Internal zoom Built quality

Tends to be soft at 35mm

Prior to using this lens, I have been using the EF 24-85 on my D30. The EF 24-85 was simlpy not wide enough. This 16-35 gives a good range on a D30/D60 body. Image quality is good from the focal lengths 16mm to 28mm. The image tends to be a bit soft at 35mm (compared with my 24-85). But this is fine for me as I can change to a different lens at this focal length. This lens is definitely a must-have lens for digital photographers.

Similar Products Used:

EF 24-85 f/3.5-4.5

Sharpness (@ f4+) Zoom Range Build

Price

This lens was worth the wait! I had tried the Canon 17-35mm f2,8L and didn''t like the results. I had only heard that the 20-35mm f2.8L had been much sharper, but that lens would not provide me with the wide angle I was looking for, so I waited. This is my third L lens, the others being 28-70 f2.8L and 70-200 f2.8L, but this has been the most fun. I have shot about 20 rolls with it and have been very happy with the results. If you are considering the 17-35 f2.8L spend the extra $100 (street price premium) and buy the 16-35 f2.8L.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 17-35mm f2.8L

Superb wide view Amazing close focus capability Solid construction Extremely sharp for a wide zoom above F4 Very fast and quite focus

N/A

Canon has clearly delivered on the promise for a high performance wide angle zoom. It does everything right without the faults of it''s predicessor

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Sigma 15-30 EX DG Canon 17-35 2.8L

Very well built and sturdy construction, ultra fast and accurate USM focusing (I don''t have figures but seems faster than the 17-35 L, and particularly helpful to low light AF with D30), extremely versatile range when used with my EOS 1V and D30. Minimum distortion even at 16mm. Light fall off is not noticeable with regular UV filter (used with D30). Much better optics compared with the 17-35/2.8 L: sharper and more contrasty. Flare is not a problem when the original hood is attached.

$$$Pricey$$$. A bit too large/long that makes the built-in flash not usable at 24mm or wider. Conner sharpness still can be improved.

I had been long waiting for this lens to come out because I''ve heard many negative comments/reviews from owners of the 17-35/2.8 L. I needed an ultra wide angle for my D30 because of the 1.6X focal length magnification. I have the EF20/2.8 which is a good lens but simply not wide enough on my D30. I was hoping to add this lens as soon as possible and therefore without any hesitation bought one from the first lot available here in HK. And I don''t regret it at all! The lens is my 6th L lens and now becomes my favourite. Every time I go out shooting I just can''t resist to put it in my bag (though I have problem finding bag room for its huge hood). The lens is very well built and seems very rugged - it has the same external material as my EF135/2 L. The resistance of the zoom and MF rings is just right: so smooth and feels good. I tested the lens both on my 1v and D30 and I''m able to get stunning pictures with both cameras. Optics wise I''ve found it much better than the 17-35/2.8 L (which I had borrowed from a friend for 2 weeks) in terms of sharpness and contrast. Only after I have owned such a wide lens that I began to know how wonderful the wide world is. The lens is excellent for lanscape and fun portrait. If money is not a problem get one. You can''t possibly go wrong with it!

Customer Service

Never needed.

Similar Products Used:

Sigma 15-30 3.5-4.5 (sold due to unacceptable softness), EF17-35/2.8 (borrowed from a friend for two weeks).