Comparing the Canon 16-34 L and 17-55 IS ?

E

eco_bach

Well-known member
Hi
Has anyone compared the Canon 16-35 L vs 17-55 IS in terms of sharpness and focus action?

3 things the 17-55 have in favour of it are IS, the more standard 77mm filter thread , and greater focal range making it more suitable as a 'always on the camera' lens.
The 16-35 has the much better weather sealing, i've read some reports of dust getting into the 17-55.
I'm guessing both are nearly identical in sharpness though have read that the 17-55 is slightly more prone to flare.
If you had to choose....
 
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I have not used the L, but supposedly the 17-55 is made with L glass. YES, my 17-55 has some dust inside, but I read that this is literally imperceptible, being SO FAR beyond a point the lens can focus on. The biggest downside of the 17-55 is that it is APS-C, so you couldn't use it on a full frame camera. 17-55 also has the price and obvious range advantage.
 
I personally would rather buy a 16-35, only because when I upgrade to a full frame camera I could use it there as well. I have not used the 17-55, but I truly love the L Series.
 
Focus action on the 16-35mm is definitely nicer, by a large factor. Haven't really done side-by-side testing of the IQ since I don't have the 17-55.
 
Well, the 17-55mm is less expensive, has IMAGE STABILIZATION, and a more versatile focal length. If you know for sure that you will be getting a full frame camera sooner rather than later then add that to the equation in favor of the 16-35mm.
 
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