16-35 I vs 16-35 II

I have owned the 16-35 f/2.8L I for years. I just bought the 16-35 f/2.8L II.

I'm going to keep the new one although it is a tough decision. I took shots with both lenses @ 16mm 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, and 22. Then I took shots @ 35mm using the same f/ stops. All tripod mounted @ ISO 100.

I frankly don't know if the ver. II is worth $500. more than the ver. I. ( and the CP cost over $100. more.)

At f/2.8 the edges are a bit softer on the ver. I, but at f/11, 16, and 22 The difference is minimal.

I plan to get the TS-E 17 to use when I have the luxury of time to putz around but will probably use the 16-35 mostly for quick shots or travel.

Am I crazy?

Tapeman wrote in post #15918198
I have owned the 16-35 f/2.8L I for years. I just bought the 16-35 f/2.8L II.

I'm going to keep the new one although it is a tough decision. I took shots with both lenses @ 16mm 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, and 22. Then I took shots @ 35mm using the same f/ stops. All tripod mounted @ ISO 100.

I frankly don't know if the ver. II is worth $500. more than the ver. I. ( and the CP cost over $100. more.)

At f/2.8 the edges are a bit softer on the ver. I, but at f/11, 16, and 22 The difference is minimal.

I plan to get the TS-E 17 to use when I have the luxury of time to putz around but will probably use the 16-35 mostly for quick shots or travel.

Am I crazy?

I think that it depends on what you plan to shoot with it. If you're doing landscapes and corner to corner sharpness is important, then the ver II is the one to have. OTOH, if you will be using the TS-E 17 as your preferred landscape lens, and the 16-35 would be for "snapshots", the sharpness of the ver II would not be nearly as important and the ver. I should suffice.

If you're going to be stopping down, and if you're getting the TS-E, I'd just stick with v1. I only use the 16-35 at 2.8 most of the time, so the II is much better for my needs.

However, the 17 TS-E will make you want to throw the 16-35 in the garbage when you look at sharpness, even wide open. It's an incredible lens.

Good to know. I'll be picking up a V.2 soon.