16-35 or 17-40

thanks skip

Distortion is now pretty easy to correct in processing, so I do not consider it a deal breaker. Also, sometimes distortion is a creative part of the image and these uwa lenses can really distort...


For EdV
Since you have shot with the 10-20, you have an idea of the type of image(s) the uwa lens will produce. My question to you is, do you really shoot enough of those types of images to warrant the purchase?
Shooting the 5DII with the 24-70 really captures a pretty wide angle, yet still keeps a lot of the image as pretty "viewable" in a sense of not having to crop.
When I shoot the 16-35/5DII at 16mm, I am not thrilled if the image captures a lot of distance subject (the subject can be pretty small). It does work great for buildings or capturing a lot of a subject closer to the camera though.

What ever you decide, good luck.

Pierre, there's artistic technique to using ultra wide lenses besides the occasional requirement to get it all in. One of them is getting as close as possible to your subject. Another is making the perspective work for your composition. Those lenses are just another tool in the toolbox; yes, it's up to each to figure whether having that lens on hand is worth it. The same can be said for the opposite, such as long telephoto.

17-40 is a landscaper, whereas the 16-35 is a photojournalist's lens. If you have one chance to get the shot and to choose your framing in dimly lit confines, which lens is the one to have on you?

I bought the 17-40 thinking it as a holdover until the next great uwa came out. But man I do love it. It's light, sharp, and 77mm filters work with it. I rarely shoot it wide open so I don't need 2.8. I would like it to be even wider at times though. Great bang for the buck.

pbelarge wrote in post #12238888
Since you have shot with the 10-20, you have an idea of the type of image(s) the uwa lens will produce. My question to you is, do you really shoot enough of those types of images to warrant the purchase?

Excellent point, Pierre. In all honesty, I have not used the 10-20 that much at all. Of course, there was a time when I could have said the same about my 24-70. But that has changed and the 24-70 is now pretty much my go to lens.