Finally got new lens, 17-40L

[robertdrake]

After four months of living with a single lens, the 50 f2.8, I broke down and bought the 17-40L. I haven't yet been out shooting with it, but a few points on examination. This lens doesn't appear nearly as substantial as did the older FD-series lenses that I "grew up" with. Very plasticy. Also, given what people have said in the forums, I would have expected that the focus was, well....silent. While its not overly loud (my 50mm is much "louder") its still noticiable. What could I expect, right? What sound do you get from yours?

Tomorrow, if weather permitting, I'll head out and do a bit of shooting and report back. Given how bloody expensive this thing is ($930cdn) I'm expecting much from it.

[drisley]

Oh oh. Don't make your expectations too high.
It probably won't have as nice image quality as the 50F2.8, but that is to be expected with a wide angle lens.

[mr.photoguy]

I am cracking my skull,

I've to choose between a 17-40L or the 17-35 Tamron.

I hope you are happy with your lens. Post up some photos when you get a chance.

I really look forward to seeing the images from that lens.

[JulianoL]

The 17-40L is my walkaround lens. It's a perfect companion for my D. Rebel during trips.
The contrast on the images with this lens is very good. Here is one example:
http://www.pbase.com/image/33887431.jpg

[robertdrake]

The 17-40L is my walkaround lens. It's a perfect companion for my D. Rebel during trips.
The contrast on the images with this lens is very good. Here is one example:
http://www.pbase.com/image/33887431.jpg

What kind of sound do you get when focusing? Maybe I'm just not used to this autofocus stuff.

[roanjohn]

After four months of living with a single lens, the 50 f2.8, I broke down and bought the 17-40L. I haven't yet been out shooting with it, but a few points on examination. This lens doesn't appear nearly as substantial as did the older FD-series lenses that I "grew up" with. Very plasticy. Also, given what people have said in the forums, I would have expected that the focus was, well....silent. While its not overly loud (my 50mm is much "louder") its still noticiable. What could I expect, right? What sound do you get from yours?

Tomorrow, if weather permitting, I'll head out and do a bit of shooting and report back. Given how bloody expensive this thing is ($930cdn) I'm expecting much from it.
Did you mean the 50 f1.8?? Or the 50 f2.5 Macro?? In any case, both these lenses are sharp..........but!!! The 17-40 is also sharp, even wide open..........and the color and contrast should be an improvement from your 50 primes..........

Also, the AF sound should be almost non-existent........

Ro1

[PGR70]

My 17-40 (which I traded for a 16-35L) made no noticable noise when focussing...

[Kinger]

Just for comparison my 550ex flash is louder when focusing then my 17-40, but the 17-40 is much quieter then my 50 1.8, or my 75-300 USM III. Yes the 75-300 is a consumer USM, but I mention it in this comparison to show how quiet the 17-40 is, but it is not silent.

[booggerg]

If you take your fist and rub the knuckles across a fairly smooth table top, My 17-40L is perhaps just a little bit louder than that.

[paulhillion]

My 17-40 (which I traded for a 16-35L) made no noticable noise when focussing...

I'm at present teatering on the edge of selling my 17-40 & buying the 16-35L. I've never really been happy with the results from my 17-40 & I'd be interested in hearing your views on how they compare in image quality?

Thanks, Paul.

[robertdrake]

If you take your fist and rub the knuckles across a fairly smooth table top, My 17-40L is perhaps just a little bit louder than that.

Mine would be a bit louder than that. Its a very short, fast clunky sound. In a room with any ambent noise, I probably wouldn't hear it. Just don't want to find out its a sign that something is about to give out. Turns out I'm going to have to work today, so hopefully I'll get some shots in tomorrow.

Update: It makes the sound even when manually focusing. Also, is there a point at which the focusing ring shouldn't move? Mine just turns forever.