Wide Lens Question - DPChallenge Forums

05/27/2007 01:42:06 AM · #1

Ok I have a long lens I'm quite happy with and got a 50mm prime which has been fun esp with a reverse macro ring so I can attach it to my 70-300IS. Anyway my problem is I want a wide lens now but I'm caught between a couple and was wondering if anyone can answer which would yield the best possible quality:

My first choice is the Canon 17-40F4L which I rented for a 4 day hike in to the Cdn Rockies with my wife and found I used that one way more than the Canon 70-300IS but I kept finding my self wanting just a little wider at times.

Anyway now I'm trying to decide between the Canon 17-40 F4L, Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4.5 Macro, Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC or go for the extra wide with the Sigma EX10-20mm for Canon Digital EOS or Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX - Canon EF Mount.

But I also keep thinking about the killer photo stitcher in the new PS-CS3 and I'm highly impressed by it and the 17-40F4L would prob suit my needs with that in my arsenal.

I thought about the Canon EF-S 10-22mm F3.5-4.5 USM but think its overpriced for the lens...

Thanks in advance,

-dave

05/27/2007 01:50:44 AM · #2

Question is there a non USM version of the 10-22? I dont know if the 400D actually takes advantage of the USM motor? Itll work, I have a 55-200 F4.5-5.6 II USM on a Rebel T2 35mm. But its fast and jerky in AI Servo.

If the 400D doesn't take full advantage of the USM autofocus motor then id find out if their is a cheaper version available?

Im actually editing some shots from the Rebel gonna post em later.

05/27/2007 02:00:39 AM · #3

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

According to the camera store I was at they said it works great on the 400D, but then again I never ever trust a sales person in a retail store. I'm finding at the extreme wide lenses like the 10-22 there is a very limited selection. My first and foremost requirement is image quality as I'm extremely picky on that. To give you an idea to me ATM when I look through the camera with my 70-300IS and change to the kit lens I find my self checking the front of the lens for something smudged across it as I can tell the difference quite easily with just looking through the camera. My 70-300IS has a USM on it and it has worked great so far but with the wide lens it will be mostly used for outdoor landscape and architectural and maby the od family portrait.

Elliottjms

05/27/2007 02:06:55 AM · #4

Tokina 12-24 excellent. Tokina has a new fisheye zoom,probably the only fisheye zoom ever made.

05/27/2007 02:10:54 AM · #5

Im sure it works great thats not what im saying. What im saying is does it control the USM lens the same way it controls any other lens motor or does it take 100% advantage of it.

The lens will work great and find but my question and this might have to be answered by someone else and id love to know. Does the 400D take advantage of the USM motor. Because if not if there is a slightly older non USM version then itll be the same lens with a different motor and be cheaper. But the lens may also be avaliable USM only anyways.

PhilipDyer

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

05/27/2007 02:24:00 AM · #6

I'm not sure about the USM question, but I'd be surprised if it doesn't work. I have both the 10-22 and the 17-40 lens and I use the wider one much more often. Image quality is a bit higher on the 17-40 lens (can't beat that L glass), but the wide reach of the 10-22 lens is so nice in so many situations that it's just a much more fun lens to use.

However, if you have plans to upgrade to a 5D any time soon, you should go with the 17-40 lens since the EF-S lens won't work with it.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/27/2007 02:28:54 AM · #7

Originally posted by PhilipDyer:

As i said IT WILL WORK, i have a USM lens on a 35mm rebel, not a question of working like a normal lens. (And on the EF-S note thats one thign that sucks on the 35mm rebel too!)

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

05/27/2007 02:34:30 AM · #8

USM has nothing do do with which camera the lens is attached to. USM = UltraSonic Motor and is just a way for the lens elements to move about during focusing. More info about it HERE.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/27/2007 02:42:46 AM · #9

Originally posted by doctornick:

USM has nothing do do with which camera the lens is attached to. USM = UltraSonic Motor and is just a way for the lens elements to move about during focusing. More info about it HERE.

From what i understood on USM compatible cameras the lens focus operates smoother and faster then previous focus motors. They work just fine on older bodies, from what ive experienced its a bit jerky in AI servo not smooth.

Thats why i asked because i wasnt sure, thanks though.

Message edited by author 2007-05-27 02:44:32.

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

05/27/2007 02:46:49 AM · #10

USM lenses are compatible with all Canon EOS cameras.

The Camera has nothing to do with the how smooth your lens focuses, it's the motor inside the lens that does the work. USM lenses focus smoother and faster than non-USM (i.e. regular motor and gears) lenses.

Message edited by author 2007-05-27 02:48:57.

05/28/2007 09:44:40 PM · #11

Ok I want to first say sorry for the hole USM debate :)

I think Ive narrowed it down to one of 2 lenses

Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC macro - (Review and Sample pics)

or

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 USM L - (review and sample pics)

Im not sure how trustworthy //www.photozone.de is but some of the sample pics from the Sigma are quite impressive. Ive used and love the Canon 17-40 but the price is a bit steep for a new one. Im leaning atm more to the Canon as the sigma is putting me off a little with the way it extends with 2 barrels where as the Canon is supposed to be weather sealed...

-dave

rex

Canon PowerShot SD780

05/28/2007 09:47:34 PM · #12

If you think you may want the 17-40mm I may be selling mine as soon as Saturday.