Using a test chart, I found the lens to be very sharp across the image at all focal lengths. The included picture is typical of my results and is a small part of the image from a Canon 5D Mark-II. The lens quickly snaps into focus and produces good closeups at the 40 mm setting. The only shortcoming is slight barrel distortion toward the 17mm focal length.
Images from Shutterbugger
Small crop of test chart.
By Ryan the Runner
from New York, NY
About Me Photo Enthusiast
10/11/2011
Great lens for the money
5.0
PROS
Consistent Output
Durable
Rugged
CONS
Poor in Low Light
BEST USES
Video
Night Photography
Landscape/Scenery
Comments:
L lenses are great and this one is the cheapest one you can get. But if you're a novice photographer you might be better off with a lens that has more of a zoom.
Images from Ryan the Runner
Manhattan at Night
By Brant Nyberg
from Riverton, WY
About Me Semi-pro Photographer
7/26/2011
This lense is worth every penny
5.0
PROS
Nice Bokeh
Easily Interchangeable
Strong Construction
Consistent Output
Rugged
Durable
Lightweight
CONS
BEST USES
Landscape/Scenery
Macro Photography
Indoors/Low Light
Night Photography
Comments:
This is simply the best wide angle lense I've ever owned.
Images from Brant Nyberg
July Thunderstorm over the Wind River Mountains
Climb
By sphotog
from Hacienda Heights CA
About Me Semi-pro Photographer
4/07/2011
Great wide angle lens.
4.0
PROS
Durable
Consistent Output
Fast / accurate auto-focus
Strong Construction
CONS
BEST USES
Landscape/Scenery
Weddings/Events
Wildlife Photos
Comments:
This is one of the lower priced L lens that canon has. f/4 is not as fast as some might want it to be but on a 5DII full frame camera it's a no-brainer.
By jojacobs
from Charleston, SC
About Me Photo Enthusiast
6/03/2010
Best addition to my lens arsonal
4.0
PROS
Consistent Output
Fast / accurate auto-focus
Easily Interchangeable
CONS
Expensive but unmatched
BEST USES
Landscape/Scenery
Macro Photography
Weddings/Events
Comments:
I read several reviews before deciding on this lens. It is the perfect combination of wide angle and macro. functions very well throughout the focal length. I used it the first time at my daughter's wedding and got some really memorable photos.
By photo video junkie
from bisbee az
About Me Photo Enthusiast
3/31/2010
17-40L
4.0
PROS
Strong Construction
Consistent Output
Durable
Rugged
Fast / accurate auto-focus
Easily Interchangeable
CONS
Poor in Low Light
BEST USES
Landscape/Scenery
Video
Weddings/Events
Comments:
nice build quality a I wish it was a little better in low light though
By california mike
from san diego
About Me Photo Enthusiast
2/24/2010
a gem of a lens
5.0
PROS
Strong Construction
Easily Interchangeable
Sharp Focus
Lightweight
Quick Focus
Durable
Consistent Output
Rugged
CONS
BEST USES
Travel
Landscape/Scenery
Comments:
perfect for landscape and interior architectural shots
By Bill
from Vacaville, CA
About Me Photo Enthusiast
12/14/2009
Great product [...]
5.0
PROS
Easily Interchangeable
Quick Focus
Sharp Focus
Consistent Output
Strong Construction
CONS
BEST USES
Travel
Landscape/Scenery
Comments:
Another wonderful EF lens.
By Dave
from Wisconsin
About Me Semi-Professional
9/25/2009
Sharp and Reliable
4.0
PROS
Quick Focus
Easily Interchangeable
Strong Construction
Durable
Rugged
Consistent Output
Sharp Focus
CONS
Heavy
BEST USES
Night Photography
Landscape Photography
General Use
Special Effects
Comments:
Great for everyday use with added capacity for architectural shots that I couldn't get before.
Images from Dave
Quarry Fence
Gravel Quarry
By T-N-T
from Methuen, MA
About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast
4/09/2009
No need to remove it from the body!!!
5.0
PROS
Consistent Output
Strong Construction
Durable
Rugged
Sharp Focus
CONS
Heavy
BEST USES
General Use
Upgrade
Night Photography
Landscape Photography
Comments:
It is not the best lens of the L series. I've seen reviews about the vignette issue of this lens, from canon website, but I have yet notice that with the pictures I took from this lens. The wide-angle is perfect for indoor use, like family gathering and birthday. It is also perfect outdoor scenery. This lens has been on my camera since the day I received it, and it is staying that way.
Images from T-N-T
As is, no photo shop.
As is, no photo shop.
By Daave
from NYC
About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast
4/07/2009
Nice Lens. Best wide for 5d
5.0
PROS
Consistent Output
Lightweight
Rugged
Easily Interchangeable
Strong Construction
Durable
Sharp Focus
CONS
BEST USES
Landscape Photography
Special Effects
Comments:
Best bang for buck
By Bud
from Michigan
About Me Semi-Professional
3/03/2009
(1 of 1 customer found this review helpful)
Great Canon L Lens
5.0
PROS
Sharp Focus
Rugged
Consistent Output
Easily Interchangeable
Durable
Quick Focus
Strong Construction
CONS
BEST USES
General Use
Sports/Action
Landscape Photography
Comments:
I bought this Canon lens as a landscape lens because it has a solid reputation for crystal-clear sharpness and a great field of view for outdoor scenery. This lens is all of that and much more. This is one lens that I will always keep! Since most landscape photographers seldom go below f/8 this lens will stay attached to one of my camera bodies as a general purpose lens, too.
By Michigan Man
from Grand Rapids, Michigan
About Me Semi-Professional
3/01/2009
(1 of 1 customer found this review helpful)
Great lens at a great price
5.0
PROS
Durable
Consistent Output
Easily Interchangeable
Strong Construction
Quick Focus
Rugged
Sharp Focus
CONS
BEST USES
Landscape Photography
General Use
Comments:
This lens really performs and does it in style. Yes it may be a bit heavy but it's one of the best lenses I've ever used. Great construction and typical L-series quality. Once you use this lens you won't give it up! Oh, by the way, the cost is below $750.00. Another plus for buying this lens.
By Shawn
from Chicago, IL
About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast
1/25/2009
Great Lens!
5.0
PROS
Easily Interchangeable
Rugged
Quick Focus
Strong Construction
Consistent Output
Durable
Sharp Focus
CONS
Heavy
BEST USES
Night Photography
General Use
Landscape Photography
Comments:
Great lens! Affordable for L series glass.
By Nowaczini
from Poland
About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast
10/16/2008
(2 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
I would buy this product again and again
5.0
PROS
Strong Construction
Easily Interchangeable
Sharp Focus
Easy To Clean
Durable
CONS
BEST USES
General Use
Landscape photography
Wildlife
Comments:
Very good lens for everyone. I know a lot of semi profs, that are using this lens. For this price you can't get anything better.
