17-40mm L or 24-105mm L for crop sensor 20D?

[Mr Bankes]

Hello,
I currently shoot a Canon 20D with the kit lenses (18-55 and 55-250 IS), I also use the 100-300 4.5-5.6. I'm tired of poor build quality and I just feel an upgrade would be nice. I shoot a lot of trucks / heavy vehicles, street photography and landscape. I use the 18-55 mostly because its wide (hardly use the zooms). I'd like to upgrade to some versatile L glass that will suit my needs and fit in with my budget of around $700-$900 (happy to shop at camparadise). I was thinking the 24-105 f/4 IS. I then remembered I don't own a FF body so 24mm isn't great for wide trucks and landscapes on a 20D. So maybe a 17-40 f/4? Will the lack of IS be that bad at 40mm? Are there any other options?

 

[Pi]

None of the above. Get the 17-55 or another similar lens for a crop sensor from Sigma or Tamron.

 

[kaihp]

I purchased my 17-40mm together with the 10D, and I took maybe 90% of my shots with the 17-40 (my other lens was a 70-200, I later got a 24-70). It was only when I got a FF body that the 24-70 got more usage. I still have the 17-40, and I have no plans of replacing it.

As for your specific subjects, I think that of you are happy with the 18mm today, you should be satisfied with the 17mm end too. If you need to go even wider, consider the EF-S 10-22mm.

 

[old-pr-pix]

As you said, 24mm isn't very wide on crop. Unless you are planning to switch to FF very soon, I suggest you consider the EF-S 15-85mm. Very versatile lens with near-L grade optics. Not weather sealed, but excellent lens for all around use. Although it doesn't sound like much, the difference between 15mm and your current 18mm will be very noticeable and may provide some creative opportunities.

 

[andersde]

Fot trucks and vehicles the 10-22mm could be a great option. Otherwise the 15-85mm. Both wider than you have now.

Alternative option is the 17-55mm canon.
I'd chose any of these ahead of the 17-40 inless you are thinking of going full frame soon.

 

[luckydude]

None of the above. Get the 17-55 or another similar lens for a crop sensor from Sigma or Tamron.

What he said. Though if you don't need f2.8 then consider the 15-85 EF-S. That's a nice lens for a crop factor body.

 

[RC]

I would only consider the 24-105 along with the 10-22 but that will exceed your budget. You should be able to pick these up used for not a lot more than your current budget. Maybe get one now and the other a little later.

Otherwise get the 17-55 (for wide aperture) or 15-85 (if range is more important).

Personally I would not get the 17-40 for crop (no IS, f/4), where the 17-55 is much better choice (IS, f/2.8 )

 

[FTb-n]

I strongly recommend the EF-S 17-55 f2.8 USM IS for crop. The 15-85 may be a good alternative if you don't need the speed. Granted, for trucks alone, you may want to stop things down a bit for greater depth of field so the 2.8 may not seem to be a big benefit. But, I found it to be a life saver at events, for candids, for sports, and for more creative control with a smaller DOF.

This lens has two quirks.

1. The zoom resistance isn't even. It feels a little tighter around 24mm than the rest of the range. But, for me, this is most noticeable when I'm playing with the lens and wondering if it's an issue. Frankly, it isn't. I forget all about it when I'm shooting.

2. There are vents in the front of the lens that can draw in dust when you zoom. Actually, many lenses have this. The easy fix is a protective filter, which I would recommend anyway. (I use the Hoya HD clear.)

This lens has "L" quality glass that is tack sharp even wide open. I've also been very impressed with its focusing speed when matched with a 7D for indoor sports. Some may criticize the build quality because it doesn't compare to an "L" lens (like the 24-105), but I don't see this issue. It's one of those things that you don't notice unless you're comparing it directly against an "L" lens.

 

[AlanF]

I second the others who suggest the 15-85 EF-S. It's a very sharp, well-made lens, which covers a very useful range on a crop camera. The difference between 15 and 17mm at wide is quite large.

 

[alexturton]

I've used the 17-40l on 7d before. Nice IQ on crop but you don't get any subject isolation @ 40mm f4. 105 gives better subject separation but 24mm on crop is not wider enough for general purpose zoom in my opinion.

If you're leaning toward general purpose zoom + landscapes I would go with the 17-40.