Camera guys... Good Wide-angle zoom choice?

[bikinpunk 10+ year member]

The main reason I want to get one now is because I'm going to Maui in early June on my Honeymoon. We had planned on getting one eventually, but now we have good reason to do this earlier than planned.

I've read a bunch of reviews and it seems that the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 is near the best thing out, but it's much too costly for me at $1200+. So, after more reading and hunting down, I've found the Canon 17-40mm f/4 is good, and is an intro into the L-series lenses. I'm a little disappointed in the somewhat high fixed aperture, but for a savings of $500+, I can handle it. The only reason I'd prefer such a low aperture is for BMX pictures...but I can get a prime Fisheye lens for that later on for $200 or so.

Below is what I'm looking at. Anyone with experience on this lens? Any experience with others? I haven't been able to find good comparisons with Sigma and other brands' wide-angle zoom lenses compared to the Canon L-series.

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

Click to read more...

 

[bikinpunk 10+ year member]

I own a Canon Digital Rebel XT. Have a 75-300mm USM lens, as well as the 18-55mm that comes with the camera.

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

how do you like your XT? i have the same one, and is also looking for a better lens.

 

[bikinpunk 10+ year member]

how do you like your XT? i have the same one, and is also looking for a better lens.

The xt is a great camera...especially for the price. It breaks you into the DSLR market and is perfect for anyone wanting to take good pictures and have plenty of expansion later.

 

[docutech 10+ year member]

If this lens will be used pimarily outside during your vacation, I would not opt for such a fast aparture. F4 is PLENTY fast for outdoor shots. I own this lens and it is great for walkaround purposes. 28-135mm zoom covers a lot of ground when needed. The image stabilizer works great as well.

Here is another thought, have you thought of "renting" one? Why spend hundreds for a lens just for vacation? There are several websites for lens rentals. Google "lens rental", you will be surprised how VERY reasonable they are. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

 

[bikinpunk 10+ year member]

If this lens will be used pimarily outside during your vacation, I would not opt for such a fast aparture. F4 is PLENTY fast for outdoor shots. I own this lens and it is great for walkaround purposes. 28-135mm zoom covers a lot of ground when needed. The image stabilizer works great as well.
Here is another thought, have you thought of "renting" one? Why spend hundreds for a lens just for vacation? There are several websites for lens rentals. Google "lens rental", you will be surprised how VERY reasonable they are. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

Good info. Thanks for that.

I think, however, that she wants a lens anyway. She LOVES taking pictures, and I would like to have this around for when we go on vacations...we go to Disney World at least once a year, lol.

I'll look into the rental though. Thanks.

Edit: $27/week isn't bad for that lens. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[docutech 10+ year member]

Check out the EX line of Sigma lenses. I own a Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX and LOVE IT! I replaced the Canon L version with it. EX line are great.