Canon Lens Review: The 17-40mm 4L Wide Angle Lens

If you're into photography, then you've probably thought about purchasing a wide angle lens. However, the hefty price tag may have put you off. Or maybe you just don't understand why you would need such a lens. And maybe you don't. It just depends on the types of photos you like to take.

What's it for?

The Canon 17-40mm lens is best suited for shots of nature, street photography, or architecture. It can also take fairly good group shots of people, and it can be used to photograph animals if they're close enough. However, this camera lens is not meant for close up shots. And while this is a zoom lens (2x optical), it really doesn't do a good job of getting close to your subjects if they're really far away. By the way, if you've ever wondered how the optical zoom for these dslr lenses is calculated it's really simple. Since this lens is a 17-40, you simply divide 40 into 17. This gives you around 2.4, and then you can just round it down to two. It's that easy.

If you enjoy using prime lenses, then you will not be disappointed with the Canon 17-40mm lens. Prime lenses are usually thought to be sharper and have better color than zoom lenses (not always true). And the color saturation, sharpness; etc is spot on with the Canon 17-40mm lens. And since it's L glass, you know you're getting a professional piece of equipment.

Specifications -

As with most lenses, the Canon 17-40mm comes with a manual and an auto focus switch. The lens can focus as close as eleven inches away from your subject, it's quiet (the focusing and zoom is internal), the filter size is 77mm, it has nine groups and twelve elements, it resists dust and moisture extremely well, and it's solidly constructed. It definitely does not feel like a cheap lens.

Since this is an RF lens, you can use it for full frame cameras or crop bodies (like the Xsi). Remember, if you're using a cropped body camera then your specs will be different then if you were using a full frame camera body. Instead of 17-40 mm, you'll be receiving around 28-65mm or so. This basically means that you will not be getting quite as much information into your picture when you use a cropped body camera. The zoom range is unaffected.

Price Tag -

This is one of the best parts about this lens. While it is still expensive, it's not nearly as pricey as other wide angle L glass lenses. It costs about half of what they cost (roughly). You can find the Canon 17-40mm lens at online stores such as Amazon for about six hundred and fifty dollars. If you choose to purchase a lens filter (recommended), then add another twenty or so dollars to the price. Remember, the filter size is 77mm.

As you can see, the Canon 17-40mm lens is a great piece of glass for people on a budget. So whether you're using a cropped body camera or a full frame, this lens will easily meet your expectations. Even if you're a professional photographer.