While an excellent ultra-wide zoom lens for film SLR cameras, the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens is especially well suited for use with EOS digital SLR cameras, which usually have an imaging sensor size smaller than the 35mm format. When used with such digital SLR cameras, the 17-40mm focal length range gives an angle of view approximately equivalent to that of a 27-64mm lens upon 35mm cameras, making it an ideal medium-aperture standard zoom lens.
The EF 17-40mm f/4L USM, like all of the Canon "L" lenses, delivers optical performance equal to similar fixed focal length lenses, with silent, high-speed focusing. Distortions and aberrations are remarkably small for a lens of such amazing capability. It combines 1 high-precision molded glass aspherical lens and 2 replica aspherical lenses to achieve the extended zoom range, while also correcting for common aberrations that arise during zooming. A Super UD (ultra-low dispersion) glass element minimizes the chromatic aberration of magnification which tends to occur with wide-angle lenses, to help eliminate color bleed along the edges of the subject and achieve high image contrast and resolution.
The 17-40's minimum focusing distance is just 11" (28cm) throughout its entire range of focal lengths, which makes it very useful for close-up work. All of the focusing and zooming action is done internally, with no changes of the size of the lens. It only uses lead-free optics to help the environment, and features a circular diaphragm for improved background blur. The housing is water and dust resistant to help ensure reliable performance for both professionals and enthusiasts. Like many "L" lenses, it uses 77mm filters, but also has a rear gelatin filter slot behind the lens mount.
This lens is a Canon 'EF' series lens, indicating it is for use with full-frame cameras. It works equally well with APS-C format DSLRs.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 17 - 40 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 104° - 57° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.02" (28 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.24x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4.1 |
| Groups/Elements | 9/12 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.3 x 3.8" (8.38 x 9.65 cm) |
| Weight | 1.05 lb (476 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Superb Quality for a Superb Price
This lens is great. Canon's L series really do make the difference as the 17-40 has incredible image quality and unbelievable sharpness. This lens is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade from a ...Read complete review
This lens is great. Canon's L series really do make the difference as the 17-40 has incredible image quality and unbelievable sharpness. This lens is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade from a standard kit lens such as the 18-55 or purchase a wide angle lens. I use this lens to photograph anything from portraits of my pets and family to beautiful sunsets stretching along the horizon. The Ultra Sonic Focusing is extremely fast and devastatingly quiet enabling me to collect pictures without disturbing my surroundings. I'm finding that the images taken with the 17-40 have great Bokeh which is a nice add on that I didn't expect from an F4 lens. Please note that with all wide angle lenses distortion will occur but is easily corrected in many programs.
Attention amateurs, this lens is an EF lens and can be used on all current Canon bodies, this means that if later switching to a full frame camera you will still be able to use this lens unlike EFS lenses. Also, this lense is not fast enough to shoot in low light situations, such as indoors and will require you to shoot at high ISO or with a flash.
Overall this lens is a great buy for the price and should not be put aside like others. If your serious about photography this needs to be in your bag.
Reviewed by Nolan Speller, Age 15
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nice and wide on full frame
I've just gotten started with it, but I'm using this lens on a 5DmkII. It's easily my widest lens, and is quite wide on the 5D. I've never used the 16-35 or ...Read complete review
I've just gotten started with it, but I'm using this lens on a 5DmkII. It's easily my widest lens, and is quite wide on the 5D. I've never used the 16-35 or the 14mm. While it's not exactly what I would call a cheap lens, it is cheap for an L lens, and so I would expect some compromises to have been made. While I've not done any sort of side by side comparison, I would say it's not the sharpest lens, particularly at the edges, and it does have some vignetting. This seems to be the case even when stopped down and zoomed, although these issues are probably worst at 17mm at f4.On the upside, I do like the metal construction and weather sealing of an L lens. It opens up to f4 regardless of focal length, which is fast enough to use the precision focusing screen on the 5DmkII (it's visibly darker than the normal screen, but usable). I'm not unhappy with the distortion it produces. Most importantly, it's a seriously wide, Canon L lens for only [$] The 16-35 and the 14 are both twice as expensive.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 821 customers
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Pros
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Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Ready to go right out of the box and catches amazing colors.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
From landscape to commercial work and beyond. Very versatile lens. With today's high iso cameras much lighter in your bag than a 2.8 comparable lens. Sold this lens a month ago. Missed it so much, had to buy it again!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
This is a great lens to have in the camera bag. I have used it for a few events, and it comes in very handy. It has an overall good sharpness, is light, and a wide view. Because of the price it should be in everyones camera bag. I could definitely see using this lens on a regular basis.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I use this product with a full frame 5d mark iii for wedding photography and already I love this lens. The wide angle is great for portraits but also is great for wide angle paneramas. although people say it is very heavy; I disagree, compared to my other lens it is much lighter. But i will not lie if you are looking for a lens to record video, this lens is not for you, but that is to be expected with a wide angle. Although i have only tested this once, the lens' quality decreases in low light. Also this lens is very affordable and creates remarkable pictures.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I am very happy with how crisp the images are.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Solid lense that is quick and powerful capturing wide angled spaces easily and accurately
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Am not sure I like this lens. It is plastic and does not have the typical L lens feel. Guess you get what you pay for. Have taken some okay shots but have not put this lens to the test yet, that's why the average rating
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
First L glass in my bag and could not be happier. Bought it to shoot interior pics of houses for work, both on tripod and handheld and it works great both ways. I've also been messing around shooting flowers and landscapes and I'm extremely happy with the results. I only had it 2 weeks and have already shot about 1000 photos, I like this lens a lot and have yet to take it off my camera. As price is a major factor for me, I needed high performance at a reasonable rate and I feel as if I got it with this lens. Using it on a t2i
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Very happy with this lens. I prefer it over my EF 24-105mm L. Great results with 5D Mark II.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Hasn't failed me yet. This is my go to lens, my work horse. Not once has it failed me. Consistent, wide and very reliable. I have beaten this lens up, taking it to the edge of the water. Images come out crisp. The lens doesn't extend/protrude when zooming in or out. Probably one reason why i favor this lens, it has that extra security feeling.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I have been a studio photographer for 25 years and never had a use for super wide lenses. Lately however, I have been shooting some architecture and this lens is a sure thing. Its sharp, the zoom allows my perspective to be where I want it, and the clarity is excellent. I am usually stopped down to f.8 or f.16 on a tripod, therefore I have not found myself wishing for the 2.8 lens. I have used the 2.8 and I do not find it any sharper than this lens. I also hand hold, and its always sharp at the more open f stops. Very good lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
This is a very affordable wide angle lens. Easy to use, producing clear, sharp images, great for APSC or full frame cameras. There is nothing not to like about this lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
very good product and excellent conbinacion Getting better for my old canon 5DMark II.very convenient for shooting wide shots or small spaces at and excellent price
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Great quality, as with all of Canon's L series. This is my first ultrawide, and I'm surprised by how much I use it in everyday life. The range is much more useful for things other than landscape than I expected.
The lens itself is excellent, the only reason to get something else is if you need f/2.8.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I have been really putting this lens through it's paces over the last few weeks. And I love it. Let's just continue to make it clear, it does not shoot well in low light. But, if you know that, and plan ahead, it won't matter. I use it for studio work, where I have lights set up. This lens is great bang for the buck.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
The main reason I purchase this lens, was for landscape photography. I do not need the extra weight of a f/2.8 lens when I'm traveling or the expensive "IS" feature of vibration reduction, if I use a tripod most of the time. So versatile that I keep it all the time on the camera. And with the extra money I save, I purchase two more lenses, the 50 f/1.4 and the 100 macro (both non "IS".
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Already had the Canon 24-105mm f/4 L and needed a wider lens. Went with the 17-40mm f/4 L with no regrets. Very sharp lens and great for those landscape shots. Also works great when working with HDR images. Currently using this lens on the Canon 5DM3.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Very wide angle when used on a camera with a full frame sensor, like my Canon 5D Mark II. About half the price of the Canon 16-35mm wide angle lens but a stop slower. I use the lens for landscape/cityscape mostly and the loss of 1 stop is not an issue for me.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I use this lens for lanscapes so far. I really like this lens
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I used to use Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II and Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 but finally I choose the 17-40mm f/4L as my Ultra Zoom lens.
The 16-35II and 16-28 did have a good score in photozone and that the reason I purchased them, but after I used these three lens I thought that is because of vignetting. But its not a big problem for a landscape use.
By my own test, the 17-40 is a little bit softer than my 24-105 in 24mm f/4, but it only can be seen in 100% crop.
The flare control of this lens is excellent, much better than 16-28 and 16-35II. And also, it uses 77mm filter so I dont need to pay more for a 82mm filter.
I love its size and its price, it never disappointed me.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Superb Quality for a Superb Price
This lens is great. Canon's L series really do make the difference as the 17-40 has incredible image quality and unbelievable sharpness. This lens is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade from a ...Read complete review
This lens is great. Canon's L series really do make the difference as the 17-40 has incredible image quality and unbelievable sharpness. This lens is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade from a standard kit lens such as the 18-55 or purchase a wide angle lens. I use this lens to photograph anything from portraits of my pets and family to beautiful sunsets stretching along the horizon. The Ultra Sonic Focusing is extremely fast and devastatingly quiet enabling me to collect pictures without disturbing my surroundings. I'm finding that the images taken with the 17-40 have great Bokeh which is a nice add on that I didn't expect from an F4 lens. Please note that with all wide angle lenses distortion will occur but is easily corrected in many programs.
Attention amateurs, this lens is an EF lens and can be used on all current Canon bodies, this means that if later switching to a full frame camera you will still be able to use this lens unlike EFS lenses. Also, this lense is not fast enough to shoot in low light situations, such as indoors and will require you to shoot at high ISO or with a flash.
Overall this lens is a great buy for the price and should not be put aside like others. If your serious about photography this needs to be in your bag.
Reviewed by Nolan Speller, Age 15
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nice and wide on full frame
I've just gotten started with it, but I'm using this lens on a 5DmkII. It's easily my widest lens, and is quite wide on the 5D. I've never used the 16-35 or ...Read complete review
I've just gotten started with it, but I'm using this lens on a 5DmkII. It's easily my widest lens, and is quite wide on the 5D. I've never used the 16-35 or the 14mm. While it's not exactly what I would call a cheap lens, it is cheap for an L lens, and so I would expect some compromises to have been made. While I've not done any sort of side by side comparison, I would say it's not the sharpest lens, particularly at the edges, and it does have some vignetting. This seems to be the case even when stopped down and zoomed, although these issues are probably worst at 17mm at f4.On the upside, I do like the metal construction and weather sealing of an L lens. It opens up to f4 regardless of focal length, which is fast enough to use the precision focusing screen on the 5DmkII (it's visibly darker than the normal screen, but usable). I'm not unhappy with the distortion it produces. Most importantly, it's a seriously wide, Canon L lens for only [$] The 16-35 and the 14 are both twice as expensive.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 821 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Ready to go right out of the box and catches amazing colors.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
From landscape to commercial work and beyond. Very versatile lens. With today's high iso cameras much lighter in your bag than a 2.8 comparable lens. Sold this lens a month ago. Missed it so much, had to buy it again!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
This is a great lens to have in the camera bag. I have used it for a few events, and it comes in very handy. It has an overall good sharpness, is light, and a wide view. Because of the price it should be in everyones camera bag. I could definitely see using this lens on a regular basis.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I use this product with a full frame 5d mark iii for wedding photography and already I love this lens. The wide angle is great for portraits but also is great for wide angle paneramas. although people say it is very heavy; I disagree, compared to my other lens it is much lighter. But i will not lie if you are looking for a lens to record video, this lens is not for you, but that is to be expected with a wide angle. Although i have only tested this once, the lens' quality decreases in low light. Also this lens is very affordable and creates remarkable pictures.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I am very happy with how crisp the images are.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Solid lense that is quick and powerful capturing wide angled spaces easily and accurately
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Am not sure I like this lens. It is plastic and does not have the typical L lens feel. Guess you get what you pay for. Have taken some okay shots but have not put this lens to the test yet, that's why the average rating
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
First L glass in my bag and could not be happier. Bought it to shoot interior pics of houses for work, both on tripod and handheld and it works great both ways. I've also been messing around shooting flowers and landscapes and I'm extremely happy with the results. I only had it 2 weeks and have already shot about 1000 photos, I like this lens a lot and have yet to take it off my camera. As price is a major factor for me, I needed high performance at a reasonable rate and I feel as if I got it with this lens. Using it on a t2i
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Very happy with this lens. I prefer it over my EF 24-105mm L. Great results with 5D Mark II.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Hasn't failed me yet. This is my go to lens, my work horse. Not once has it failed me. Consistent, wide and very reliable. I have beaten this lens up, taking it to the edge of the water. Images come out crisp. The lens doesn't extend/protrude when zooming in or out. Probably one reason why i favor this lens, it has that extra security feeling.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I have been a studio photographer for 25 years and never had a use for super wide lenses. Lately however, I have been shooting some architecture and this lens is a sure thing. Its sharp, the zoom allows my perspective to be where I want it, and the clarity is excellent. I am usually stopped down to f.8 or f.16 on a tripod, therefore I have not found myself wishing for the 2.8 lens. I have used the 2.8 and I do not find it any sharper than this lens. I also hand hold, and its always sharp at the more open f stops. Very good lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
This is a very affordable wide angle lens. Easy to use, producing clear, sharp images, great for APSC or full frame cameras. There is nothing not to like about this lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
very good product and excellent conbinacion Getting better for my old canon 5DMark II.very convenient for shooting wide shots or small spaces at and excellent price
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Great quality, as with all of Canon's L series. This is my first ultrawide, and I'm surprised by how much I use it in everyday life. The range is much more useful for things other than landscape than I expected.
The lens itself is excellent, the only reason to get something else is if you need f/2.8.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I have been really putting this lens through it's paces over the last few weeks. And I love it. Let's just continue to make it clear, it does not shoot well in low light. But, if you know that, and plan ahead, it won't matter. I use it for studio work, where I have lights set up. This lens is great bang for the buck.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
The main reason I purchase this lens, was for landscape photography. I do not need the extra weight of a f/2.8 lens when I'm traveling or the expensive "IS" feature of vibration reduction, if I use a tripod most of the time. So versatile that I keep it all the time on the camera. And with the extra money I save, I purchase two more lenses, the 50 f/1.4 and the 100 macro (both non "IS".
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Already had the Canon 24-105mm f/4 L and needed a wider lens. Went with the 17-40mm f/4 L with no regrets. Very sharp lens and great for those landscape shots. Also works great when working with HDR images. Currently using this lens on the Canon 5DM3.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Very wide angle when used on a camera with a full frame sensor, like my Canon 5D Mark II. About half the price of the Canon 16-35mm wide angle lens but a stop slower. I use the lens for landscape/cityscape mostly and the loss of 1 stop is not an issue for me.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I use this lens for lanscapes so far. I really like this lens
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I used to use Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II and Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 but finally I choose the 17-40mm f/4L as my Ultra Zoom lens.
The 16-35II and 16-28 did have a good score in photozone and that the reason I purchased them, but after I used these three lens I thought that is because of vignetting. But its not a big problem for a landscape use.
By my own test, the 17-40 is a little bit softer than my 24-105 in 24mm f/4, but it only can be seen in 100% crop.
The flare control of this lens is excellent, much better than 16-28 and 16-35II. And also, it uses 77mm filter so I dont need to pay more for a 82mm filter.
I love its size and its price, it never disappointed me.