Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens USA

Comments about Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

This lens is quite a piece of work. It's my first L series lens, and has not disappointed me at all, (I have no plans of buying a non L series lens ever). The price tag almost scared me off but I'm glad it didn't. This thing is really impressive, every time I look through my viewfinder I think, wow, that's really wide. Keep in mind I'm limited to 92% horizontal viewfinder, the time I put it on a borrowed EOS-1N it scared me how wide this thing is. I'm a color saturation freak, and I really like sharpness, and this lens performs very well. I typically use it with 100 speed color slide film and a CPL. It's very sharp about 1 f/stop up from wide open. I have gotten absolutely fantastic results, even on shoots where I forgot to get my neighbor's CPL. Several times after showing people my prints they would tell me how great the sky looked and ask how long I had spent in photoshop getting them that way. Their expression is priceless when I tell them I didn't do anything to the sky. In addition to my film camera, (I very recently upgraded from a Rebel K2 to an ELAN 7ne, (It was really funny to pick up the rebel with this lens on it)) I have a digital Rebel XT. While this lens is not terribly wide on the APS-H sensor it's close focusing ability has impressed me. I have used it as a macro substitute, I have no doubt that an extension tube would further facilitate this, since the magnification isn't that great, but as yet I have been unable to acquire one. One advantage over a traditional macro though, is that since the smaller sized chip (reduction from full frame to something 1/1.6 that size) reduces the infinity distance as well as the minimum (and for that matter all the focusing distances) so that its possibly to get a very large depth of field. I have found this particularly useful in expansive flower beds.

Expertise: Advanced amateur, looking to go semi-pro

Problems Encountered: I gave this lens a 4 in design because of the vignetting that can occur, although I have rarely noticed it. Lens flares are also somewhat common, but you just have to careful about angle in bright sun. It does get a little soft around the edges, although, for me, that's more commonly because the object distance changes from the center focus to the outsides. But, that is supposed to have been fixed on the series II, which came out literally the month after I bought this lens.(kicks self) This is not a problem but a warning. Like I said this lens is really wide, in fact, if you stack filters you will get a black border around the corners of the image where the film (or full frame sensor if you're lucky enough to have one) actually sees the filter's metal screw-in holder. So take off the UV-Haze before putting on the CPL.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: The wide end of a kit lens (NO EQUIVALENT!)

Items I Recommend: A circular polarizer

Comments about Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

This is NOT a pro level lens if you have a full frame censor. I consistently worry if my images are going to be in focus using my 1DS Mark II. According to a Canon rep I spoke with, this lens has been redesigned for the larger meg and full frame cameras. I am sure pigs will learn to fly before canon swaps mine for the newer one. Therefore, I'm selling mine. Hopefully this lens will do fine for the 20D and 30D users.

Expertise: Pro

Problems Encountered: Soft edges on the 1DS Mark II.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Sinar and Hasselblad

Items I Recommend: good sharpening software

Comments about Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

Want to add some fun to your photography?Want to add some profits to your business?Buy this lens!

Problems Encountered: None

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Nikon

Comments about Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

For a super-wide zoom, this lens is above, way above any other zoom that I have used in the range. Beautiful images that are sharp with great color and contrast. So far this lens has exceed all of my expectations. There are many times that I need to work quick or in tight spaces and this lens lets me do that without fumbling around to change lenses and still have the confidence that I will get great images. It is also great at motocross events where there is a lot of dirt and dust in the air and you do not want to open your camera to these elements.This lens is worth it's weight and price!

Problems Encountered: Be careful wide open as the lens, like any other super-wide lens will exadurate camera tilt, especially vertical objects. I have not noticed the vignetting that others have reported, but I shoot with a 1D Mark II N and a 20D, both of which are not full frame sensors.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: 19-35 sigma

Items I Recommend: UV & Circular Polarizer

Comments about Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

A must for photojournalism and architecture. I always keep this lens on one of my cameras for easy access. Is wide enough even on the 1D MK II but there is nothing better than the full affect with the 5D. Fast, sharp and tough.

Problems Encountered: None

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: 20mm 2.8

Items I Recommend: 5D, 1Ds MK II, 1V HS

Comments about Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

I bought my lens mainly for shooting the northern lights. My first chance came about a week after receiving the new lens. I am very pleased after my first use of this high quality lens!!

Problems Encountered: none

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Just a cheap brand close to the same size.

Comments about Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

Well I jumped in head first.Yes I'm doing the laps with this one.Went from the 18-55 that comes with the cam.Not bad,but we all know that'snot going to get it done.this is great for my landscapes,fast,sharp, a little zoom is there if you need it.All around nice.Works out good indoors to.Soon as I looked at my pic,s its like yes that's what there suppose to look like.Just the right weight, I could walk around all day with this one.Its hard to tell anybody that's not into it what the cost is,but I think its worth it.This lens is a must for my bag.

Problems Encountered: It didn't come with any sun screen,well that is theres no padded bag to go with this one.I P/U the 70-200 2.8 L IS USMTheres was a nice bag to go with it.For $17 to $20 I found one.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: 18-55 3.5-5.6 CANON/ 70-200 2.8 L IS USM CANON

Items I Recommend: B+W UV-HAZE 1X FILTER MADE IN GERMANY

Comments about Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

Hey, this lens is a wonder. I bought it 2 weeks ago and would suggest that if you have the cash and like wide landscapes with sharp foregrounds go for it! Sure it costs some money but the top of the line gear always costs more. This lens allows great depth of field and SHARPNESS front to back. I am impressed! Normally I shoot landscapes with a 4x5 view camera so I know what I am saying here.

Problems Encountered: Perfect!

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon 20D Canon 5D

Comments about Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens:

Like most of the Canon L series, this is a solid lens with few detractors. It's AF is reasonably fast and it focuses well across the entire range. I'm a huge fan of prime lenses but for a zoom you can't beat this baby. I can't go back to Sigma or Tamron.

Problems Encountered: It's disturbing that vignetting is very noticeable with only one filter screwed to the front of the lens. It means that I can't keep a clear UV on it for protection, let alone stack a CPL which is an essential for nature or architectural. Granted, if you're willing to give up the last 1 or 2 millimeters on the wide end (starting at 17-18) it won't be noticeable. NOTE: this is only an issue if you have a full-framed sensor like the 1DS or 5D. The rebel, 20D, etc won't be affected.Oh, there is no case with these thousand-dollar-plus lenses. My $300 Sigmas came in a decent zippered Kevlar-esqe case with foam-padded top & bottom. I'm sure they're manufactured for less than $20.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Sigma 17-35mm f2.8-4.0

Items I Recommend: a real case, step down ring and larger filters if you shoot wide