16-35 vs 17-40

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Archive 2004 · 16-35 vs 17-40

Moody
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p.2 #1 · 16-35 vs 17-40

The Big Bad wrote:

, its kind of funny that people are so strongly opinioned for a given lens, such as Moody for the 17-40 by saying the 16-35 is "useless" for low light and then low and behold, in his equipment profile he owns a 17-40.
Yeah, that's it...you got me

I just said that 1 stop advantage isn't worth $600 extra for most people, definitely not at wide angle.

Now back to Moody, for what he does, even f2.8 may really be useless and he really does need f1.8 or faster. He's completely accurate in that regard to his shooting needs. My needs however are different and I often shoot where f2.8 is just enough and f4 isnt. So for me, that extra stop is all I need to get my shots.
I really don't judge you by your 16-35. In fact, if I was a millionair I would have bought a 16-35

Dec 18, 2004 at 02:49 PM

xl-1
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p.2 #2 · 16-35 vs 17-40

if you really2 need 2.8, then u go to 16-35, other wise 17-40 will be good enough, 16-35 stop down at f/4 quality is the same as 17-40 f/4.

Dec 18, 2004 at 03:28 PM

Don Clary
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p.2 #3 · 16-35 vs 17-40

As Ron stated, the 20D requires a lens with f2.8 aperture, to allow the central precision cross sensor to function. It is not about focus speed, nor is it about the amount of light. It is about the off axis angle of light, that permits these sensors to operate. These sensors are 3 times as accurate as the vertical sensors. On the series 1 bodies and the EOS 3, the central precision cross sensor will work at f4.

Considering the extreme importance of sharpness to most photographers, having a lens fast enough to permit these sensors to operates is extremely important. With my extensive experience with lens testing and manual focus bracketing, I can clearly see how important accurate focusing is. A consumer lens manually focused to perfection, can easily exceed in sharpness an L lens that is not perfectly focused. A lens is only as good as its focus.

In my style of photography, I use a tripod about 98% of the time, and I always manually focus. Only on rare action shots and in portraits, do I use autofocus. YMMV.

Dec 18, 2004 at 05:50 PM

bwaterme
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p.2 #4 · 16-35 vs 17-40

Keep in mind that you can often pick up a used copy of the 16-35 for just under $1,000. The 17-40 used will run you about $600. Therefore, if you are willing to go used then it is not as big of a difference as the new prices suggest($1350 v $690).

Dec 18, 2004 at 05:51 PM

jdben622
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p.2 #5 · 16-35 vs 17-40

I had both at the same time and agree with the guy at the shop re: the color/contrast. The 16-35 had more pop.

John

Dec 18, 2004 at 06:08 PM

oeyvind
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p.2 #6 · 16-35 vs 17-40

Never have a 17-40 but I like my 16-35, lovely lens!

All at its widest end

on D60

This image is copyrighted by the owner

on 1D

on EOS 30

Dec 18, 2004 at 06:46 PM

lovcom
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p.2 #7 · 16-35 vs 17-40

BeeMan458 wrote:
Call me nuts, having a 10D but if I had a 20D, I'd be looking at the 10-22 for my 1.6x sensor cropped sensor body coupled with a 24-70 and a 100-400 IS.

I have the 16-35, which I purchased before the 17-40 came out. And with the low noise capability of the 20D, based upon reports, the 17-40/16-35 debate is pretty much a personal wash. Below is a Luminous Landscape shoot out review between the two lenses that you ask about.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/16-35.shtml

Actually, the article you referenced compares the 17-35 vs 16-35 as far as I can tell.

Dan

Dec 21, 2004 at 09:19 PM

Guest
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p.2 #8 · 16-35 vs 17-40

Night use with the 17-40

Dimensions: 3522 x 2348
Capture Time: 2004:12:15 19:42:43
Camera Model: EOS-1D Mark II
Type: CR2 Image
Size: 6.8 MB
ISO speed: 250
Exposure time: 10 sec
Aperture: f 4.5
Focal length: 40 mm

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Dec 21, 2004 at 11:27 PM

Tom_W
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p.2 #9 · 16-35 vs 17-40

Nice shot, Gunny.

My opinion FWIW is that both lenses offer very good image quality. I've had both, and I like both. If you shoot low-light wide, the 2.8 will give you an extra stop. Whether its worth a few hundred more is up to you.

Dec 22, 2004 at 02:07 AM

Zane Yau
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p.2 #10 · 16-35 vs 17-40

I always shoot in small aperture when I use wide angle for landscape etc. Since I have my DSLR, I have been more willing to do available indoor candid shots in parties, streetscenes etc. I found that the 2.8 is really useful for that 1 stop extra of light to prevent hand shake.

You will never know what you will be photographing in the future. There aren't that many landscapes to shoot if you live and work in the city. ALthough I love it, but I only do landscape shooting once a fortnight, but I use my 16-35 for everything else that needs the flexibility of a low light zoom.

My strategy is to go for the best lens I can afford and save myself from buying and selling in the future. Although a person up the top is right to say that you won't lose much to sell the f4 in the future as it's popular

Good luck on your decision

Dec 22, 2004 at 03:38 AM

smokysun
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p.2 #11 · 16-35 vs 17-40

i agree. if you go for the best first, you'll save a lot of money (and get the good shots right away instead of later). seems like i've wasted an awful lot!
wayne
here's the 17-40 pushed to the limit (almost)
http://www.pbase.com/wwp/thanksgiving
i picked up a cheap 20-35 2.8L but haven't used it much. don't know if the 16-35 has the same color qualities. very rich. but i think the 17-40 the way to go. otherwise get fast primes.

Dec 22, 2004 at 07:40 AM


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