What are my options here? (wide angle lens)

[timmyquest]

I'm looking for something 17mm or wider at f/2.8 or faster.


More then likely i'll get the 17-40, i've used it and love it, but i'm buying it because i need a wide angle, i dont need a 40mm lens. So if i could save money and get something faster (it has to be both otherwise it's not worth it to me) i'd like to.

Anyone have any firts hand expereience?

I've thought of the 15mm fisheye (canon) but i'm not sure i want to get a fisheye lens before i get a regular wide angle lens.

[su719]

What about the Tokina 17? It only goes to 3.5, but if you are considering the 17-40L then you don't mind an f stop of 4.

[timmyquest]

What about the Tokina 17? It only goes to 3.5, but if you are considering the 17-40L then you don't mind an f stop of 4.

Yeah, i've seen that. Drisley recently got it.

It is cheaper yes, but i'm still not sure.

I'm not doubting it's image quality, drisley proved that it's nice.

But the reason i dont mind canons f/4 is because of an USM and a weather sealed lens.

It's nearly half the cost, so i may end up going that route. But i'd prefer something a whole stop faster.

[su719]

Then there is the Sigma 18-50 which I believe is 2.8 and it seems that the image quality is pretty close to the Canon.

[CoolToolGuy]

I have the Tamron 14mm f2.8 SP, and I like it a lot. I'm no pixel-peeper but I like what I get from it. KEH usually has them used for under $750. I don't know about weather sealing, you would have to ask Tamron about that.

Have Fun,

[Mark Kemp]

If you have an EFS compatible camera the 10-22 might be good, wait for the reviews.

[chris.bailey]

The Sigma 15-30 EX DG is a nice lens but slightly softer than the 17-40 and no faster, but it is cheaper. I have both and rarely use the 15-30 unless I really need the extra wide. I would think long and hard before going the fisheye route. Sigma also do the 14mm F2.8 EX which is supposed to be quite nice but then you are getting to 17-40 in terms of cost (in the UK anyway). A big problem for me with the Sigmas is the fact you cant put a circular polariser on the front.

[timmyquest]

I have the Tamron 14mm f2.8 SP, and I like it a lot. I'm no pixel-peeper but I like what I get from it. KEH usually has them used for under $750. I don't know about weather sealing, you would have to ask Tamron about that.

Have Fun,

Never heard of this lens i'll have to look into it. For that price though i dunno.

[CoolToolGuy]

I have the Tamron 14mm f2.8 SP, and I like it a lot. I'm no pixel-peeper but I like what I get from it. KEH usually has them used for under $750. I don't know about weather sealing, you would have to ask Tamron about that.

Have Fun,

Never heard of this lens i'll have to look into it. For that price though i dunno.

It sells for around $1100 new, and compared to the Canon 14mm ($1800) it is a bargain. When you can get one for under $700 (see below - as of 11/02/04) it is a great deal.
http://www.keh.com/shop/product.cfm?bid=CE&cid=08&sid=newused&crid=9047401

Have Fun,