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

15-85mm
f/3.5
Zoom
Stabilized
575 g
Min focus 0.35 m

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Quick answer

A standard zoom for Canon APS-C cameras with a wide 24-136mm equivalent range, combining USM focusing with image stabilization.

Pros

Starts wide at 15mm
Image stabilization
USM focusing
Good image quality for a zoom

Cons

Variable aperture
Larger than an 18-55
Not weather-sealed

Verdict

A step up from the kit zoom for APS-C shooters who want one versatile lens.

About this lens

The Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is an APS-C superzoom lens covering 15-85mm at f/3.5-5.6 for Canon EF-S mount cameras, with Image Stabilizer and ultrasonic-motor autofocus. A versatile walk-around zoom with image stabilization for Canon APS-C cameras.

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

Brand: Canon
Mount: Canon EF-S
Focal length: 15-85mm
Maximum aperture: f/3.5
Lens type: Zoom
Format coverage: aps-c
Released: 2009
Optical construction: 17 elements in 12 groups
Aperture blades: 7
Image stabilization: Yes
Autofocus motor: USM
Minimum focus distance: 0.35 m
Maximum magnification: 0.21x
Filter thread: 72 mm
Weight: 575 g
Length: 87.5 mm
Diameter: 81.6 mm

Specification source: global.canon

What can you shoot with the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM?

Travel
Walk-around use
Landscape and portrait variety

Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.

Full-frame equivalent and field of view

Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.

Sensor	Crop	Equivalent	Horizontal FOV	Diagonal FOV
APS-C	1.6x	24–136mm	15.1–73.7°	18.1–84.1°

Try the field-of-view calculator

Frequently asked questions

What is the field of view of the EF-S 15-85mm in full-frame terms?

About 24-136mm equivalent on a Canon APS-C camera, which covers wide-angle to short telephoto.

Can the Canon EF-S 15-85mm be used on a full-frame camera?

Not on full-frame DSLRs. EF-S lenses are made for APS-C and the rear element would hit the mirror. On a full-frame EOS R body with the EF-RF adapter it works, but the camera crops the image to APS-C size.