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

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

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras List Price: $1,400.00
Our Price: $744.95
You Save: $655.05 (47%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $645.00 (click here)
Category: Digital Camera
See more digital camera details and other models


(Click here)

Digital camera reviews of Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Digital camera Review: Better than expected with APS-C DSLR
Summary: 5 Stars

When I purchased this lens for my Canon Rebel xsi, I knew it would give me a cropped image equivalent to 27-64mm. I already have a 28-70 lens, that becomes about 44-115 on my Rebel. I wanted to get back the 28mm (semi-wide) view but did not want a lens that would not work on a full-frame camera as I expect to upgrade at some point. So I opted for this lens. What I didn't realize, or had forgotten, was that this lens has a close focus of 11 inches. Which means that even though on the wide end it is equivalent to 28mm, it still is capable of producing an image with a much wider perspective than a standard 28mm on a full-frame. The distortion of angles at the 17mm setting with objects up close is still significant enough to get some really unique shots. F/4 doesn't cause me any problems because when I'm indoors I just set ISO to automatic and it really doesn't impact my shooting at all. Outdoors, who needs f/2.8 with a wide angle anyway.
I haven't seen any reviews that have mentioned how the close focus ability impacts the perception of wide angle. Anyway, I'm very pleased with the purchase. Only thing that could be better would be an all-metal body on the lens. It feels a bit less luxurious due to the plastic barrel.
Just my 2 cents. **Also** Sounds crazy...but true...somehow my copy of this lens is close-focusing at 5 or 6 inches rather than 11. Not sure if this is normal on an APS-C camera or not, but I'm a little mystified as to how this is happening!

Digital camera Review: Buy this lens today. You'll thank yourself.
Summary: 5 Stars

First off, if you're a pro with a bag full of $2000 lenses, you're probably not interested in this, the 2nd least expensive "L" lens.
Secondly, if you're going to compare this to a bunch of $2000 lenses, you're barking up the wrong tree.
My guess is the typical buyer of this lens is someone who is taking their first tentative step into the world of "expensive" glass. This lens is made to order for you. It simply blows "ordinary" lenses out of the water. If you're used to the kit lens that came with your camera, or a 3rd party lens you got for $150, you are going to love this lens. You'll find yourself taking more pictures, taking time to frame your shots and basically caring about what you shoot. This is a lens that is far more talented than you are, and you'll strive to rise to its level.
I cannot say enough good things. The sharpness ROCKS. The saturation and contrast are absolutely fantastic. The focus is instantaneous and silent, and usually dead on. And the red stripe looks really cool! :)
Its heavy, and built like a tank. If you're looking for a lightweight, this ain't it. It is lighter than most other "L" lenses, however, and not too bad to carry.
Drop the 700 bucks, and go out and take some serious photographs.

Digital camera Review: Canon 17-40
Summary: 4 Stars

Having planned to move from a crop body to a full frame or a 1.3 crop (if i decide to get a 1DMkIII instead of a 5D) i needed to replace my 17-55mm lens. Given the 17-40 build quality and weather proofing this was really value for money even though it is an f4. I really didn't need to go into a 2.8 for this as I use a couple more lenses if i really need a wider aperture. The picture quality is good and i need to use it a little more to rate this as great, since i'm currently using it with a 40D i may not be seeing the best of it.

Digital camera Review: Canon EF 17-40 L-series lens
Summary: 5 Stars

An incredibly sharp lens. I have used Canon lenses for years, but this is the first time I,ve ever used one of the L-series lenses. I am completely sold on these lenses, and will never buy anything but the L-series from now on.

Digital camera Review: Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
Summary: 5 Stars

This is an ultra crisp lens. I have been using it for almost all shots now, with the exception of macros.
More Customer Reviews:
First Review 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Film and digital cameras at ApexCamera.com