17-55mm f/2.8 or 17-40mm f/4 L

[oldfox678]

Hi everyone.I'm new to this forum and this is my first post.
I'm thinking of buying a zoom lens as a general purpose lens. But I'm torn between Canon 17-55mmf/2.8 and Canon17-40mm f/4 L. Can you guys and girls please help me decide. Thanks in advance.

 

[photographydude]

Ahhhhhh. That is the same one I am having a problem with right now (the L glass). lol.

I am sure others will say that the quality is awesome.. it is supposed to be but my copy seems to be soft as a pillow and I am not happy with it.

 

[Big Mike]

Both great lenses, no problem there.

If you need/want F2.8 and/or IS, then the choice is clear.
If you have, or plan to upgrade to, a 'full frame' EOS camera, then go with the EF 17-40 rather than the EF-S 17-55.

 

[Munky]

Both great lenses, no problem there.

If you need/want F2.8 and/or IS, then the choice is clear.
If you have, or plan to upgrade to, a 'full frame' EOS camera, then go with the EF 17-40 rather than the EF-S 17-55.

Mike Hit The Nail!
But If Your Not Going to Switch to Full Frame I'd Recommend
Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC (VC = IS)

 

[Hardrock]

I dont believe the 17-40L has the same FOV as the 17-55 on a crop body. Im pretty sure the 17-55 will seem wider thanthe 17-40 due to the 17-40 is made for full frame. I love my 17-40 on my 50D. There are times I wish it were wider.

 

[Big Mike]

I dont believe the 17-40L has the same FOV as the 17-55 on a crop body. Im pretty sure the 17-55 will seem wider thanthe 17-40 due to the 17-40 is made for full frame.

Both lenses, used on the same camera, will have the same field of view at 17mm.

The 17-40mm, used on a full frame, will give you a wider angle view (than used on a crop body)...and of course, the 17-55mm isn't compatible with full frame cameras.

But to say that the 17-40mm will give a wider field of view, is misleading.