16-35 f4 3rd party alternatives?

So Ive been trying to purchase the 16-35 f4 for some time now but I keep holding back due to the f4. I really enjoy a lot of low light street and cityscape photography but also shoot some video. The focal range seems great for the city, and the IS is great for video and low light, I just wish it was faster than F4. The IS helps get a really low shutter speed but it isnt always ideal if im trying to freeze subjects.. Does any 3rd party company make a 16-35 F2.8 IS?

I did consider the 35 f2.8 IS, but I think ill miss the focal range..

There is the Tamron 15-35 f2.8 , it is an stabilized lens, and it is almost as good as the canon. I might get it if I find a deal on it. But my 17-40 is doing a great job so far, and the 70-200 IS II is my next big purchase.

Tokina 16-28 2.8 is a great price to performance lens that I have used for probably 5 years or so.

If you don't mind the loss of 1 mm at the short end give the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM some consideration. It's a great lens and reasonably fast at f/2.8. Currently it is on sale direct from Adorama or Sigma at $369 (normally $669).

Oh, after looking at OP gallery, it does seem they are a crop shooter. That opens up a whole 'nother level of options.

Tamron 17-50 either VC or non VC. I owned the non years ago and just recently bought another copy.

For crop sensor cameras the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 is a great lens for low light shooting however it does not have IS. I love mine, it complements the 50-100mm f/1.8 perfectly and can be had for around $500 used.

-Joe

Another vote for the Tamron 15-30. I had the 16-35 II, love/hate, then got the f4 for improved IQ. And it is. I do stills, so IS wasn’t too important. Sold it because of f4 during my trim to fund some Fuji. I have my Zeiss primes so I might not buy the 2.8 III.

Never had the 15-30, but I like the 35/45 and 85 sp lenses. Sold them too—just like Zeiss better.

I would not worry about the 16-35 being an F4 lens. Not at all.

The major advances of the IS system for this lens and the major improvements to the sensors make this a mute point

You can hand hold this lens all day long a 1/30 at F/4 and get tack sharp images. People that use OCF are getting tack sharp shots at 1/10 with this lens hand holding. The IS system is phenominal.

Im a wedding photographer and use a 15 yr old 17-35 F/2.8 but I need to be at 1/80 to pull it off and im very steady

I am getting this lens this year. Used it. Fricken awesome glass from canon. on a 1Dx2 and 5D4, 12800 iso is no big deal for inside use.

I would jump all over this lens is I were a canon shooter especially where the 16-35 F/2.8 is priced

Here are a few off the top of my head:

Tokina: 16-28 f/2.8
Tamron: 15-30 f/2.8 VC, 17-35 f/2.8-4
Sigma: 12-24 f/4 ART, as well as their earlier 12-24 f/4.5-5.6 original and mark II

... and of course, Canon with their 16-35 f/2.8 Mark I, II, III lenses, 17-35 f/2.8L (older model lens), and the 11-24 f/4L monster lens.

umphotography wrote in post #18574332
I would not worry about the 16-35 being an F4 lens. Not at all.

The major advances of the IS system for this lens and the major improvements to the sensors make this a mute point

You can hand hold this lens all day long a 1/30 at F/4 and get tack sharp images. People that use OCF are getting tack sharp shots at 1/10 with this lens hand holding. The IS system is phenominal.

Im a wedding photographer and use a 15 yr old 17-35 F/2.8 but I need to be at 1/80 to pull it off and im very steady

I am getting this lens this year. Used it. Fricken awesome glass from canon. on a 1Dx2 and 5D4, 12800 iso is no big deal for inside use.

I would jump all over this lens is I were a canon shooter especially where the 16-35 F/2.8 is priced

Jump on this lens, you won't regret it. I traded in my trusty 17-40 for the 16-35/4 IS last year and love the results.

This thread caught my interest as well. I'm going on a family trip this summer to Flagstaff with a heavy emphasis on seeing the landmarks out there, (Antelope canyon, Grand canyon, etc.) which means landscape and wide angle stuff.
I've been predominately shooting my daughters' sports and local birding and stuff so I'm covered with that. I did just purchase a brand new 6D and this trip was one of the driving factors in getting it. It would be my first FF camera and the views and opportunities to take advantage of the sensor appeal to me.
The 16-35 looks like great piece of glass but just a bit out of my price range right now considering my recent purchase. I do like the specs of the Tokina 16-28 2.8 as well as the price. Is there something out there on par, or better for around the same price point?
I've got the 12-24 DX but that's a crop lens and f/4.
I really want to take advantage of the 6D's strengths vs my APS-C and H bodies.

OP and Wyn - just try the Canon 16-35 F4 L IS and I will leave the rest to you! It is a very easy decision

It would be easy if I had the extra cash to splurge. Used copies are going for around $850. Would like to be in the $500-$600 ballpark, and even that is making me cringe after dropping $900 on the 6D.
I know, cry once and enjoy it forever......
I suppose I could once I sell my 60D.....

Shiny new toys are expensive!

Only you can decide whether they are worth it and whether your finances will cover it but if you want an illustration then look at my gear list - and I don't even get enough to pay income tax! Yes I do own my own home and have a decent car + no debts - it can be done

wyntastr wrote in post #18585758
It would be easy if I had the extra cash to splurge. Used copies are going for around $850. Would like to be in the $500-$600 ballpark, and even that is making me cringe after dropping $900 on the 6D.
I know, cry once and enjoy it forever......
I suppose I could once I sell my 60D.....

The ongoing prices for the 60D are way too low. You may want to keep it as a backup camera, not sure if it is worth selling it.