comparing EF17-40mm f/4L and EF 17-55mm f/2.8

[spooN]

heard that 17-55mm is using the same glass as L, just that not L built on the outside. anyone can clarify this?

 

[sabee]

heard that 17-55mm is using the same glass as L, just that not L built on the outside. anyone can clarify this?

As a clarification:

The optical quality is similar to that of L lenses, the build is not because of a lack of weather sealing, non magnesium alloy. Also with regards to 'glass', it uses some elements that are commonly found in L lenses as well.

 

[rujianbuping]

Just to share that I have a 17-40mm f/4L lens and use it on my Canon 40D body during my china and taiwan trip. Not very impressive with it. I suppose it is due to my lousy skills, like some of you might suggest. Can't comment on 17-55/f2.8 as I have not tried it out yet. I most impressive lens that I have tried so far is Canon 70-200L/F4 IS.

 

[Michaelavaloke2009]

that's exactly wat i did. tripod, f11, manual Focus, off the IS, using wire shutter control, ISO100. most of time at AV mode. shutter always at 25-30sec

AV mode? but normally ppl use M or B mode on tripod.
use auto focus first, then manually readjust to make sure its tag sharp. so dslr that hv live view is important.

 

[auden09]

i feel that the 17-40 is quite impressive in the colors rendition department. its a great landscape lens, but when it comes to shooting streets in the evening...its game over.

 

[maqius]

that's exactly wat i did. tripod, f11, manual Focus, off the IS, using wire shutter control, ISO100. most of time at AV mode. shutter always at 25-30sec

Can you upload the pic that you mention that's distorted? I once took a night shot that usually should turn out find. Basically tripod, f16, 20 sec, ISO 100. But when load it up on my PC and see clearly, it's contain some distortion. Then I realize, there's a construction happening right behind where I place my tripod, apparently the vibration is enough to cause the distortion...

 

[bullseyez]

AV mode? but normally ppl use M or B mode on tripod.
use auto focus first, then manually readjust to make sure its tag sharp. so dslr that hv live view is important.

not quite sure bout the B mode u talkin about. I'm using 1000D, the mode are follow:
A-DEP, M, AV, TV, P so no B mode haha.
use auto focus first, then manually readjust is also wat i did.

 

[bullseyez]

Can you upload the pic that you mention that's distorted? I once took a night shot that usually should turn out find. Basically tripod, f16, 20 sec, ISO 100. But when load it up on my PC and see clearly, it's contain some distortion. Then I realize, there's a construction happening right behind where I place my tripod, apparently the vibration is enough to cause the distortion...

will wind cause tat too? it was always windy when i shoot at clark quay

 

[auden09]

on the qn of which lens to choose, i guess TS dunnid to choose right now.

 

[ShaneKua]

on the qn of which lens to choose, i guess TS dunnid to choose right now.

Imagine that. This forum may have just saved him at least $1k.

 

[longfung]

I was faced the same problem yesterday. In the end I purchased the 17-55mm.
Reason:
1) I do not plan on upgrading to a FF within the year. If you have plans to upgrade get the 17-40
2) Will like something more versatile cause i will be carrying it for traveling.
3) Good resale value of the 17-55

Cheers!

 

[bullseyez]

I was faced the same problem yesterday. In the end I purchased the 17-55mm.
Reason:
1) I do not plan on upgrading to a FF within the year. If you have plans to upgrade get the 17-40
2) Will like something more versatile cause i will be carrying it for traveling.
3) Good resale value of the 17-55

Cheers!

tats wat i tought.

 

[clatter8075]

its a common thing that newbies blame their gear if they cant get what they want.

in your situation, i think you just need a tripod.:thumbsup:

It depends on what kind of "night shots" he is talking about, no? Don't rush yourself into putting someone down.

 

[bullseyez]

It depends on what kind of "night shots" he is talking about, no? Don't rush yourself into putting someone down.

thx for tat ^^ but no prob C&C is gd here. need to improve on skill also. haha

 

[pingkee82]

a lot of ppl suggest to get 17-55 f2.8 IS,cos very useful when take photo at low light environment.i feel it's quite funny~ even with IS,the object suddenly moving,the photo also become blur~when take nite scene~wit tripod~i dun c wat's de different between f2.8 n f4.recently i take some wedding dinner photo wit my gear,450d+18-200mm+580 exII,i set F8,NO PROBLEM at all.

TS,u can go to some camera shop n try out both lens b4 u decide.dun regret after getting it~enjoy wit ur camera~

 

[sabee]

a lot of ppl suggest to get 17-55 f2.8 IS,cos very useful when take photo at low light environment.i feel it's quite funny~ even with IS,the object suddenly moving,the photo also become blur~when take nite scene~wit tripod~i dun c wat's de different between f2.8 n f4.recently i take some wedding dinner photo wit my gear,450d+18-200mm+580 exII,i set F8,NO PROBLEM at all.

TS,u can go to some camera shop n try out both lens b4 u decide.dun regret after getting it~enjoy wit ur camera~

The scenarios you mention with tripod or with flash - definitely no problem. But you can't deny that in low light without flash F2.8 is useful and the extra bokeh comes in handy too.

 

[pingkee82]

The scenarios you mention with tripod or with flash - definitely no problem. But you can't deny that in low light without flash F2.8 is useful and the extra bokeh comes in handy too.

u r rite~f2.8 is not enough for landscape n group photo~now depends on TS wat he use the lens for~~

 

[evilorgi]

EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is the clear choice here... I used both, decided to stick with 17-55 in the end...

 

[Bellaraphon]

not quite sure bout the B mode u talkin about. I'm using 1000D, the mode are follow:
A-DEP, M, AV, TV, P so no B mode haha.
use auto focus first, then manually readjust is also wat i did.

i believe the B mode is in mode M.

When you are in mode M, you adjust the dial for both f/stop and shutter speed. You'll adjust the shutter speed to a few minutes and it'll end off in B mode.

 

[maqius]

will wind cause tat too? it was always windy when i shoot at clark quay

Not too sure about that, maybe check the stability of your tripod? Anyway, I've tried own both lens before and kept the 17-40 because of the better build. But you'll need to test out the lens yourself to see which one you like.