Will I See A Difference

[Starkey421]

Desperate to join the L club I'm on the verge of getting a 17-40L, but it's speed is stopping me from parting with the cash.

A lot of my shots are indoor family stuff but I do like landscapes also.

Will I see much difference compaired to my 50 1.8.

Will the 17-40 blow me away ???????

[Tee Why]

In terms of speed, yes. A f1.8 is almost 2 stops faster and that is really noticible.
In terms of optics, I think the 17-40L has same level of center sharpness. Corner sharpness is noticiably less than the 50mm though.
Photozone.de has a test of those lenses.
good luck

[steved110]

I love my 17-40L. I use it as my main walk-around lens. For indoor, it is OK , crank up the ISO, or use an external flash - they work superbly, just bounce the flash to avoid harshness, and if neccessary you can dial down the flash.
I truly don't find the f/4 a handicap and I totally love this lens.

[jngo]

i can't speak for your 50 1.8, but i do have the 50 1.4 and the 17-40L. was the L glass that much better than my 50...not really, but the 50 is a phenomenal lens (some say it should be an L), so i can't really compare the two in that sense. what sold me on the 17-40 was the fact that it's just as sharp and vibrant as my 50 (which, as a prime, should be extremely sharp) and it gives me the range i need for a good walk around lens. it's great for landscape and outdoor family shots. however, with indoor shots, if space isn't an issue, i'll always reach for my 50 1.4 before i go to the 17-40. you can't beat the speed in low light situations. i don't regret adding the 17-40 to my bag and would do so again if i had to. just my thoughts