Best lens at 17mm

[Peter10d]

I have more or less decided that my next body will be the 50d (unless Canon release something else to get me thinking again). Despite researching several lenses (Canon 17-40L, 10-22, Tokina 12-24, Sigma 12-24), I still can’t decide what one to go for. At the moment I am tending towards the 17-40L. Landscapes/general walkabout lens is important to me, along with image sharpness/colour. Having the extra width on the others would be good, but at the same time stretching to 40mm would also be useful (my other lenses up from that are 50mm, 70-200 and 2x). If all four lenses mentioned were used for the same shot at 17mm, which one, if any, would there be a noticeable difference.

 

[swag72]

I think you have not included the very best lens for the Canon crop sensor, the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS.

If I was looking at a walkabout for a 50D (infact this was my walkabout on my 50D!) I would not consider anything else. When you say 17mm wide, do you want the 35mm equivalent of 17mm? If so, then rule out the 17-40 as this is effectively equivalent to approx 27mm on a 50D.

The focal length would fit in nicely to your current line up, as as you mention the Canon 10-22 you are clearly happy with an EF-S lens - 17-55 f/2.8 IS - No brainer!

 

[501cards]

The one option you have not put on your list (which I overlooked at first as well).

Sigma 15-30 f3.5/4.5 DG EX - Discontinued so you would need to find a good secondhand one (Often up from about £150-£175 Used)

But a cracking lens = 24-48 on a 1.6 crop and of course is full frame compatible if you do upgrade to FF in the future, Worth a quick look if you have overlooked it (Rather than already ruled it out)

 

[CSB]

Also consider the Tamron 17-50 F2.8, a cheaper alternative to the Canon 17-55 IS.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

For 17mm you really need UWA to get decent quality. I use Tokina 12-24 mk1 and am very happy with it. Mk2 could be even better, and same goes for canon 10-22, but I haven't tried them. Canon 17-40 and Tamron 17-50 are decent lenses, but NOT for 17mm. The softness and strong distortion will clearly put you off. OVerall 12-24 + 24-70 combo works quite well.

 

[whiteflyer]

If your going UWA, the there is the newly announced Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens

 

[Spiritflier]

I've ticked the 10-22mm mainly because you're using a crop sensor already and I'm guessing you want to go ultra-wide. If you really want the reach rather than the width, I'd pick the 17-40mm F4L.

Hope that helps,
Si

 

[sjh2008]

The Tokina 12-24 mk2 is pretty sharp from 14mm and upwards on a 50D

 

[Peter10d]

Thanks for all the replies, any more opinions out there:bang:

 

[Trixster]

Another vote for the 17-55, it's a fantastic walkabout lens. There's a nice one going in the classifieds at the moment