Is there a decent third party alternative to Canon 15-85mm?

[Big Worm 1]

I've got a Canon 550D and I'm looking to replace my 18-55mm kit lens with a Canon 15-85mm lens.

I've seen people recommend alternative lenses in other threads, e.g. Sigma 10-20mm instead of the Canon 10-22mm.

So my question is, is there a worthy alternative to the 15-85mm by Sigma, Tamron, etc?

[JDRoest]

No. Fraid you'll just have to pony up

(And it is a good lens. Had a chance to compare against the 18-135 at the weekend, side by side....hmmm...my 15-85 really was a step above it. Pity as I wanted to like the 18-135 more than I did, although still might buy one later this year.)

[RobDickinson]

Sigma 17-70 OS is probably the closest

[Mattt]

I do like my 15-85, just wish it was a bit faster at the long end

[JulianHJ]

Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 Non-VC? Not quite as long - are you looking for extra reach, or higher quality? I had one with a 30D, then a 40D. It was very good.

[Killwilly]

Mattt said:

I do like my 15-85, just wish it was a bit faster at the long end

Me too.