How good is 16-35 f/2.8 over 17-40 f/4?

[mw]

I've been using the 17-40 for about a year now, mainly landscape, and been quite happy with the result. I'll be traveling to Europe this Summer and would like to continue to use the 17-40, but for indoor situation, would the 16-35 be worth twice the price as the 17-40? Should I make the upgrade? Thanks for your help.

 

[Random Orbits]

I remember seeing in your previous posts that you had a 24-70. If it is a version I, it might make more sense to upgrade to the version II and continue to use the 17-40 for the ultrawide range. The 24-70 II will be better than either zoom at overlapping focal lengths. The 16-35 gains you a stop, but if you're mostly using it for landscape, that won't matter too often. If you already have a 24-70 II, it might make more sense to upgrade the 17-40 to a ultrawide prime (i.e. TS-E 17).

 

[d8w]

In my opinion, it really depends on how you shoot. Since you're indoors, that one stop difference doesn't seem worth the cost compared to the alternative options. What are you planning on shooting indoors?

 

[siegsAR]

A stop advantage, an mm of difference, but no carry-over for your thread-in filters.

I've read reviews/comparo bet. the 2 lenses, and mostly its about going to shoot wide-angle in concerts or clubs at night that the 16-35 edges the 17-40.

Here's another thread, it has the answers you seek OP. =)
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=3510.0

 

[Nishi Drew]

Not that much better, so I got the Tokina 16-28 F/2.8 which is reported to perform better for sharpness and even CA.
It's heavy and shorter, but I liked how it didn't interfere with my 35mm for FL.
Although, and I'm sure mine is fine, but there isn't the best QC and there could be de-centering, and no weather sealing, and a big bulb element that doesn't accept filters... yeah, best advantage is it's a whole lot cheaper, got deal for less than $600

 

[mw]

In my opinion, it really depends on how you shoot. Since you're indoors, that one stop difference doesn't seem worth the cost compared to the alternative options. What are you planning on shooting indoors?

For indoor, mainly churches and museums.

 

[Zv]

For low light indoor situations a fast prime like the 24mm f/2.8 IS might be the answer. They've come down in price quite a bit, could be worth it to have in your kit. It's small, light and would give you not just an extra stop of light but the ability to shoot at much slower shutter speeds so effectively giving you 4 or 5 stop advantage.