17-40L: walkaround & replacement lens for 20D kit lens?

[pashooter]

Originally Posted by su719

It really depends on what kind of shooting you do. I think the 17-40L while a fantasticly sharp lens, does not have the range to be a walk around lens. It was designed as a wide angle zoom for FF and with the advent of APS-C has kind of become a mixed purpose lens. Not wide enough for a wide angle not long enough for a walk around. I would suggest the two favorites here

Canon 17-85 IS
Sigma 18-125

Can't comment on the Sigma, but optically the 17-85 IS can't hold a candle to the 17-40L. I had one and returned it due to serious CA at the wide end of its range. Many folks swear by this lens, which is great for them... maybe I had a "bad copy" but it just didn't work for me.

The other thing I like about the 17-40L is that it does provide FF coverage, so can double as an ultra-wide zoom on my film body (or future FF digital camera)... the 17-85 IS is an EF-S lens that will only work with 1.6 crop digital bodies.

Granted, 40 is a mite short for the long end of a walk-around lens, but life is full of compromises

[cosworth]

Don't forget it's a 27-65mm...

[su719]

Originally Posted by pashooter

Can't comment on the Sigma, but optically the 17-85 IS can't hold a candle to the 17-40L. I had one and returned it due to serious CA at the wide end of its range. Many folks swear by this lens, which is great for them... maybe I had a "bad copy" but it just didn't work for me.

The other thing I like about the 17-40L is that it does provide FF coverage, so can double as an ultra-wide zoom on my film body (or future FF digital camera)... the 17-85 IS is an EF-S lens that will only work with 1.6 crop digital bodies.

Granted, 40 is a mite short for the long end of a walk-around lens, but life is full of compromises

I found that it worked quite well compared to the L I used to own. The L outperformed it by a tick or 2, but the range and IS made up for it.

[malla1962]

I replaced my kit lens with the 17-40 and love it.

[KevC]

The Sigma 10-20 and 24-60/24-70 would be a good combo =)

[Ianfp]

I am also thinking about the 17-40, but to replace my 17-85 IS. My 17-85 is only 4 months old, but has some large dust particles between the front 2 elements. So I really fancy the better build of the 17-40, but not sure I want to sacrifice the extra zoom?

[blonde]

i also replaced my kit lens with the 17-40L and let me tell you, you will need to bring some friends if you want to take it away from me. i love this lens, iit is sharp and the colors are great. built quality is second to none and for me it is the perfect walk around range. i use it for landscape, city shots, portraits etc...

[I Simonius]

Originally Posted by grandphage

i'm looking at the 17-40L USM to replace my 20D kit lens. i considered the 16-35L at first but the price was too much for me . any suggestions? i'm planning to use the 17-40L for full body shots too.

Your F4 choices are really between the 17-40 and the 24-105

really depends where you want most reach, at the short end or the long end

[mdr]

Go for the 17-40mm f4 L or wait until the 17-55 f2.8 IS is out. Anyone got any views on this to be released EF-S lens?

[rwong2k]

Any idea when the 17-55 f/2.8 IS is comming out?

I just sold my 17-40 for a pretty good price and was considering upgrading to the 16-35/2.8 but the 17-55 /2.8 IS looks pretty attractive on paper

[volleybrad]

Originally Posted by rwong2k

Any idea when the 17-55 f/2.8 IS is comming out?

I just sold my 17-40 for a pretty good price and was considering upgrading to the 16-35/2.8 but the 17-55 /2.8 IS looks pretty attractive on paper

I think it should be out next month

[blonde]

i would love to get the 17-55 IS 2.8 but i plan to upgrade to the 1dmkII soon so this lens is out however, since i am so happy with my 17-40, this is not such a big problem..

[Dorman]

Very happy with my 17-40 as a walkaround and landscape lens. It's built like a tank and is optically awesome. If F/4 is too slow for you I suggest looking elsewhere. It's true that it's not the longest lens, but that's what feet are for.

That being said I rarely shoot long and I'm looking at adding a Tamron 28-75 for added reach and low-light performance, a dual walkaround lens solution.

[steved110]

I find the 17-40 L has made a perfect upgrade from the 18-55 kit lens. It is built so well, AF is really fast, the viewfinder is clearer and brighter, IQ is great, and best of all it is not so heavy that I really notice it. It balances the camera weight ( 20D ) really well.
It was my first L ( still is, alas) and the difference between this and consumer lenses was astounding.
The focal length range suits me fine as a walk-about - pretty wide, and not too long, so ideal for environmental portrraits and city scapes as well as landscapes and full length portraits. I don't feel inhibited by the f/4 maximum aperture.
The fact that I can useit on film/ full-frame is great also - when I stick it on my film eos it's like a totally different optic. Wide as a wide-mouthed frog.....!
So I'd endorse this one whole-heartedly to anyone.

[Billginthekeys]

the 17-40 is definitly a jewel. might not be conisdered walk around, but its a great lens none the less.