the age old question: Canon 17-40 vs Tamron 17-35

[mattchow]

100% crop from the original jpeg.

[mattchow]

Originally Posted by cbuhay

I have the Tamron, and I think that my copy is relatively sharp wide open, and it's absolutely amazing from f/4 on! I have heard that there are good and bad copies out there; maybe due to Tamron's QC being not as exacting as Canon's. Also, I have the Canon 28-135 IS, and I think that has a little bit faster AF than the Tamron. That being said, when I have paying gigs, I usually use the Tamron because the speed of AF isn't usually an issue.

Since I have never used the 17-40, I don't have an idea of how it performs, but given that's it's an L series lens, I'm sure it performs admirably. Some things that attracted me to the Tamron were

1) Excellent fit and finish
2) Excellent pseudo-macro capability (I can zoom in within 4-6'' of something)
3) Sharpness
4) f/2.8 max aperture
5) PRICE!!! -- I got mine used for under $300 (I think $270)

Overall, this is probably my favorite lens. This is the lens that lives on my camera. And if I had to take only one lens on a trip, this would be it!!

Note-- I have seen some posts elsewhere that have discussed where this lens is built. Apparently there are two places: Japan & Taiwan (i think). Mine is made in Japan, and I don't know if build standards are higher or lower than the ones built in Taiwan. The posts I read suggested that there may be a discrepancy between those two places though. So if you're planning to purchase one, make sure it's the Japanese version.

btw christian, are you refrencing the 28-75 or the 17-35? thephotos you linked me to all said they were taken using the 28-75

[mmsean]

Personally I like the build quality the best of the "L" lenses. I have tried Tamaron, Sigma and Tokina and they all just feel cheap to me even if they are made of metal. I love the 17-40 so much that there is no way 'd buy 16-35 unless it was REALLY cheap.

[Jim Victory]

I have to agree with Sean the 17-40L is an excellent wide angle zoom for the price. I have had excellent results with it on a 1.3 crop camera. Here is a shot at 17mm @ f/4 on a 1D.