Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens

The Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM lens is an inexpensive alternative to the 16-35mm f/2.8, but its edges are muddy at its widest angle.

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  Ultra-wide field of view. Reasonable price tag. Good center sharpness.

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  Muddy edges and corners at 17mm. Some distortion. Noticeable color fringing.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM is one of Canon's professional grade lenses, first released in May of 2003. It is one of only four ultra wide zoom lenses Canon manufactures at this time.

Gary Wolstenholme takes a look at this popular lightweight ultra-wide angle zoom lens, which has a constant aperture of f/4, an Ultrasonic focusing motor and sealing against the elements.

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  Superb performance in the centre throughout the range, Well built, Lightweight

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  Sudden softness in the corners may disturb full-frame SLR users, Distortion difficult to correct entirely at 17mm, Falloff at 17mm

If you shoot wide angle, full frame photographs with Canon cameras stopped down at f/8 and beyond, the EF 17-40mm f/4L lens is an outstanding lens. Contrast and sharpness are greatest at the wide end (20 and 24mm) of the zoom range and approach or exceed those of quality prime lenses.

Because it is a very high quality but moderately-priced ultra wide angle zoom lens, the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens is one of Canon's best selling lenses. The 17-40 f/4L fills out the bottom focal length range of Canon's f/4L zoom lens series .

Gary Wolstenholme takes a look at this popular lightweight ultra-wide angle zoom lens.

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  Superb performance in the centre throughout the range, Well built, Lightweight

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  Sudden softness in the corners may disturb full-frame SLR users, Distortion difficult to correct entirely at 17mm, Falloff at 17mm

The Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 USM L is a very good performer without a significant weakness. It's generally very sharp and contrasty across the image field. Vignetting is very well controlled - at least when using it on an APS-C DSLR.

This is an exceptionally good lens and deserves it reputation, finding its place in most camera bags of professionals using Canon gear. The slightly warm colours produced by Canon L glass and the good contrast and control of other elements required for a nice lens are all there.

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  Consistent performance throughout the focal range., Build quality., Good value for money

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  Top end cameras already at the limit of this lens’ resolution., Edges drop off a bit as focal length increases.

It's not exactly easy to design a flawless full format lens and the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 USM L shows its part of the struggles here. The lens is not overly fast but it has a comparatively broad range for a lens in this class and it seems as if Canon has overstretched things a little with respect to...

The EF 17-40mm f/4L USM lens is a member of a suite of Canon zoom lenses that retain a constant f4 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range. Designed for use on 35mm SLR cameras, this ultra-wide zoom is ideal for capturing dramatic landscape shots and taking portraits of large groups of people.

As an independent filmmaker, my camera equipment is not only by baby and best friend, but my life support. Saving up for my Canon 7D and then purchasing lenses has been, by far, one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences of my life.

On canon full frame at first glance a must have lens. Everybody seems to like it, well....... I don`t and i am not overly critical too. It seems that internet talk an clever canon marketing give this thing an much better rating than it deserves.

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  17-40 range on fullframe, Looks nice

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  Low color contrast, not sharp, much plastic and PRICE

This lens is well worth the price and I hate paying high prices for things. I would give this lens a 9/10.

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  Great detail and color in photos really can't ask for more here. I am a novice in the full frame camera world but I have to say this lens does everything I ask of it.

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  Slow focus time and sometimes the lens can't focus at all if what you are looking at lacks enough detail to get the right sharpness. Zoom is very small and basic but decent for close ups.

Razor sharp, solid and a great value.I bought this on sale and I was worth every penny. good Fast focus, very sharp and smooth bokeh.

The Canon EF 17-40mm USM is simply a must have for Landscape photographers. This lens is perfect for those who want to upgrade to a professional quality lens without bearing the high costs associated with many of Canon's other lenses. Overall, I highly recommend this product.

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  Quality of the lensPrice

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  Weight of the lens

I own this lens for 3 years. It is simply great on crop. Dust and Rain is not a problem. Light weight make it possible for camera to be on your shoulders all the time in bike tours!

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  Build like a tank. Great lens for travel. You should try hard to broke it! Lowest weight for L lenses. Cool for APS-C.

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  Distortion on full frame. My copy isn't sharp at corners (not a problem on crop)

I was surprised to get an "L" lens at this price. This one definitely deserves the "L" in build and optics. It'd been my go-to lens since I bought it in March. Each lens has its odn personality, and I really like this one. My clients like it too.

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  Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Quick Focus, Rugged, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

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  Heavy

Own EFS 17-85mm.Ok Lens but wanted a constant better optic.Lens still being tested with cropped sensor body.

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  Fast / accurate auto-focus, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Strong Construction, Rugged

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  Heavy, OK-light for L series

Great sharp lens!