5D Mark II and 17-40 owners out there? How do you like this combo for video?

[gooble]

I'm trying to sell my 10-22 so I can get wide zoom for my 5DII but I'm not decided on whether I'll get a new 17-40L or a used 16-35L mark I. I'd like a 16-35L mark II but it's a little pricy so I'm wondering how people like the "speed" of the 17-40 for video. Is it OOF enough for good isolation etc.?

[Trey T]

how close is the subject?

17-40 f/4.0 at wide open around 5' or closer will give you a very narrow DoF, around 1-2' depend on focal length.

[kandyredcoi]

subscribed
im on the same boat, 16-35L II is a bit pricey, seems like the 17-40L would be a good substitute.

[Tony-S]

I have the 17-40L and the Sigma 20mm f/1.8. I love the Sigma's dof, but of course it doesn't have the flexibility of the zoom.

[bluemotion]

i have a 16-35L for my 5dII but i think my next lens i buy to help out my video is the 35L, if i can find one that is.. i just love the DOF of my 50L for video, it's on my camera 90% of the time when i'm shooting video, so having a wide super fast 35L or 24L for the wide spectrum would def be my choice over the 16-35L for video usage.. the wide end of the 16-35L produces too much awkward distortion at the edges to warrant using it for anything other than HGTV style video footage.

[twofruitz]

I have the 17-40 + 5dmkII.

Great for video!

[J-B]

I also use this lens for video. At 17mm almost everything is in focus (or you have to be really close to your subject). At 40mm you can get narrow DOF, but again: you'll have to be close to the subject.
I wouldn't buy this lens if narrow dof is a must. The 16-35 will do better. A 24L would be ideal, but that's not a zoom of course.

[MaliCali]

it depends on the video really..

im more into a stable of fast primes, rather than slower zooms.

and im even more of a fan of regular to long lenses for that more film/movie kind of look..

if i used mine for video it would only be for a day shot and at around 30-40mm...and when considering that id much rather go buy or rent myself a 35/1.4L

but like i said, it all completely depends on what you are shooting. from my point of view, the use of wide lenses for non-wide shots (like an OTS or close up) is really a giveaway to an ameteur. it has to be motivated by something whether its a humorous motivation or to give the audience a feeling of awkwardness..and so many people out there dont realize this. for a tight shot, you want something tight, make the moment intimate, not strange like you shouldnt be there with a wide lens..

and before i get on into this long rant i often find myself in with kids wanting to use wide lenses for everything ill stop :)

its a great lens, i love it for photography, not too sure if id ever rely on it for video

-Mike

[gooble]

it depends on the video really..

im more into a stable of fast primes, rather than slower zooms.

and im even more of a fan of regular to long lenses for that more film/movie kind of look..

if i used mine for video it would only be for a day shot and at around 30-40mm...and when considering that id much rather go buy or rent myself a 35/1.4L

but like i said, it all completely depends on what you are shooting. from my point of view, the use of wide lenses for non-wide shots (like an OTS or close up) is really a giveaway to an ameteur. it has to be motivated by something whether its a humorous motivation or to give the audience a feeling of awkwardness..and so many people out there dont realize this. for a tight shot, you want something tight, make the moment intimate, not strange like you shouldnt be there with a wide lens..

and before i get on into this long rant i often find myself in with kids wanting to use wide lenses for everything ill stop :)

its a great lens, i love it for photography, not too sure if id ever rely on it for video

-Mike

I get that it wouldn't be useful in many situations. My main interest in it lies in an ability to get a wide vista in landscape and nature stuff or for family videos of kids. I agree that in film-like work it should be used sparingly.

[MaliCali]

I get that it wouldn't be useful in many situations. My main interest in it lies in an ability to get a wide vista in landscape and nature stuff or for family videos of kids. I agree that in film-like work it should be used sparingly.

well in what you are describing. it sounds like itll do the job just fine :)

though i still think if your budget allowed and depending on availability, investing in the 24/1.4LII would be a much more satisfying endeavor

-Mike

[pepperoni]

I like primes for video use, but I had some fun with the 17-40 on a boat.. http://www.vimeo.com/5039957