What would you do?

Buy a used Canon 17-40 F4 L off an unknown person?

Or buy a brand new Tamron 17-50 2.8 from the store?


These would both work out to the exact same price in the end. 550$ (including taxes for the Tamron)

if you have a crop sensor then why buy the 17-40 at all?

If I wanted an L I'd save for a bit longer and buy a new one. On the other hand, I have owned a Tamron lens - not the one you're interested in - and have faith in Tamron.

David

magwai wrote in post #11821208
if you have a crop sensor then why buy the 17-40 at all?

It's useless on crop sensors?

Max Powers wrote in post #11821223
It's useless on crop sensors?

not useless, it's just the 17-40 is not very sharp compared to other lens (on crop models) -

see
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=0​&APIComp=2
or
www.photozone.de

well the 17-40 has a better build quality and focus motor. The Tamron is better optically and wider aperture and has a wider focal range.

Personally i went with the Tamron because the build quality is still decent and while its not any kind of USM it focuses fast and accurately (at least mine does).

Genome wrote in post #11821246
well the 17-40 has a better build quality and focus motor. The Tamron is better optically and wider aperture and has a wider focal range.

Personally i went with the Tamron because the build quality is still decent and while its not any kind of USM it focuses fast and accurately (at least mine does).

Fair enough.

New Tamron.

Max Powers wrote in post #11821223
It's useless on crop sensors?

i wouldn't go that far, but there are better or cheaper lenses that only work on crop bodies. i love the 17-40 as a wide angle lens for full frame, but i prefer the 17-55 f2.8 IS on a crop body.

i would buy a prime 24L .. ive had the 17-40 not much bokeh on that

fecone wrote in post #11821351
i would buy a prime 24L .. ive had the 17-40 not much bokeh on that

I already have a prime lens. I need to replace my 17-85mm. I just don't like it very much.

And I kinda wish I did.

what dont you like about it?

I would buy the 17-50 used (from here on POTN) to make sure you get a good sharp copy.

Genome wrote in post #11822019
what dont you like about it?

Photo's just don't come out looking that great. Colors are meh, sharpness is lacking.

I don't know, I've gone through my photos and through the 17-85mm sample thread and it's pretty much the same. If I compare to the 17-50 thread there is a noticeable difference. It just seems like a step up. And a cheap enough step up.

Fair enough. If aperture isn't a concern you might like the 15-85. It's your lenses replacement.