So I'm going for another "L"

[ghaleon109]

I'ts pretty dusty anywhere I go around here, so I'm looking for a lens that doesn't extend or expose any way for dust to enter the lens when zooming...

Ya, it's a lame excuse to get a 17-40mm L but I've been looking at it for awhile anyways. So users of this lens, PLEASE convince me further! :D How is this lens?? It's all Tim's fault for suggesting an L series :p :lol:

I'm going to be selling my Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 so I'll have a little gap in my zoom range but nothing that I cant use my feet for ;) and if your interested in the Tamron, feel free to PM me.

[LightRules]

The 17-40L is highly regarded and for good reason. The build is beautiful, the ring USM is ninja silent and swift, and the optics are lovely. What a lens, what a lens...enjoy.

[ghaleon109]

Thanks! I cant wait to order it :D

I was saving for the 70-200 f2.8 but I need this one ASAP, so I guess that just means I'll have a very merry christmas :lol:

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

The 17-40mm f/4L has internal focusing, but the front element does move in and out as you zoom. Thus, dust I'm guessing could potentially get in there, but I'm not sure. I haven't had any problems with it so far. It's a fantastic lens, and since I purchased it a few months ago it's definately put my 70-200 f/4L on the back burner.

My only complaint is the f/4 apeture. I'm a big fan of shallow DOF's, but oh well. A 35mm f/1.4L should take care of that problem when I save up the funds. :-)

As for that Tamron, darn, wish I had $$. I've been yerning for that lens lately. Oh well, good luck selling it! And good luck with the 17-40L purchase. Your going to love it! :-)

[Icecamp]

The 17-40 f/4L extends a little, but the movement is very small, less than a quarter inch. I think the product manual suggests a protective filter to seal the part of the lens that moves, as all of the movement occurs below the filter threads.

[ghaleon109]

Hmm... So it does move?

I think the product manual suggests a protective filter to seal the part of the lens that moves, as all of the movement occurs below the filter threads.

So is that like a UV filter that would protect against dust getting in there?

[ghaleon109]

The 17-40mm f/4L has internal focusing, but the front element does move in and out as you zoom. Thus, dust I'm guessing could potentially get in there, but I'm not sure. I haven't had any problems with it so far. It's a fantastic lens, and since I purchased it a few months ago it's definately put my 70-200 f/4L on the back burner.

My only complaint is the f/4 apeture. I'm a big fan of shallow DOF's, but oh well. A 35mm f/1.4L should take care of that problem when I save up the funds. :-)

As for that Tamron, darn, wish I had $$. I've been yerning for that lens lately. Oh well, good luck selling it! And good luck with the 17-40L purchase. Your going to love it! :-)

I thought I'd miss the shallow DOF too, but I don't use the Tamron wide open that much anyways. And if I must have a blurred BG I can pull out my 50mm and zoom with my feet... you just have keep the BG simple with that one, the Bokeh isn't too great with it.

Ah! And your Sigma is on my list as well! How is it? I was thinking about the 100mm Canon for awhile, but when I get the $$ I'm probbly going to go with the Sigma because of the better working distance.

Thanks again! :D

[snappa]

There is no external movement on my 17-40 whatsoever so it must be broken !
Fantastic lens and the only complaints are usually from pixel counters and the pedantic.

[ghaleon109]

Well that's kind of odd... I doubt yours would be broken, I mean if it still takes good pictures and all... I'll have to call Ritz again and see if they have one in stock so I can try it out.

[LightRules]

The 17-40L does not extend at all during zooming. Below is the 17-40L (vis-a-vis the Sigma 18-50 f2.8):


http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/image/41769224/medium.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/image/41769222/medium.jpg

[bokeh'ed]

If i'm not wrong, the 17-40 or 16-35 does extend a bit internally, as can be seen in the front lens element as the zoom dial is turned. the physical length is fixed and the front element does not protrude beyond the filter thread...
The 17-40L does not extend at all during zooming. Below is the 17-40L (vis-a-vis the Sigma 18-50 f2.8):


http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/image/41769224/medium.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/image/41769222/medium.jpg

[LightRules]

Yes it does move internally but the issue I believe is external movement like the Sigma 18-50 above. In this regards the 17-40L does not externally move during zooming.

[Andy_T]

I think that we have a severe case of 'could dust be sucked into my camera'-paranoia here on the forum :rolleyes:

Really, it makes me laugh when I think that the very small movement of the 18-50 could suck more dust into the lens then what you get inside when changing it for another one.

If you want to be completely safe, only use a prime.
(Yes, you heard that right. A prime. Don't change it ever again, unless in a clean room environment :wink: )

Best regards,
Andy

[condyk]

The 17-40 L is a lens that can be trusted to produce very fine shots. A good choice. This chap uses it a lot:

http://www.chromasia.com/iblog/

I nearly bought one a while back but decided I'd rather save 30%+ and go wider at the same time. Not sure if there is any 'ultimate' quality difference one way or another between the Tokina and Canon and don't care that much. I could be happy with either.

[Cadwell]

Oh gawd :rolleyes: Dust paranoia or what?

The Canon EF 17-40L is one of the few lenses in the Canon lineup that are environmentally sealed against dust and moisture ingress. In order to complete the sealing you need two additional things from what comes in the box a) a filter for the front (a decent quality UV is favourite) and b) an environmentally sealed camera... something from the 1D series is good...

[ghaleon109]

Well, I wouldn't normally care about dust in any other situation with my Tamron, but the stuff just gets packed on while I'm at the track. I would use my 70-200mm since that has no external movement, but the area is really tight, and I can get about 5 feet from the action.

Thanks for the help everyone :)

[CyberDyneSystems]

The front element does move .. slightly..

...those that don't notice this may allready have a UV filter on the lens.. which will NOT move when zooming... thus from the outside it will look like nothing is moving at all.

You do NEED that UV (or other) filter to complete the dust seal as Cadwell points out.

The 70-200mm f/2.8L IS also requires a front filter to complete the dust seal.. all zooms do in fact.

[malla1962]

It realy is a superb lens.:D:D:D:D

[ghaleon109]

The front element does move .. slightly..

...those that don't notice this may allready have a UV filter on the lens.. which will NOT move when zooming... thus from the outside it will look like nothing is moving at all.

You do NEED that UV (or other) filter to complete the dust seal as Cadwell points out.

The 70-200mm f/2.8L IS also requires a front filter to complete the dust seal.. all zooms do in fact.

Thanks CDS! :)

I'm going through withdrawls though :confused: I don't really know if I want to spend that much cash (though I do have enough for it) because technically I could use my kit lens... However, I'll be printing out pictures for customers, largest size would be an 8 x 10, but it's never good to cheap out on customers...

Maby if I put everything in the cart at B&H and then slip and "accidentally" hit the Order button that'll sove my problem :lol: (I need a flash, and tripod as well, but I think I might hold out on the tripod for now)

[bokeh'ed]

before you "accidentally" hit the order button, make sure the wrong mailing address is not "accidentally" filled in... :D
Thanks CDS! :)

I'm going through withdrawls though :confused: I don't really know if I want to spend that much cash (though I do have enough for it) because technically I could use my kit lens... However, I'll be printing out pictures for customers, largest size would be an 8 x 10, but it's never good to cheap out on customers...

Maby if I put everything in the cart at B&H and then slip and "accidentally" hit the Order button that'll sove my problem :lol: (I need a flash, and tripod as well, but I think I might hold out on the tripod for now)

[ghaleon109]

Lolz, Ya, Everythings set up witht the credit card and shipping adress. Just Checkout and Order. Makes things simple. I still can't pull myself to do it tho :confused:

[DxHatchback]

i shoot for my school and they have this lens, but i have yet to sign it out :o

maybe this friday night i'll sign it out and post up some samples

i'm sure you'll love it though

i see you have the 70-200

i got mine recently and i love it

[ghaleon109]

Yes, That lens is amazing! I'm actually thinking about using it for the track. If it works out well it means I won't be getting the 17-40 right away, so I'll just see how it goes. I should have my flash next week so I'll try it out at the track on wednesday.