Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens USA
- Price: $797.00
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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.
- An autofocus super wide angle zoom lens for both film and digital cameras
- Produces 27-64mm equivalent focal length with "APS-C" size digital EOS SLR cameras (such as the EOS 20D, EOS 30D, EOS Digital Rebel, EOS 50D, etc.)
- Uses 3 aspherical lens elements and Canon Super UD ultra-low dispersion glass
- Provides professional levels of moisture and dust resistance
- Internal zooming and focusing
- Circular aperture diaphragm for better, more natural looking background blurring
- Accepts 77mm filters, as well as gelatin filters upon the rear of lens
Go To
| 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 PowerReviews(based on 583 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (553)
- Strong construction (379)
- Durable (344)
- Consistent output (338)
- Easily interchangeable (288)
Cons
- Poor in low light (57)
- Heavy (48)
- Blurry focus (12)
- Slow focus (10)
- Difficult to clean (6)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (317)
- General purpose (174)
- Weddings (128)
- Landscape photography (108)
- Night photography (95)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (124), Enthusiast (115), Semi-pro photographer (112), Semi-professional (63), Pro photographer (57)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (200), Yes (10)
Most Liked Positive Review
Love that fresh new smell...
While this lens doesn't offer an aperture larger than f/4, don't let this minor set back deter you - especially if you're looking to save a few shillings by not dumping a shoots worth...Read complete review
While this lens doesn't offer an aperture larger than f/4, don't let this minor set back deter you - especially if you're looking to save a few shillings by not dumping a shoots worth of dough on the 16-35 f2.8L II. Right out of the box, I was like a kid on Christmas. Purchased to replace my trusty Tamron 17-50, this lens did not fall short of my expectations. Very sharp, & just wide enough on full frame and cropped censor bodies. Used mainly for events, with flash - so f/4 is just open enough for me. And, anything shot outdoors - landscape/cityscape - the aperture ring won't even dream of being closed down lower than f/11 anyhow.So, if you're on the fence, looking to upgrade, or need a friends for your camera bag inhabitants, believe me, the Canon 17-40 f4/L is the lens for you.Con: Flag on the play! Do not purchase the Canon 77mm UV Filter to protect this lens. It's glass is set to shallow in the filter ring and touching occurs between the front lens element of the Canon 17-40 f/4L and the filter - caught this just in time I might add, 2 minutes after opening the box! Just be cautious when putting on any filter. Check to make sure the convex shape of the front element does not encroach on your filter's territory.
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 583 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Rugged
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Very well built and good deal. Very sharp and great colors. Could be a little wider for my liking but I'm used to very super wide lenses like 12 24.
Quality is great.
Would buy again
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Replace my
ES lens with the
ef its like night and day
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
This lens is perfect for crop cameras as a general purpose lens...from landscape to even portrait. It's not perfect for portrait, but it's good enough for a quick snapshot with little distortion at wide angle. This lens is perfect for landscape. It was snowing when I got my lens..and I took it out for a shoot, everything worked fantastically as it's weatherproof and man...the contrast and color this lens offers is fabulous...The focusing is fast and silent..as this is using a USM motor..and the front element doesn't extend..so perfect if you're using a filter holder, or screw-on filters. The zoom ring on the lens is nice, solid, and smooth. The hood that comes with it is also very nice..hard and strong to protect your lens from collisions, and block out flares. If you can't afford a 16-35mm L lens...get this to start with..you'll love it. With the money I paid, I'm really satisfied and enjoyed it so far. B&H's service is really responsive, when I was asking about the tracking code, they replied to me the next day. This lens just makes me really happy...again...if you are thinking about replacing your kit lens for crop cameras..get this for under $800...you won't regret it. However, the only con for this lens would be its lack of IS and so its f/4 aperture..so this lens won't be ideal for hand holding in low light situations. You can check out some pictures I took to compare at my blog- francongphotography at wordpress.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
great lens for a great price, but only justify in a full frame body otherwise take the 10-22mm EF-S.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bang for the buck
- Color
- Resolution
Cons
- None at this time
Best Uses
- General carry around lens
- Scenery
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
After reading the reviews I was convinced this was what I needed next. I replaced the 18-55mm kit lens. It gave me excellent service also. I can tell a difference, though. Maybe its me, but I feel justified in buying the lens. I was just at the zoo and the pictures have great color and the resolution is incredible. I like the lense.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I purchased this lens for general purpose use on my T1i. With the APS-C format, this lens gives an equivalent focal length of 27-64mm, which I needed for landscape and indoor shots. Stopped down on a tripod outside, the lens is excellent. However, at times indoors I would like to have the additional stop down to f2.8 for ambient lighting conditions. Overall, I'm pleased with the performance.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Scott
Images shared by Scott
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Video
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I primarily shoot landscapes. This lens replaced my Sigma 17-70 and I don't regret this choice at all. For the price, this lens is an incredible bargain. The output thus far has been crisp, sharp, and consistent.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Walkaround lens
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Great walkaround lens for 7D. Nice for landscapes and regular "people" shots. Not so nice in lowlight conditions. Gonna need a tripod for this one. Great build quality. I like the sharpness and saturation in the pics.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
So far, awesome! I bought this lens to replace my Sigma 18-50 f2.8-4.5 as my primary walk-around lens. First impression, it seems way heavier than my Sigma and it feels like a serious piece of equipment.
I have not had a chance to take too many photos with it, but the ones I did were clear and sharp. I am very happy with this purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
This lens is great on my 5d mrk II, it is awesome wide angle outdoors and in daylight, and it is sharp. However I cannot denney that i do wish for a faster aperture, and the 16-35mmL 2.8 II; would be a better choice if you know you need the faster aperture and 16mm is noticeably wider than 17mm. However, this lens is half the price of of that lens and is not nearly as heavy. I have not used this lens on a croped sensor, i would think you might be better to get an EF-S wide angle, if your are considering this lens on a smaller sensor be mindful that this lens is not nearly as wide.
I have been taking this lens out on hikes, in California, and trough the South Pacific. I love the landscape photos with lens, but I love that I can get high quality photos from a lens that is not fatiguing to carry around all day, however if you are going to be shooting in low light; and weight is not an issue, the 16-35mm is the way to go.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Absolutely love this lens. For the price and focal length... in my opinion, this is the best general 'walk-around' L lens for a cropped sensor camera. The 17-40mm is actually more like a 27-64mm on my 60D. Yes, you'll encounter the usual problems with most (if not all) wide angle lenses... but you have to really scrutinize to find them.
I rented both this 17-40L and the 24-70L prior to making the decision... Love the 24-70L for the f/2.8,... but it was just too heavy and too big to use as an everyday 'walkaround' lens. The 17-40L is significantly lighter and smaller, and of course... much more affordable (compared to the 24-70L); granted the F/4 vs. F/2.8 plays a large part in the price difference.
The quality is what one would expect from an L lens... excellent build quality... solid feel... sharp images...
The only oddity is that the focus ring and the zoom ring are reversed (in comparison to other L lenses); meaning the focus ring is the outer ring (closer to the front of the lens) and the zoom ring is the inner ring (closer to the camera body). In my (limited) experience with other canon lenses, it seems to be the opposite of most others. Small oddity. Nothing that detracts from the lens.
Would highly recommend this lens to anyone/everyone looking for a light-weight, sharp, high quality lens. Absolutely love this lens. Focal length is great for an everyday 'walkaround' wide-angle lens. Weather-sealed (if filter is used for front of lens). Comes with canon bag and lens hood (as all L lenses do).
Overall a great lens!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Real EstateArchitectural
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Use this lens for real estate/architectural work. It replaced a fine Sigma 12-24, but is definitely sharper. Sometimes every last bit helps.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I bought this lens for my Rebel, and with the cropped sensor it functions as more of a standard zoom, making it great for regular use. I can almost get the shot with this lens and the f/4 throughout the zoom range is great.
It's my first L lens and I'm really glad I made the jump. It's a difference, for sure.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Relatively Inexpensive
- Well built quality
Cons
- Not sharp
- Vignetting
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Phil
Langebro seen from Aller Media A/S
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Architectural photography
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Lens is very shapr at all focal lengths and apertures on my 5D mkii. Great contrast and colors. I previously had a Sigma 10 20 on my D80 crop sensor and the combo now is no comparison. Distortion is expected at 17mm but very correctable with Photoshop plug ins.
Would have preferred a little beefier build using more emtal but it is great.
AF is very accurate and fast!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
I use it to photograph interiors and exteriors and some times people it works great
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- Canon EF 24-70mm
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Great construction, you can feel the quality of the product when you hold it. Pictures come out nice and clean. Great addition to lens. I will be bringing this one along on my longer vacations. Auto focus is very fast and quite.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
A second lens to my 24-105mm f/4l lens
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
Gave this gift to my brother and absolutely loved it from the first day I gave it to him.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens:
very sharp, good build quality, portable, and great results. Some distortion but can be easily corrected. and only f4, I prefer faster lenses like the 16 - 35 f2.8, but at this pricepoint, no complaints. Perhaps will upgrade in the future.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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This item is usually Drop Shipped from the MFR/Distributor within 7-10 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of placing the order with the MFR
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What's in the Box
- 77mm Snap-On Lens Cap
- Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
- EW-83E Lens Hood
- Lens Case LP1319
- 1-Year Warranty
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