24mm (not is) 2.8 prime or 17-40 l zoom?

[jimjamesjimmy]

was gonna get me a 24mm 2.8 prime but similar money second hand i have been tempted by the L lens 17-40

im just after a starter multi task WA which is really sharp, has anybody got real world advice on the 24mm focal length on both lenses at similar apertures?

obviously one has bigger aperture (for lower light/street stuff/groups maybe) and the other is a zoom from 17-40 which is more fun!

i read the 17-40 can be soft edged compared to the 24, but every picture ive seen the 17-40 seems be awesome!

thoughts?

(on a 6d)

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I sold my 17-40mmL after buying a used Tokina 17mm f/3.5 prime. They are relatively inexpensive, and a wonderful lens. The 17-40mmL was good, but not inspiring.

 

[jimjamesjimmy]

not inspiring compared to what?

the question is, is it better than the 24mm prime at same focal range?

 

[Random Orbits]

According to TDP, the 24 prime wins in IQ.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=246&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=2&LensComp=100&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=2&APIComp=0

Most 17-40 users use it stopped down significantly for landscapes. I would think that the 24 prime would be a more versatile lens if you want to use it for other uses too (i.e. environmental portraits). You can always crop, but you can't go wider, so it really depends on how much you shoot near 17mm.