I'm currently in the market for a wide lens to use on my 10D and film bodies. I've narrowed it down to 4 lenses at thin point and I need some help deciding

First is the 20-35 3.5-4 USM
I like the price on this lens the best. How do you guy like it optically? I seems like a solid lens but I haven't had one in my hands.

Second Sigma 12-24
I don't know what to think about this lens. The images I seen are great, but I've heard horror stories about durablitly. Any thoughts?

Third 17-40 f4L
Enough said I think this stacks up at the top of this list for image quality and sharpness, but it's the most money too.

Fourth 20-35 2.8L
I know this is an old lens, but I've shot with it in the past an t seems very sharp and rugged, but finding one might be a challenge.

If there is anything else I should think about let me know.

Thanks

I will get the 17-40 f4L, if you don't get it now you will soon or later, and that will work more expensive.

Depends on how wide you want to go and how fast the lens needs to be. 12mm is much wide than 17mm or 20mm. Are you shooting landscapes or interiors - that would dictate how fast a lens you'd need. As for durability, I own a Sigma 15 fish and 180 macro and both are built like tanks. Have you also considered the Sigma 15-30? Or depending on your needs, if you stick with a 1.6 crop sensor, you could try a 14mm f/2.8 Sigma too.

Cheers!

If you are into landscapes or outdoor photography where there is plenty of light: GET THE CANON 17-40mm. Man, this lens rocks!!! It will definitely open your eyes!!! If You are into low light, intimate pictures, well wait and see... just like me...

I agree with Joe. I have the 17-40mm f/4L, and I love it to death. BUT, there are times I wish I could go wider. The 12-24 is the only way to do that right now, and get good image quality.

As for build, Sigma EX lenses are top notch, and have all the niceties canon L users are accustomed to, like full time manual focus and silent focusing motors. The 12-24 also has pretty outstanding image quality.

Arka C.

If you are considering sigma, I'd also reccomend the 17-35 2.8-4.0 EX.

Has a wider aperture at the 17 end (which you are most likely to use indoors when it is darker), and gives very good results - probably not up to L level, but then it is quite a bit cheaper.

I would not go with anything longer than 17 at the wide end (eg either of the 20-35's) if you want to use it on a 1.6 crop factor camera. Even 17 is barely wide enough at times.