Canon 16-35mm f2.8 vs 17-40mm f4

[Crusader]

I'm planning on going to Hong Kong later this year and I need a new wide angle lens after buying a 6D coming from a 500D.

I'm mostly going to be using the lens around f8-16 but there maybe the occasion when f2.8 comes in handy. I have the budget for both just the 16-35 would take me a bit longer to save for and the price difference could go towards another lens or spending money while over there.

What is everyone's opinion? Will the 17-40 be good enough for general land/cityscapes or should I save and get the 16-35? Will I really notice any difference?

 

[Norkie]

I have both the 17-40 & the 16-35, there is not a lot to choose for the average photographer between them I believe. Up the ISO, you'll still get fast shutter speeds to simulate f2.8. The 6D will handle the noise very well.

My advice, get the 17-40 and see what bargains you can snap up in Hong Kong.

If you buy a lens, put it in your bag and post the empty box home! Beats the customs man

 

[dinners]

I've had both but I now just have the 17-40

Despite thinking f2.8 would come in handy, I just never found myself needing it on a wide lens.

In terms of IQ a lot has been written about the 16-35 being better than the 17-40 but in the real world I probably couldn't tell you which shots were taken with which lens.

I'd say it's entirely down to f4 v f2.8 and what you shoot.

Unless money is no object or you know f2.8 is a game changer for your style, I'd go with the 17-40 and put the difference towards something else.

 

[StewartR]

In terms of IQ a lot has been written about the 16-35 being better than the 17-40 but in the real world I probably couldn't tell you which shots were taken with which lens.

I'd say it's entirely down to f4 v f2.8 and what you shoot.

Unless money is no object or you know f2.8 is a game changer for your style, I'd go with the 17-40 and put the difference towards something else.

Agree 100%. The 16-35 feels great and looks great, but in the real world there's very litle difference unless you really need f/2.8.