Question 1

How wells dose the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens perform in low light situations?

Accepted Answer

This is a bit vague, so I am going to shotgun you some responses here.

1.  Depends on camera - If you have a full frame camera like a 6D or 5D, you can use higher ISO without gaining too much noise.  So this lens can be decent, though I would think the lack of a wider aperture or IS will still hurt you.  IF you have a crop frame camera like a Rebel, mid range (80D, 77D), or 7D, then it is not the lens for you.  On those camera the EF-S 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM is a much better choice for 50 dollars more.  It has several advantages over 17-40mm; just as wide with a longer reach, a full stop more light, image stabilization, and significantly less distortion (the 17-40mm is worse at all levels of the zoom, even 40mm is worse that the 17mm of the 17-55mm).  The 17-40mm is designed for full frame cameras, and while it will fit, the 17-55mm is made for a crop sensor body, and thus is optimized for sharpness with that setup.
2.  Depends on the intended use - We talking indoor sports?  Then no, this will not be good for that on any camera.  Astrophotography?  Also no, you would want somethign that is at least F2.8 for that.  Taking shots of kids playing in the house?  Maybe, if you can live with having to bump your ISO up to higher levels to get exposure up.  Museum?  Again, higher ISO to get that better exposure, or a flash.  Can't be a built it flash either, has to be a speedlight, as a built in flash will cause a shadow in your photos from the lens Blocking part of the flash.  Landscape?  If you are using a tripod and can therefore shoot whatever shutter speed you need at whatever ISO you want, then it can work.  But if on a crop sensor, there are less expensive options for all that, so if you have one of those then look at the EF-S 10-18mm instead.

I just really don't suggest this lens to people most the time, as I feel that for the money there are better choices.  On a full frame, from Canon, this is the least expensive option, but if you can save up a little longer, then I would suggest the EF 16-35mm F4L IS USM instead.  Not only do you get 4 stop IS that will allow you to shoot at much slower speeds in low light, it is also the sharpest wide angle lens that Canon makes.  It's 1000 USD compared to 750 USD, and worth the investment if you can wait until you have the money.  If you have a crop sensor, then the other two lenses I suggested are a better bet.

Question 2

Im replacing a 18-135 efs lens. its between this and 16-35mm. i will use it for street photos, landscape, and portraits. money is an issue. thoughts?

Accepted Answer

That is a tough question.  While both lenses have similar focal ranges, the key difference is that the 17-40mm has a max aperture of f/4 and the 16-35mm has a max aperture of f/2.8.  That allows the 16-35mm to be more useful in low-light situations, as well as situations when a relatively shallow depth of field is desired.  I take mostly landscape shots, and the 17-40mm has served me well for that purpose.  I also imagine it would be good for street photos, assuming you wouldnât be needing a shallow depth of field.  Given I donât usually take portrait photos, I canât comment much on that, but if money is an issue, I feel you could get by with the 17-40mm.

Question 3

Wondering how this lens will do with shooting sports?  thanks!

Accepted Answer

It really depends on what your looking to achieve with your shots. If your looking to get the "Big" picture then this is a capable lense. If your looking to get the sweat flying off someone's eyebrow then this wouldn't be the lense to use. I shoot with a 300mm 2.8 for sports. Sports are extremely tough to shoot.

Question 4

I'm looking for a lens for my RebelXSi to shoot interior shots of rooms, aka House Beautiful, Architectural Digest look. Yea, nay or what else?

Accepted Answer

Remember you'll need to factor in  x 1.6 for the crop sensor... But it should work but expect to see 27.2-64mm not 17-40mm

ASIN	B00009R6WO
Best Sellers Rank	#1,137 in SLR Camera Lenses
Brand	Canon
Built-In Media	Lens
Camera Lens	Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens for SLR Cameras
Color	Black
Compatible Camera Mount	Canon EF
Compatible Devices	Mirrorless Camera
Customer Reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (869)
Exposure Control Type	Manual
Focal Length Description	17-40 lens
Focus Type	Auto Focus
Global Trade Identification Number	00013803028058
Has Self-Timer	No
Image stabilization	Digital
Item Weight	500 Grams
Lens	Wide Angle
Lens Coating Description	Super Spectra Coating
Lens Design	Zoom
Lens Fixed Focal Length	17 Millimeters
Lens Mount	Canon EF
Manufacturer	Canon Cameras US
Manufacturer Part Number	8806A002
Maximum Focal Length	40 Millimeters
Media Type	ProductImage
Minimum Aperture	4 f
Minimum Focal Length	17 Millimeters
Model Name	EF17-40mm f/4L USM
Model Number	8806A002
Number of Diaphragm Blades	7
Photo Filter Size	77 Millimeters
Real Angle Of View	104 Degrees
UPC	132017923253 013803028058
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Warranty Description	1 year coverage for labor, 1 year coverage for parts
Water Resistance Level	Water Resistant
Zoom Ratio	2.35:1

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

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