I recently had a chance to try out yet another copy of the 17-40/4L on the 5D. This lens was manufactured this year, and showed much better corner performance than other copies that I’ve tested — almost on par with the Olympus 21/3.5 Zuiko with both lenses at 21mm f/8. Had the first copy of the 17-40/4L I bought back in 2003 performed this well, I never would have dabbled in alternative lenses in the first place.

It’s going to be very interesting to see what happens to optical performance when the new Canon 1DS MkIII hits the streets. The 1DS II was already pushing the limits for the Canon wide angles – we’ll see how the optics hold up at 21MP!

Best,

Joe

Incredible detail from the Zeiss lens. But I have to agree with Guillaume. The 17-40 lens is not as blurred at the edges below f8 or f11 as your review suggests. Perhaps the copy I have is above average, or one of the good batches. I do feel you’ve tarred all the canon wide angles (which admittedly aren’t that exceptional) with the same brush.

Just to make it clear – I’m no Canon enthusiast. If anything, I’m a Mamiya 7II supporter. My images over the last six years have been made with this machine and the lenses are excellent. It’s been painful for me to try out a 5D and experience the digital-revolution in all it’s complex glory. But as much as I don’t feel my 17-40 lens is something to shout about, it’s not soft at the edges below f11.

I love the review of the Zuiko – it makes me want to go out there and buy one and try it out. My reason for opting for the 17-40 in the first place was for ‘extended wide angle coverage’. I like my images to have a 6×7 aspect ratio, but find the Canon 24mm lenses don’t give me the same coverage that the Mamiya 50 does (equivalent to 25mm in 35mm terms). So I’m keen to get a lens that is exceptional for wide angle use.

I only tend to use 24mm for landscape work, so stopping it down for metering isn’t an issue.

I’d consider the Zeiss 21mm lens – it’s ‘almost’ affordable for me taking into account the uk exchange rate at the moment. And that review of it makes it look like it will make the need to upgrade to a new DSLR body for the next (long while) a non requirement. Thanks for the info and the review.

Regards,
Bruce Percy