Replacement for Tamron 17-55mm f/2.8?

[thepancakeman]

So our Tamron 17-55mm f/2.8 just died.  That leaves us with the 24mm on our 24-105 L as the widest we currently have and that's just not going to cut it, so I'm looking for suggestions.  We currently have only APS-C bodies, but in general are trying to stay away from EF-S lenses becuase good glass is expensive and I don't want to see that $ left behind when we add a FF body.

Things I'm looking for:

• Fast (nothing slower than 2.8 )
• Prefer zoom over prime, but that's not an absolute
• Not EF-S
• Relatively inexpensive (good glass is never cheap, but some is more affordable than others)
• 17mm minimum, wider probably even better

Thoughts?  Thanks!

[katwil]

Your specs have really boxed you into a 16-35 f/2.8L in the Canon product line.  As you probably know, that’s a $1,400 lens.  With the 5D II running at around $2,000, might this be the time to jump to FF?  17mm on your 40D is equivalent to 27 on FF, so your 24-105 would actually be wider than what you’ve been shooting with.

[NoWii]

Well, It's a bit of a problem to find such a lens. It needs to be wide on a crop senzor, but ready for fullframe. And not slower than 2.8. If I recall correctly, the only lens that meets all your requirements is Canon 16-35 2.8L. But it's not exactly cheap..
By the way, how did tamron 17-55 work for you? I'm thinking of buying it for concert photography. Recommended (yes/no)?

[smirkypants]

Buy the Canon 17-55/2.8. In many ways it's the perfect lens. Fast, advanced image stabilization, great image quality. Everyone loves this lens. The only downsides are that it's EF-S and that it's not weather sealed. Other than that, it's nearly flawless.

If you decide to upgrade to FF, you'll get about 90% of your money back selling it on eBay. It sells for $1000 on Amazon and usually around $900 on eBay used. If you don't upgrade to FF you have the lens that solves all of your problems. If you do upgrade, you had a $100-$150 rental.

[handsomerob]

Buy the Canon 17-55/2.8. In many ways it's the perfect lens. Fast, advanced image stabilization, great image quality. Everyone loves this lens. The only downsides are that it's EF-S and that it's not weather sealed. Other than that, it's nearly flawless.

If you decide to upgrade to FF, you'll get about 90% of your money back selling it on eBay. It sells for $1000 on Amazon and usually around $900 on eBay used. If you don't upgrade to FF you have the lens that solves all of your problems. If you do upgrade, you had a $100-$150 rental.

+1.

17-55mm f/2.8 is the only real answer to your needs at this moment. Go get your great shots now and worry about the future later

And indeed, like any quality glass, it will keep it's value quite well when you decide to upgrade to FF, so you won't lose much money.

[pdirestajr]

You could always go with the Samyang 14mm f2.8 lens. It's full frame, super wide and affordable... Just manual focus.

But at that wide, focus is pretty easy. There's a little distortion too, but easily fixed in post.

[drmikeinpdx]

I would recommend checking out the Sigma 17-50 2.8 stablilized lens.  I had one for about a month.  I loved the size, sharpness and build quality.  Unfortunately it had strange focus problems with my 7D (which is currently at Canon repair because it also has strange focus problems with the Canon equivalent lens.)

In any case, be sure you buy your lens at a place where you can return it.  And if you buy from a brick and mortar store, see if you can do some testing in the store before you take it home.

[raz]

My Tamron just died yesterday as well and am strongly considering the 17-55 Canon 2.8. what are the chances of a new one being released next week? I haven't seen much in the rumor dept. about this lens other than a potential patent being filed for one (f2?) that may or may not have been confirmed. Unless I'm mistaking that for something else? Help is appreciated - I'd like to order this ASAP so I can get a tax credit for my 2011 return. THANKS!

[neuroanatomist]

My Tamron just died yesterday as well and am strongly considering the 17-55 Canon 2.8. what are the chances of a new one being released next week? I haven't seen much in the rumor dept. about this lens other than a potential patent being filed for one (f2?) that may or may not have been confirmed. Unless I'm mistaking that for something else? Help is appreciated - I'd like to order this ASAP so I can get a tax credit for my 2011 return. THANKS!

You're correct about the f/2 patent, but I don't that will see the light of day as a product - if it does, it will be very heavy and very expsnsive. 

I don't expect an update to the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS any time soon.  It performs very well, and IMO is the best general purpose zoom for an APS-C body. 

[handsomerob]

My Tamron just died yesterday as well and am strongly considering the 17-55 Canon 2.8. what are the chances of a new one being released next week? I haven't seen much in the rumor dept. about this lens other than a potential patent being filed for one (f2?) that may or may not have been confirmed. Unless I'm mistaking that for something else? Help is appreciated - I'd like to order this ASAP so I can get a tax credit for my 2011 return. THANKS!

Hmm why are all the Tamrons dying?? 

I think the rumor was that the 17-55mm f/2.8 could be replaced by a 15-60mm f/2.8 (still EF-S). Not sure if it will ever come true and no idea when...

f/2 version of such EF-S lens sounds unlikely to me since it would cost more than any current APS-C body. So not really something a regular crop user would pay for.

[neuroanatomist]

Here's the CR article on the EF-S 17-55mm f/2 IS:

http://www.canonrumors.com/2010/02/canon-ef-s-17-55-f2-is-patent/

I do recall a 15-60 rumor as well.

[handsomerob]

Here's the CR article on the EF-S 17-55mm f/2 IS:

http://www.canonrumors.com/2010/02/canon-ef-s-17-55-f2-is-patent/

I do recall a 15-60 rumor as well.

Thx neuro. I don't understand why would they release such lens.

[neuroanatomist]

Thx neuro. I don't understand why would they release such lens.

I doubt they ever will. Many patents are filed with no intention of turning them into products, but rather to restrict the R&D efforts of competitors by restricting the IP and freedom to operate.

[handsomerob]

Thx neuro. I don't understand why would they release such lens.

I doubt they ever will. Many patents are filed with no intention of turning them into products, but rather to restrict the R&D efforts of competitors by restricting the IP and freedom to operate.

You're right, that makes a lot of sense

[smirkypants]

Are you kidding? How does this not make sense? A 17-55 2.0 that performs a full stop better than the current 17-55? Sign me up now!