What is the least expensive "L" lens?

Just wondering....

New? i believe the 70-200 F4, then the 17-40 F4 and the 200 2.8 prime

And all very good value.

70-200 f/4L vs. 17-40 f/4L.

Am I right that 17-40 f/4L is more complicated in design, that's what makes it more expensive?

Isn't 70-200 f/4L much sharper and has better IQ than the 17-40 f/4L? Of course it lacks the weather sealing for the 1-series bodies.

well, they both serve very different purposes. my 17-40 is sharp as a tack. if you need a good wide angle, at that price it certainly is a great lens.

Yes, it is the 70-200 f4, don't think the new IS version will be anywhere close to that price. I just got one and love it already. Funny though, the L primes are way more expensive than the zooms.

I have both and would not say that the 17-40 is less sharp. As previously stated they are for different purposes and both are excellent.

I understand VERY well that they serve different purposes, but my 70-200 f/4L produces much better results than my friend's 17-40 f/4L.

I own both. I will never, ever, part with the 70-200 f/4 except to replace it with a 70-200 f/2.8 for HS football. The 17-40 is a great lens, but if you are strapped for cash, I would look at the tamron f2.8 17-50.

You can get the 70-200 used on FredMiranda for ~500 and the 17-40 for about $550.

I've got both of these lenses too, and for sharpness its a toss-up. I don't think either one is as sharp as my 100mm macro though...but we're REALLY splitting hairs - they're all very sharp!

Telephotos are by nature sharper than wide angles. It's the nature of the type of lens itself, not restricted to the 17-40mm in any way.

I would get the Tamron 17-50mm

Ah, I understand.

Another question:

Is the 70-200 f/4L on 200mm f/5.6 sharper than the 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L on 200mm f/5.6? Tripod and pixel peeping... IS-off.

There are much cheaper L lenses, for example a second hand 100-300 f5.6 L...

A used one.

L lenses hold up very well if cared for properly. Even used in a professional environment, they take quite a beating. There's quite a market of used lenses out there and if you don't need the latest-and-greatest, you can pick up some real gems.