Your thoughts -What replacement lens?

The original 'kit lens' for my Canon a 18-55mm has gone on the blink and I need to replace it. And I'm in a bit of a quandry. I really like the look of the EFS 15-85mm as it would give me a bit longer "reach" and be ideal for the odd bit of portraiture as well as giving a bit of a wider angle; but it comes at a cost of around £435 (discounted). A direct replacement of the 18-55mm with the latest and slightly improved version would come in at around £70 max if bought on Ebay.
Whatever lens I go for won't really cost "new cash" as I'm selling my Sigma 50-500mm "Bigma" and Canon 70-300mm and with luck these will bring in at least £450.

Any thoughts?

 

The latest 18-55 is also IS now Dave, and the kit lens has always been my favourite for a good ammount of years, I got hold of a 28-135 IS a few years ago and although I do use it, its not used as much as the kit 18-55.

I think the 15 - 85 would be a good walkabout lens though, but check out plenty of photo's at the lower end as I suspect that some vignetting may occur.

Steve...

 

Sunny today so managed to give the new 15-85 lens a try out. Quite pleased with results too. Photos as taken, no flash and at 85mm.

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Pretty chuffed with it so far Armandii. Saves me changing to my 70-300 for shots like the above. Was pleased with what it cost me as I sold my Sigma "Bigma" for a bit more than what I bought it for and that covered the cost with a bit to spare. Also got a good Hoya Pro circular polariser with the lens.
It's a good time of year for back lit photos as the sun is still low.

 

Never mind all this 'tech' talk, just wonderful pics

 

Cracking photo's Dave...

How is the lens at the 15mm end?

Steve...

 

Thanks very much Steve. I've not really had a chance to try it wide yet. I did take a couple through the kitchen window but it was a very dull day and didn't really give much idea if any vignetting was present. Hope to get out and about with it this coming week so keeping fingers crossed for some sunshine.

 

I agree about the usefulness of the 18-55 focal range (or 28-85 on full frame) as - in practical terms - it will cover you for a huge number photographic situations. Also the kit lenses are usually more than adequate in optical quality.
My most used lens - by far - on my 5D is a Sigma 24-60mm f2.8 EX DG which is optically superb but a little short at the long end. If it was 24-85, I would consider it to be the perfect lens and it would probably never be off the camera.

Kevin