1DS MKII and ultra-wide

[Lesmac]

I have a 17-40mm F4L which is the mainstay for most of my landscape photography.
I would like something a little wider, any advise/thoughts on which direction I should go, considering the full frame capabilities of the camera?

Cheers

Les

http://lesmclean.photoblink.com/

[bubbawillums]

Off topic but love the pictures Les!!

[Jon]

Zoom or prime? There are only 3 FF zooms I can think of that are wider. Canon's 16-35 L, and Sigma's 15-30 and 12-24 (yes, Sigma's 12-24, unlike the other 10-12 mm up zooms, is full frame!). I have the 15-30 which works well on my 20D and D60 - don't know about full frame. But all 3 have been around long enough you should be able to find some reports.
PRimes, Canon has a 14 L, and Sigma and Tamron both make 14s as well. Again, not fresh off the boat, so there should be a track record.

[Lesmac]

Hi Jon

Yes thanks for that :) , I've read various reports on zooms and primes, I was hoping for some first hand experience of the various options to help me decide.
Thanks

Les

Cheers


http://lesmclean.photoblink.com/

[Jon]

Yes, but do you have a preference for zoom or for prime? I wouldn't think that a silly millimeter wider (the 16-35) would be enough to bother with, unless you wanted the f/2.8 as well. Both the Sigmas are well-spoken-of in the zoom range, subject to the common complaints of wide zooms on digital. Like I said, my 15-30 does well for me; I'd have to think long and hard about moving to the 12-24 from there.

[Lesmac]

Yes, but do you have a preference for zoom or for prime? I wouldn't think that a silly millimeter wider (the 16-35) would be enough to bother with, unless you wanted the f/2.8 as well. Both the Sigmas are well-spoken-of in the zoom range, subject to the common complaints of wide zooms on digital. Like I said, my 15-30 does well for me; I'd have to think long and hard about moving to the 12-24 from there.

Hi Jon, I'm not sure about prime-vs-zoom, although I am aware that the primes are generally crisp and clearer, I'm not going to rule a zoom out.

[grego]

14mm? Sigma and Canon have a 2.8 at that focal lenght. That would defintely be wide.

[CoolToolGuy]

I have the Tamron 14mm f2.8, and it pleases me. I am not a pixel-peeper, so I can't go that deep on it. I got it used from KEH for around $700. Canon wants $1800 for theirs, and I couldn't justify it. Tamron often has a rebate on theirs, check if you think you are buying new.

If you want the Canon, B&H has one refurb in stock as I type this, it is $1539.

Good luck in your quest.

Have Fun,

[CyberDyneSystems]

Most have been mentioned allready,.
..but just my humble opinion,. I would skip the 15-30mm Sigma,. 2mm is that much.. the lens has been measued at 16mm by independant tests,. and more to the point,. that lens gained high regard with the 1.6X crop factor bodies .. but will not perform as well full frame.

Likewise,. one gets the Canon 16-35mm for the faster aperture,. not to pick up one more milimeter over the 17-40mm

To me there is only the Sigma 12-24mm for zoom,. or you are looking at one of the 14mm primes.

[Raphael Emond]

Do a search on some forums. I have seen some pictures with the 1DS II and the sigma 12-24.
It's weird to see a 122° Field of view!