I originally said - no way. But I've begun to consider it. I've changed my vote from "no" to "maybe".
Weight is a tad less than the XF 70-300. So not terrible. But definitely more than my new kit XF 16-50 and more than any of my much-loved primes.
Looking at sample pics above (thanks @deadwolfbones) I find those with shallow DoF to be the ones that catch my eye.
I don't know if I'd be using this lens or just leaving it in the bag in favor of my primes. In my DSLR days, the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 was a lens I loved but I eventually moved to the smaller Sigma f2.8 zoom simply due to size and weight.
Oh, and I see the 18-35 f/1.8 is $800 compared to this new Fuji 17-40 f/1.8 version at over $900. :-(
Managed to find one of these at a retailer not one of the big New York two and put in an order for it. Should have it next week. Really looking forward to using this for video, maybe even some gimbal shots actually...also maybe event and portrait work that I don't want to use the 16-55 2.8 for.
It's longish in size and only a tad lighter than my Fuji 16-55 v1. It is 1-⅓ stops faster which is not trivial. My 16-55 gets used a lot at 16, but undoubtedly I could live with 17 instead. Nor do use over 40 enough where it would be a significant limitation. It's intriguing for sure. I guess I'm a maybe for now...
I really hope they do. I'm trying to not buy the 50-140 again. It got the job done, but it's not anything I want to use indoors. I basically use the 90 and 200F2 to not use that lens ftllens wrote:
Amazing, the 18-35, 50-100 was stable in a lot of s35 indie cine shooter bags. I sense they'll make a 45-105 1.8 then as well?
But, is it better than a prime, like a Fuji 33mm f/1.4....? Well, the debate can begin. To me, the 33mm is a great lens. Love it. If it was a choice between the Sigma 17-40 and the Fuji 33mm, it would be the Fuji.
But, only because the Fuji is smaller, lighter, handholds better, etc.
Toss in a Fuji 16mm f/1.4 (that I have) or the Fuji 23mm f/1.4 and now the shift happens. 2 lenses versus one. On the camera, the primes are lighter, etc than the Sigma, but in the bag, or a bag, different story. Use for indoor event, as an example, the Sigma wins, unless you want to swap, or cater 2 bodies too.
It is a big decision. Probably let my 16mm f/1.4 go, the 33mm would be a very tough call. Similar to the smaller f/2 ish "Fujicrons". So small, light, and hard to just let go of.
I got mine a couple of months ago but it is for my Sony A6700---love it! There are distortions on the short and long ends but it is not a show stopper since it is easily corrected on DXO PL 9 Elite. It's relatively sharp and the bokeh is amazing!
