Canon 17-35 f2.8L Hands on Opinions

12/30/2010 05:31:39 PM · #1

I have been offered one of these as a trade off for my Sigma 12-24.
Not exactly Apples & Oranges.

Does anyone here have any 'hands on' experience using this lens and maybe even on a FF body (yes I have seen the shots with it here on DPC)

The reviews I have read seem to vary a bit but some say it is very soft wide open.

Thanks

see

Canon PowerShot S95

12/30/2010 05:45:05 PM · #2

16-35?
Loved mine when I owned it.

TrollMan

Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4

12/30/2010 05:49:32 PM · #3

I owned the 16-35 2.8 and now own the 16-35 2.8 II. I also owned the Sigma 12-24. The newest 16-35 beats the sigma hands down on equivalent focal lengths. I didn't care for the Sigma and sold it. The first 16-35 version wasn't nearly as goog IMO. Wide open it's soft as you suggested.

All of the above on FF bodies btw.

12/30/2010 05:56:18 PM · #4

Not 16-35 ....

17-35 f2.8L I believe they are quite old and the 16-35 replaced them.

TrollMan

Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4

12/30/2010 05:59:48 PM · #5

Originally posted by MAK:

Not 16-35 ....

17-35 f2.8L I believe they are quite old and the 16-35 replaced them.

In that case.... I don't know anything about this lens. But my gut feel tells me that you should keep your Sigma.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Did you check www.fredmiranda.com for reviews on it?

MinsoPhoto

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

12/30/2010 06:10:19 PM · #6

It looks like

Magnumphotography owns one. You could send him a Pm, not sure if he will see the thread or not.

Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS USM

12/30/2010 06:49:12 PM · #7

The seller has just sent me an image taken with it and it looks pretty good (contrast/colour).

L snobbery almost always gets the better of me, with exception to the Sigma 50mm f1.4. He said also he would bring it down for me to try before we trade so I cannot ask for more.

I will send Magnum a PM if my battered brain can remember.

Many thanks

Magnumphotography

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

12/30/2010 06:53:09 PM · #8

I do have one of these lenses! I bought it many moons ago and it is still going strong. Performance wise, I have not had any reason to upgrade. It produces very nice images and yes, on a 5dII. It does have some distortion at 17mm though. Colour, contrast and sharpness seem great. Although, I don't have any lens to compare it to. The minimum focus is just under 1.5 feet. I do wish it could focus closer at times. I have shot it wide open and never got the impression of it being soft. Although, I could have a great copy of this fine lens. To give you an idea of value. Henry's camera store in Ottawa, wanted to give me $500 as its trade in value last year. They would probably sell it for $900 used at the store. I have had a hard time, finding reviews on this lens. It seems it's dated and out of the google engine search. For the money though, hard to go wrong. Have you seen the price of the new 16-35 f2.8? Yeah, not cheap... One advantage for me, is the f2.8 aperture. My 5dII takes advantage of the aperture, making my centre focusing point a cross type sensor. This helps the autofocus performance greatly. Also in dim light, it is great through the view finder. I would see if you can try it out. It would be great to do a few test shots, before you buy. Anyway, feel free to send a pm with more questions. I'm always up for helping a fellow Dpc'er.

Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS USM

12/30/2010 07:32:14 PM · #9

Originally posted by Magnumphotography:

You covered it thoroughly enough for me. I just need to check it is a sharp copy, the pics of the lens looks like it has been kept very nice, no scuffs or missing paint.
Thanks for your time to help me out, appreciated.

Magnumphotography

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

12/30/2010 08:18:02 PM · #10

Anytime Mak! I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

12/30/2010 10:24:28 PM · #11

I have had the 17-35 F2.8 lens in the past. A couple of things it doesn't do well is handle distortion at 17MM and than flair isn't controlled that well. Otherwise it's sharp, fast focusing, and fun! Would I trade my 16-35MM VII for it? No, but I would certainly trade a 12-24 for some L loving. I rarely hit 16 on mine and wish I had more so not having 12 wouldnt be an issue for me.

Matt

Edit to add link to reviews on FM

Message edited by author 2010-12-30 22:26:07.

12/31/2010 06:45:40 AM · #12

Hey thanks for the replies.

I been fighting with myself as to weather I should give up photography or not and have nearly sold my kit on several occasions ... I figure getting some new L glass will get my stupid state of thinking back on track again... That is initially why I bought the Olympus, so that when I sell my kit I will still have 'something' to shoot with.... crazy!

I will try next year also by setting up a 1-a-day photo blog if after all this I still have no ambition with my photography then I will throw in the towel.

Thanks for the review Matt.

MinsoPhoto

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

12/31/2010 09:07:53 AM · #13

Originally posted by MAK:

Hey thanks for the replies.

I been fighting with myself as to weather I should give up photography or not and have nearly sold my kit on several occasions ....

I really hope you stick with it. You have made some really beautiful photographs and it is a pleasure to look though your portfolio. Stick with it because you have the skills.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

12/31/2010 01:51:20 PM · #14

I don't think I could give it up, it's like a drug....

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

12/31/2010 02:04:18 PM · #15

Originally posted by MAK:

I don't think I could give it up, it's like a drug....

LOL, ain't that the damn truth!

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

12/31/2010 02:06:06 PM · #16

Originally posted by MAK:

I don't think I could give it up, it's like a drug....

BTW, love the goatse Kermit... That was unexpected.