choices choices!!

[Doctor Diesel]

given the choice between a mint used 16-35 L or a new 17-40L what would you do....will be used on a 1d MkIIn as a walkaround lens

[peatoire]

Just my tuppence worth but I'd say the 16-35 might be a little short on the x 1.3 body as a walkaround. If it was me I'd go for the 17-40, lens speed shouldn't be an issue if it's mainly outdoor stuff. The 17-40 does need a flash indoors though if not well lit.

[Doctor Diesel]

to clarify, I hate flash and by walkaround I mean the lens that stays on the body most of the time......candids are my real interest (used to use a leica M6 but fed up of film )

[peatoire]

f4 can be a little limiting indoors at times although for me, I'd rather get the flash out than go to 800 or 1600 iso. It's a shame you can't borrow a lens with 35mm length to see if it suits your style.

[steved110]

With a 16-35mm zoom, for candid stuff you will be right in the target's face.
You're not a shy guy by any chance (joke)?

I think the 17-40 will be more use, if you are OK with the f/4 thing

BUT you would probably find a 24-70 f/2.8 much more useful, and the 24-105 even more so - for the extra reach. Just my 2p, it really depends on how you shoot!

[mrfourcows]

what's the price difference? obviously if the difference isn't too unreasonable, then go for the f/2.8 lens - cause the ef 16-35mm f/2.8 is 2x the price of the ef 17-40m f/4.

[Doctor Diesel]

they were the same price so I went with the 16-35......to answer some other questions, for the real candid stuff I love a 85 1.2 , the wide is really for group stuff...anyway, gone and pulled the trigger on the 16-35, the extra stop convinced me!

[peatoire]

Enjoy, I've heard great things about that lens. Don't forget to get some pics posted when you get it.

[Tareq]

I am in the same boat, i will get 16-35 because i don't like f4

[Mark_Cohran]

I am in the same boat, i will get 16-35 because i don't like f4

I used to think the same thing, but after using the 17-40 f4L and the 24-105 f4L IS for a while, I know now that I was just being silly. There's only one stop of difference, and digital cameras have variable ISO. The only significant drawback I see is a dimmer viewfinder in low light conditions, but as I mainly use these lenses outside in good light, that problem is pretty much negated.

By the way, in my testing, the 16-35mm f2.8 was significantly more prone to flare that the 17-40, so watch your angles when shooting in strong light.

Mark

[Tareq]

I used to think the same thing, but after using the 17-40 f4L and the 24-105 f4L IS for a while, I know now that I was just being silly. There's only one stop of difference, and digital cameras have variable ISO. The only significant drawback I see is a dimmer viewfinder in low light conditions, but as I mainly use these lenses outside in good light, that problem is pretty much negated.

By the way, in my testing, the 16-35mm f2.8 was significantly more prone to flare that the 17-40, so watch your angles when shooting in strong light.

Mark

thank you for your review.
I got enough reviews and i ended up with my decision.

[Doctor Diesel]

yup, take your point about the flare but the lens will be used inside mainly.....still need to be careful though.

tareq....are you starting a lens shop by chance?...Don't fancy having to carry your gear bag around! :-)

[Tareq]

yup, take your point about the flare but the lens will be used inside mainly.....still need to be careful though.

tareq....are you starting a lens shop by chance?...Don't fancy having to carry your gear bag around! :-)

still i can't sleep till i complete my gears, the most serious important gears still not coming yet. i hope within one year or so i will complete my gears unless i won a lottery or get a treasure from the Heaven then within few months i will buy B&H itself or amazon at least.
Good luck for all.