EF17-40MM F4.0L OR A EF-S17-85 F4.0-5.6 USM

[Radioham]

Hi all


Thinking of buying a new lens but don’t know what one to get,
ef 17-40 L lens or an ef s17-85 is usm which are about the same money,
Canon are offering a cash back of £70 on the 17-40,
I want the lens for a general walk about,
Many thanks Steve



EOS-20D EF50mm 1.4f Tokina 24-200 3.5-5.6f ;)

[J Rabin]

1. Only YOU know answer (haha).
2. Look at your pictures. Do you wish you were a tad closer to fill the frame? Get the 17-85. Are you close enough now, most of the time, have other focal lengths covered, and want a bit more color, contrast, sharpness on near-far landscapes? Then 17-40L.
3. What's your future long-term quality goal? Now you've got the Tokina. But...
a. The 17-85 and 70-200 f/4L make wonderful two lens kit, sharing 67mm filter soonly one expensive polarizer. No low-light prime.
b. Alternatively, an enduring quality, "don't have to upgrade again" three lens travel kit is the 17-40L, an 85 or 50 (you have) and the 70-200 f/4L. Both zooms in this setup are constant f/4, with zoom rings in same Canon "L" position for handling. You add a 67-77mm step-up ring for polarizer.
My goal is 3b. The L zooms are addicting. I'm missing the prime. J

[JZaun]

There seems to be a quality problem with the 17-85. Lots of folks get good copies but a lot of us didn't. My 17-88mm wasn't any better than the 18-55 el-cheepo kit lens. I sent it back and got the 17-40 (L)and its fantastic. I really wanted the 17-85 range but I don't want to try another and have to return it. Maybe on day a local shot will get on in stock and I can try it before I buy it!

JZ

[Citizensmith]

I don't think anyone doubts that the 17-40 is optically a step above the 17-85. If optics are you're biggest concern you'll really want the 17-40. I coupled mine with an 85 1.8 and I'm more than happy.

However, the 17-85 is more versatile due to its much wide range, smaller size and IS. If you want an easily portable, general purpose lens its a very good choice.

Your choice, quality or convenience.

[antaine]

where are canon offering £70 off???

[chtgrubbs]

For my use a lens that is f/5.6 is just getting too slow. I like to use a lens at least one and preferrably two stops down, so that would mean f/8 to f/11, and then you can run into trouble with slower shutter speeds for hand-held work. On the other hand, I one used a 100-300L which was just wonderful even wide open. It's the one lens I wish I still had.

[Radioham]

Hi all
Many thanks for the replys, its looking like i will be buying the 17-40 its seem to be taking the edge, if you buy a 350d or 20d by xmas in the UK they offering a cashback deal ,
http://www.canonextrapromotion.com/