Canon fit standard zooms Help

MeadsMan · #1 (**permalink**) 14-01-2011, 11:13 AM

Do they all have faults ? I am trying to track down a decent wide angle to short telephoto zoom.Nothing spectacular in the zoom range a 17 to 70 mm or 15 to 85 would be ideal,I would be using it mainly for landscape and habitat shots.They all seem to suffer most at the wide angle end,which is where I would likely be using it most.Everyone I have read up on so far suffers from something ,barrel distortion of vignetting or soft edges ect.Can any one recommend a good one ?

johnf3f · #2 (**permalink**) 14-01-2011, 06:31 PM

I assume (from the lenses you quote) that you are using an APSC (crop) camera. As such a "Standard Zoom" is in fact a wideangle zoom lens with all the problems/advantages that that brings. All short lenses tend to have the characteristics you mention, though some to a lesser degree. Personally I have used my Canon 17-40 on 1.6/1.3 and FF and am delighted with it. I have not used the EFS lenses except for a quick go of the 10-22 Canon which I did not like, to me pictures looked lifeless compared to the 17-40 and I have a FF body if I want to go really wide.
I would suggest you read a few reviews (eg. Photozone + The Digital Picture etc) then go to a good camera shop and try them.
The distortions can often be corrected (photoshop etc) or, in my opinion, are better off being used to create more dramatic images.
Once you have found a lens that suits your needs use it and don't look back! They all have faults but you can usually work around or take advantage of them.
Happy hunting.

MeadsMan · #3 (**permalink**) 14-01-2011, 09:04 PM

Thanks John,I have been reading lots of reviews on these standard / wide-angle zooms,and to be honest I have kept leaning towards the 17-40 you mention.I currently use a 7D,it is as you probably are aware notorious for showing up the flaws in lenses,as we seem to agree none of these short range zooms are perfect.

squishy · #4 (**permalink**) 14-01-2011, 09:15 PM

What about the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS? It's a stop faster, 15mm longer and has IS compared to the 17-40. It's Ef-s so not usable on full frame bodies, but it's supposed to be great on crop bodies. Only downside is build isn't as good as the 17-40L

MeadsMan · #5 (**permalink**) 14-01-2011, 09:30 PM

and it cost £200 quid more .......

wizzo · #6 (**permalink**) 14-01-2011, 09:35 PM

For landscapes Meadsman, have a look at the Tokina 11-16 f2.8. A truely stunning lens and not overly expensive! Chuck in a 'standard' 35mm or even a 50mm prime lens and happy days! Good luck - Wizzo

The_Moaner · #7 (**permalink**) 15-01-2011, 10:18 PM

I bought & use with my 7D a Sigma 17-70mm f2.8/f4 OS lens.
I must say that I am Perfectly Happy with it. YES folks (surprise surprise), I find it an excellent lens.
Hope you pick the right one for you.
Dennis.

johnf3f · #8 (**permalink**) 18-01-2011, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wizzo

For landscapes Meadsman, have a look at the Tokina 11-16 f2.8. A truely stunning lens and not overly expensive! Chuck in a 'standard' 35mm or even a 50mm prime lens and happy days! Good luck - Wizzo

I had a quick play with one of these on 1.3 crop and full frame. The sample I tried was useable from 13mm on 1.3 and about 15mm on full frame, I no longer have a 1.6 crop to try. Anyway I was impressed with both the build and images, it's not a cheap lens but it's a good one, though perhaps a bit short for general use.