Sell EF 17-40 f/4 and get EF-S 17-55 f/2.8?

[StapledPhoto]

I haven't used either lens, but it sounds like a good plan to me.
Honestly I don't understand why Bryan says that he recommends the 17-40
to crop users in his review of the lens. Why would you take a lens that has been engineered specifically for ultra wide angle performance and crop it? The ISO charts show even the 17-85, with its much larger range and IS as performing only slightly worse, and the 17-55 does better at 2.8 sometimes and easily better at F4.


You are right about the build quality and weather sealing, but I'm not sure about holding resale value better. I hardly ever see 17-55s come up compared to the many 17-40s on my local CL and they never sell cheap. Unless you are in some very treacherous conditions why would build quality ever trump IQ? Don't fall into the trap of being more concerned with your photo gear than your photos


Sorry to rant on the 17-40 as a general purpose zoom on crop, but it's been bothering me lately Maybe just cause I'd rather see it on my 5D :P

[mikehillman89]

Do it!


As much as the 17-40 is an L with weather sealing and such, IMO the 17-55 is just as good optically and while I'm not encouraging you to stand outside with it during a storm, anything can take a few drops of rain [:P]. The 17-55 seems like it was the lens they forgot to add L to in the name, that's how great it is. I always liked the focal length of the kit lens from when i got my XSi and I've borrowed the 17-55 from my friend a few times and am hugely impressed by the quality of it.


Your other option would be to give me the 17-40mm and I'll sell it and get the 17-55mm! [A] Haha. Happy selling!


Mike