lenses I use.
Answered by: Mary
Date published: 2022-04-13

question

Hi There: I would like to know if this lens is compatible with Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi.I currently have a 18 - 55 mm EFS lens and I think this new lens would be a great improvement.Thanks for your help.
Asked by: Anonymous
Yes it is compatible with your Canon XTi.
Answered by: Steven C.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

How does this lens compare to the older Tamron 28-200?
Asked by: Anonymous
This is for APS-C Canon cameras. You can not use on full frame. Compared with that lens, this one should be faster focusing and give you a much wider angle of view. It will also be considerably smaller.
Answered by: James B.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

Is Canon EF-S 15-85mm worth to buy when already have Canon EF-S 18-200mm Lens ?
Asked by: Anonymous
The optical design in the 15-85mm will be slightly better than the 18-200mm lens, and it will be slightly wider. If you are looking to replace your 18-200mm, the 15-85mm might be worth it. But, if you are simply looking to add another lens to your kit, you might look at a super wide zoom instead, such as the Canon 10-22mm (B&H # CA102235EF).
Answered by: Christina S.
Date published: 2020-10-21

what is the exact image circle size of this lens? ...

what is the exact image circle size of this lens? I know what aps-c sensor size is, but does it make a image bigger than that so it can be used on other brands with slightly larger sensor?
Asked by: rick
Unfortunately, we do not have this information nor the means to test it. Please contact Canon directly more technical information pertaining to its optical design.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2021-10-03

question

Is this compatible with Canon 70D and Canon 7D cameras?
Asked by: Anonymous
Both the 70D and 7D are compatible with this lens.
Answered by: James B.
Date published: 2018-08-27

has anyone used this lens for video? how does the ...

has anyone used this lens for video? how does the image stabilizer compare to say the canon f4 24-105?
Asked by: sam
The image stabilization on this lens works very well for video. Keep in mind this is an EF-S lens for use on APS-C sized cameras like the 7D Mark II and 80D, it is not a full frame lens like the 24-105mm that Canon offers.
Answered by: Joseph
Date published: 2019-04-07
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