topic Re: Which is the better zoom lens? in EF & RF Lenses

Which is the better zoom lens?

birbajans94 — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 15:51:53 GMT

So recently upgraded to a full frame camera, now I’m looking to add some glassware. I’ve been looking at the 17-40mm as well as the 16-35mm. My main question is what’s the major difference(if any)? As well which would you recommend for all around shooting?

Re: Which is the better zoom lens?

kvbarkley — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 16:11:25 GMT

Which 16-35?

Re: Which is the better zoom lens?

MikeSowsun — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 16:44:58 GMT

What lenses do you have now? Both the 17-40 and 16-35 are not really considered all around, general use, lenses. They are ultra wide angle lenses

For general use, most people go with a 24-70 or 24-105 zoom lens.

Re: Which is the better zoom lens?

ebiggs1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 18:13:14 GMT

I call that a toss up. Nearly the same, you can get f2.8 with the 16-35mil. I have not checked recently but the 17-40mm is probably cheaper. It may not even be produced any more. There are guys here that check that stuff daily so somebody will know.

Re: Which is the better zoom lens?

ebiggs1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 18:17:18 GMT

Personally I wish I had my 17-40mil back. My 16-35mm f2.8L is the only Canon lens I have that was a disappointment.

Re: Which is the better zoom lens?

jrhoffman75 — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 19:39:12 GMT

@MikeSowsun wrote:
What lenses do you have now? Both the 17-40 and 16-35 are not really considered all around, general use, lenses. They are ultra wide angle lenses

For general use, most people go with a 24-70 or 24-105 zoom lens.

Mike is correct.

If you are coming from a crop sensor camera it probably came with an 18-55 kit lens.

Remember that the crop sensor alters the field of view; an 18mm lens on a crop sensor camera ias equivalent to an almost 30mm lens on a full frame camera. Thus the 24-70/105 lens recommendation.

If you really want the 16/17mm coverage on the full frame body the 16-35mm f/4 is an outstanding lens.

Re: Which is the better zoom lens?

wq9nsc — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 22:23:19 GMT

I have been really happy with my 17-40 F4 that I have owned for almost 15 years now. It is a solid performer and I have never felt the need to switch to a faster zoom in that range. It provides good sharpness and contrast and just does what it should.

I have thought about a 16-35 f2.8 a few times but never switched and based upon Ernie's comment I don't think I ever will 🙂

I have taken a lot of photos of my daughter over the years but this photo from Halloween 2005, it was taken with the 17-40L and 1D Mark II @ 1/40, f4.5.

Rodger

Re: Which is the better zoom lens?

Russeli1941 — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 09:07:55 GMT

I have the 16-35 F4 L and have no complaints. I use it for landscape and Milky Way photos. The photos are clean & sharp with vibrant colours. I can't speak on the F2.8 as I have never used it.

Re: Which is the better zoom lens?

ebiggs1 — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 13:12:07 GMT

"I have the 16-35 F4 L and have no complaints."

I have the f2.8L not the f4 which I have never used. I admit I have just a single copy of the lens. I have a couple friends that are not happy with theirs so I believe it is not a single case. I do have one friend that is totally happy with hers. However, I sell photos and can not sell what my 16-35mil produces.

Canon makes the best lenses in the world. I only go for off brand for two reasons. One Canon doesn't see fit to make the lens I want. Example the 150-600mm super zoom. And, two, the 16-35mm. Some could throw the nominally high cost of most of Canon products as a good reason, too.

Re: Which is the better zoom lens?

jrhoffman75 — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 13:25:26 GMT

There are three versions of the 16-35mm f/2.8.

The "III" version is reported to be significantly better than the previous two.

Re: Which is the better zoom lens?

ebiggs1 — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 13:34:45 GMT

"The "III" version is reported to be significantly better than the previous two."

I certainly hope so. I have the II version. I replaced it with the Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens. I am not a Tokina lens fan but this lens is fantastic. It is my only Tokina and likely will be my only Tok.