Canon 17-55 2.8 vs. 24-70 2.8 on 40D

[todd_torfin]

Which Lens is better suited for the 40D.

[john_r._fulton_jr.]

'Hating to state the obvious but the 17-55 will give you a wider view and the 24-70 will give

you a longer view. You gave no indication of what you like to photograph. If you like to

photograph people in close and personal then you'd be happier with the 17-55. If you like to

shoot individual portraits then the 24-70 might be more up your alley. It's really up to you

and your photography.

[gdanmitchell]

To follow up on John's comments, both are well "suited" to the 40D. It isn't a question of

which is the "better" lens, but a question (mostly) of what focal lengths you want to cover.

 

That should actually be your most important consideration. If the 17-55 range is what you

need, it doesn't matter how good the 24-70 is - it would be the wrong lens... and vice

versa.

 

I could make a generalization about what what "most" users might prefer but I don't know

if you are among "most users."

 

Take care,

 

Dan

[beauh44]

Also if you ever intend to buy a FF camera the EF-S 17-55 won't work with it. I suspect its resale value may not be as high as the "L" lens, either. <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-17-55mm-f-2.8-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx">Here's a very good review of the 17-55mm</a>. Since both lenses are very highly regarded you're mostly left with the "Wider versus longer" question and whether or not you feel Canon's EF-S lenses are a good idea for you. Good luck!

[anthony_chapa]

I would go for the 24-70L, but thats ME personally. Like Beau said, if your ever intending of upgrading to a full frame, you should definately go for the 24-70L. I have tried this lense and cant wait to purchase mine this summer(yes, its a shame I have to wait but O WELL). I believe there is a site "photozone.de" or something like that. But search for that site, it has some pretty good reviews, it led me to the 17-40L (:

[gdanmitchell]

Regarding the FF question... getting the "wrong" lens now in anticipation of moving to FF

could make sense if you are sure you will move soon. On the other hand, if you plan to use

the crop body for any length of time, it makes more sense to get the focal lengths that are

right for the current body, even if this means that you need to sell when you move to FF.

[William Michael]

The EF-S 17 to 55IS F2.8 is still my opinion, considering the previous.

 

WW

 

(ref):

 

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00MxFG

[steve santikarn]

First, choose the focal range you need. The L lens is heavier (on 40D it feels front heavy) and has no IS; the EF-S lens s not weather sealed and cannot be used on FF cameras. If you already have EF-S 10-22mm lens then go for the 24-70mm.

[andys]

It's a wide or long question, and you are the only one who can answer that. Personally I miss wide on the 1.6x sensor (even 17mm is not really wide enough for a one lens carry around).

[mendel_leisk]

How about: which body is better suited to the 24-70?

[marknagel]

I like Mendel's question the best!

 

That said, the 24-70L is perfect for my 5D, so I assume the 17-55 would be the same on the 40D. I do find my 24-70L not to be wide enough on my 40D. Just my thoughts.

 

m

[jimstrutz]

If 24-75mm is so suitable for the 40D, then why doesn't Canon or Nikon or somebody, anybody, make a 38-112mm lens for full frame cameras? I'll tell you why. Too few would buy them, that's why. So that begs the question, why should the average photographer find the 24-74mm lens preferable, or even acceptable for a 40D?

 

Yes, yes, it's a matter of personal choice, I know... But then why don't we insist on 40-115's for full frame shooters who want to make the same choice?

 

It must be late, I'm getting snippy. :)

 

The 24-70 makes perfect sense for shooters of both formats, or those planning on moving up to full frame soon. It can also make sense to those few photographers that don't like wide lenses, or people who have a 10-22mm and are in no particular hurry when shooting (because they will be swapping lenses a whole lot). 24mm is right in the middle of the main shooting range for a 40D, and would require way too many lens swaps for me. YMMV.

[mendel_leisk]

I've read on The-Digital-Picture that the 24-70 is a perfect fit on the 1.3 crop 1-series, and I was expecting to find it's range a bit too far over to the wide side on my 5D. In practice I've found it a perfect fit, per Mark's comments. It was frustrating on 1.6 crop: just a hint of wide.