Hello, and welcome to the TDP Forums!


The focal length range of the 15-85mm is quite nice. IQ is good from a sharpness standpoint, less so from a distortion standpoint (>3% barrel distortion at 15mm), but that's normal for a lens with a >5x zoom range.


Quote Originally Posted by darklord
<span style="font-size:x-small;font-family:Arial;"]The only thing holding me back is its kit lens type aperture.<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"]...How would it do in video especially in lower light indoor situation?

A very reasonable concern - the 15-85mm does well outdoors. Indoors, with the variable and slow aperture, it does poorly. If you're ok with the speed (meaning aperture) of your kit lens, you'll be fine with the 15-85mm and see significantly improved optics. But if you find the narrow apertures of the kit lens to be a problem, it will be just as much of a problem with the 15-85mm.


Quote Originally Posted by darklord
I think the 15-85 is more versatile and has a higher price/performance ratio.

I'll leave you with the thoughts of a few others on that issue:


Quote Originally Posted by Klaus of photozone.de
Overall we'd say that the lens is slightly over-priced regarding its performance but eventually the street prices will come down to more sane levels.

Quote Originally Posted by Roger of lensrentals.com
I considered it badly overpriced for what it is...Truth is if it was a $450 lens we&rsquo;d be singing its praises. As a $700 lens I find myself underwhelmed.

I think the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 would be a much better lens for your purposes. IMO, it's the best general purpose zoom for a 1.6x crop body. If your experience with the kit lens suggests that you don't need the 18-24mm range, the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS would be another one to consider.