Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 L???

Looking to purchase one of these lenses used. They are asking $540 for this lens with lens and both caps only. Is that a good deal?
Also, what would be an EXCEPTIONAL price to pay for this lens if I can talk him down more?

Last, what should I look out for when purchasing this lens? Any problems that I should watch for???

That is not a terrible price if the lens is in good shape.

However, canon refurb deal right now is a good deal too: http://shop.usa.canon.​com …uct_10051_10051​_282319_-1

that price is spot on if in good condition usually run anywhere from 500.00 older and wiggle to firm and not a mark at 575.00-600.00

Ok, I just bought it.
Given the information that I just read, this lens was manufactured in May of 2006
Looks to be a little dirty(like some of my lenses) but there doesn't seem to be any cracks or scratches anywhere

Focus and mm wheel move smoothly and don't stick. Took a couple of pictures at both f4 and f22 and focus seems to be on point(if it were off I don't think I'd know given how wide this lens is)

I paid $460 for it

Did I get a good deal???

Any other recommended things to look for or look at with the lens?

I almost always see them listed for $550-600. I have never seen less than $500 for one. But that is only on sale at my local craigslist. I got mine for around $550. I would have been very happy with $450.

I never have noticed anything weird that you need to watch out for. My only thought is that you'll need to be carefull of vignette when using filters. Just one 77mm filter like a CP filter isn't a problem, but when stacking 2 or more you will start to see some vignette. Just zoom in a little and you'll be fine.

kawi_200 wrote in post #15876821
I almost always see them listed for $550-600. I have never seen less than $500 for one. But that is only on sale at my local craigslist. I got mine for around $550. I would have been very happy with $450.

I never have noticed anything weird that you need to watch out for. My only thought is that you'll need to be carefull of vignette when using filters. Just one 77mm filter like a CP filter isn't a problem, but when stacking 2 or more you will start to see some vignette. Just zoom in a little and you'll be fine.

Ok, I meant as far as a fault with this lens that I NOW own. not the 17-40's in general. But I think everything is a ok. I noticed that when looking at the back of the lens(the part that connects to the camera) there was no glass at the immediate entrance of the hole. its about 1.5" into the hole where the first glass is. I thought maybe it have fallen out or broken or something. I did some research and realized that these are just made that way haha
I could have sworn the my other lenses had glass in where the hole started.

Appreciate the responses everyone. I think Im happy with the purchase.

He originally wanted 550 for it. talked him down to 460 since it was such a quick buy on my end. He said he's been stood up twice in the last 2 days hes been trying to sell. maybe that helped me purchase for such a good price!


What is a good way to clean the focus and zoom dials? You know, these lenses seem to get a little white crusty stuff on them(rain sweat and whatever else)

Some lenses have an element right there in the hole, some are further in. The 17-40L is further in lol. Um, yeah, nothing to really watch out for. Just make sure AF is working from near to far and zoom works. Normal stuff like that. And congratulations on the purchase!

I would check for softness on the left side compared to the right. If it's not really obvious on a general shot (doesn't have to be a chart or wall or anything), then it's probably fine. It should be obvious at f8 if there is a problem (large apertures may make it difficult to spot because DOF is small, small apertures may mask the problem).

Less than $500 is a very good deal.