Canon SLR Reviews

Canon EF 17 40mm f 4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

A new and affordable L-series ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that’s ideal for both film and digital SLRs. Superior optics are assured by the use of three aspherical lens elements, in addition to a Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass element. Optical coatings are optimized for use with digital cameras. This lens focuses as close as 11 inches (0.28m), and offers both Canon’s full-time manual focus and a powerful ring-type USM for fast and silent AF. It has a constant f/4 maximum aperture, and offers the choice of screw-in 77mm filters or a holder in the rear of the lens for up to three gel filters. Finally, it offers weather-resistant construction similar to other high-end L-series lenses.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Far sharper than the 18-55mm IS lens
I bought this lens recently and have been very happy with it. People who say this lens is not any sharper the Canon 18-55mm IS lens either 1) have a bad copy of the 17-40mm or 2) they got an exceptionally sharp 18-55mm. My 18-55mm IS is sharp, but when comparing photos taken with both lenses, even at f/8, the 17-40mm clearly shows more detail and contrast. It is just MUCH, MUCH sharper. The quality of construction is also exceptional, and after this lens, I might opt for another L lens to replace my Sigma telephoto.

Having said this, however, there are two weaknesses with this lens:

1. No Image Stabilization. In this regard, the 18-55mm IS is superior since you will likely get a lot more non-blurry shots at night when you have to slow down your shutter speed. I myself have no problem with this since I don’t intend to use the 17-40mm at night but rather my Canon SD880IS for wide-angle shots and my Canon 35mm f/2 for shots of people or moving things.

2. The missing 41-55mm focal length. I rarely use this focal length, and since I have a Canon XT, the real focal length of the 17-40 is like 27 to 65, which is more than good enough for me.

So . . . overall, I highly recommend it. But this is NOT a lens that will do everything you need a lens to do. I don’t think such a lens exists, but if it did for a cropped-sensor camera, it would probably be the Canon 17-55 IS. But again, it’s heavier, more expensive, and has a crappier construction. So the 17-40 is the good compromise.

5 Stars Incredible Lens
My boyfriend recently purchased the Canon 17-40mm as an awesome gift to me. It is my first “L” lens. I have a Canon Digital Rebel XTi (a 1.6x crop body) so this lens is pretty wide, but not ultra wide. It is a great walk-around lens, and it nicely compliments a crop camera body, though you won’t get the effect of an actual ultra wide. If you want the linear distortion or super panoramas that UWA lenses can deliver, you may want to consider Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM or perhaps the Tokina AT-X116PRDXC AT-X PRO DX 11-16mm. The build quality is incredible, much more durable than my Canon 85mm 1.8 and 28-135mm. I love this lens!

2 Stars Same image quality as kit lens!!!
Reading the reviews, why do you all sound like sales people? What is in it for you if I buy or not??

I have been using my kit lens EF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 IS on my Rebel Xsi. I was looking for a lens that would give my pictures that punch/pop sharpness even when viewed in my LCD.

I decided to try an L series lens…took a bunch of tests various conditions…anylized in PS…NO DIFFERENCE IN SHARPNESS/IMAGE QUALITY! Went back to store and salesman couldn’t explain.

The IS in kit lens actually made it sharper when shooting handheld indoors!The L was blurry.

The construction of L is certainly better, but image quality wise…the same.

Is there a lens that will produce a better quality image than the kit lens?

Prove it. The sample pics posted with each lens do not convince me.

Is there some one else in the same situation who has found the solution?

2 Stars It’s going back!
I orderd this lens a few days ago and I am not keeping it. Here is my review

Pros:

* Solid build quality

* Fast and quiet autofocus

* Well controlled Barrel Distortion even at 17mm.

Cons:

* After testing this lens for 2 hours. 95% of the pictures were comming out dark with some indoor pictures having dark corners even with my flash on. Picture taken at 2pm on a bright sunny day were dark and colors were dull!!!

*My other L lens EF 70-200 f 4 (from 4 years ago) takes amazing picture compared to this one.

Conclusion

I think this is quality assurance issue. We are in bad economical times and Canon is getting cheap.

Now I have to spend $20 to send it back…I am thinking that I am much better off walking into a store and paying the extra bucks and test the lens before buying it…or get a used one from 4 to 5 years ago. In otherwords treat any lens produced in the last 2 years like a Sigma lens test it before you buy it

5 Stars Moved me to another level….
This lens is a must for those looking to shoot at another level. It is FANTASTIC!!! Thank you so much for your prompt delivery of the produce. It arrived in excellent condition, just as promised!

Buy/More Info