For Canon crop-sensor cameras, a premium consumer zoom that may be one of the sharpest zooms available.
The Canon EF-S 15-85mm zoom lens has gotten rave reviews since its release alongside the high-end APS-C sensor 7D. Professional reviewers have compared this lens favorably with its big brother, the EF 24-105mm L series lens. Of course, the L glass features durability improvements and weather sealing that is lacking on the smaller EF-S lens. That said, you'll be paying another $300 to get that red ring denoting "L" quality. For that $300 premium, you can get a long way to picking up one of Canon's fine line of prime lenses, which are faster and sharper than any zoom.
According to Canon:
"The new EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM sets a new standard for everyday photography on APS-C sensors. With a focal length range equivalent to 24-136mm in 35mm format, image stabilization and high-precision optics, the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM offers stellar performance from wide-angle through to telephoto."
