Which lens should I purchase, a Tamron 10-24 or a Canon 15-85?

Question

I know they are both different animals, but let me explain my quandary.

I have a Canon T1i, a standard kit 18-55, 55-250, and a 50mm 1.8.

About a year ago, I had my 18-55 roll out of the car and took a spill. Seemed ok, and I was going to have the camera shop take a look. They said it would be best to just replace it because of how cheap it is. I never did, and continued shooting with it. Now it seems as though I'm starting to have problems with the auto focus, but it still does work. I just occasionally comes back with an out of focus shot, which is really unacceptable. (I think I'm starting to answer my own question). lol

This leads me to trying out the Tamron. I was going to shoot the meteor shower this past August, and rented a Tamron 10-24 for kicks and loved it. I initially wanted a wide angle for my travels to Europe but it never came through. (I do like the creative part of having a wide angle, plus I'm almost always shooting with my 18-55 in the 18-24 area, and always wish for wider).

I know that I really should replace my 18-55 or upgrade it to the Canon 15-85 which I've read is pretty sharp, and does have more reach than the 18-55. More expensive for sure though.

I wish I could afford to purchase the Tamron 10-24 and the Canon 15-85, but can't. I could purchase the Canon 15-85 alone, or replace the 18-55, and go with the Tamron 10-24. 

Another thing I've heard is that the Canon 15-85 is a little large for an entry level Canon such as my T1i. 

So what would you do, replace the 18-55 with the Canon 15-85 or just replace the 18-55 outright, and purchase the Tamron 10-24?

Thanks for your input.

Caoedhen · Answer

As a kit lens replacement, the 15-85 is an excellent choice. In 35mm terms, it has the angle of view of a 24-135... just about perfect for a walk-around. It is sharp, quick and silent focusing, but it is much larger and heavier than the 18-55. It is not too large for your camera, but it will absolutely be front-heavy.

With the 10-24... you get something like a 16-36 or so in 35mm terms. More of a specialty wide angle job, but some people like that. It is not a good replacement for a kit, but it is still a perfectly good lens. You do have to be much more careful with distortion.

Personally I'd take the 15-85 every time, but I've been using one on a 7D for a couple of years now. Beats the pants off the 18-55 or 17-85.

Martin · Answer

It sounds to me like you really want the Tamron's extra width, so that's the one I would go for.  You don'have the 50mm f1.8 for when you need a cracking good midrange lens.

A good alternative to the Canon would be the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8.  That and the Tamron 10-24mm combined are not much more expensive than the Canon 15-85mm and the Sigma is a great little lens for the money.

thankyoumaskedman · Answer

The 10-24mm is probably great at what it does, but the 15-85mm is going to give you a range that will be useful for the vast majority of your shots. It should give you a little bit better quality than the 18-55mm, and maybe it will have been a good investment by the time you are ready to upgrade your body.  On the other hand, by the time you want to upgrade the body there will be STM lenses that present a more attractive choice.

unknown friend · Answer

I think you should look into sigma lenses they have more variety and cost a lot less then canon lenses.  I use them on my canon. They are just as good as canon lenses.

I out the link below for your use.

When you can afford it you could upgrade your camera the T2i and newer have the ability to make movies as well as take pictures and as the newer models came out the prices came way down.

Land-shark · Answer

I think the Tokina 11-16 would be the best wideangle choice for you. See:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/11-16mm.htm

Canon's 15-85 isn't quite wide enough.

Maybe you could add a Canon 35mm f2 for quality images?

Riley · Answer

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Which lens should I purchase, a Tamron 10-24 or a Canon 15-85?

6 Answers