Hi, I am about to travel to Sri Lanka with my family. I have a 400d and the only 'decent' lens I have is that F1.2 50mm which is not gong to be a lens for shooting out of a moving window or from the back of a TookTook. I was looking at second hand EF 17-40 (around £200) - which has a nice wide angle for those 'big' shots. But wondered if it would not stand up so well with those more intimate photos of the family. Would this lens be a good all-rounder or should I look at something else? If I can only take one more lens, which would be good for travel? My budget is up to around £200-£250 (second, hand). Any advice greatly appreciated - TIA - Nick
Well, that 17-40 is a L series lens and built which is the most rugged build and has weather sealing. If your able to get one for a few hundred that seems like a great deal .... they have got more expensive over the last 20 years since i got mine and brand new go for 800 us and I'm a bit surprised they can be found for less than half that. Its a great lens for the money, if you get in close you can do some portraits as your on a crop sensor (so its a view angle of more like a 50mm on full frame, and the focus distance is pretty decent for that lens. It is true that you may be happier with a little bit more length 24-105 or 24-70 are both slightly bulkier and more expensive canon L lenses with more length, there are cheaper non L zooms that may be better for your price range. No perfect answer suggestion for you, have a look around see if you can find a bit longer for a good price, L lenses will be more durable and a bit sharper than non L lenses. But at that price point you have to sacrifice something.
Hi, Thanks for your advice, it was really useful. There are a number of 17-40s on Ebay for around £200... but I took into account your advice about having something a little longer. I plumed for the Canon 24-70mm f2.8 in the end which I got second hand for £350 (oops). I felt having the wider aperture and the versatility of 24-70 was enough for most shots from landscapes and nature to my own family.
I think you'll really like the lens you picked. Let us know how it works out for you! I probably would have got that one too at some point had I not invested in the 17-40 as my first lens and added a few primes fairly quickly after, like the 50,85 and 100mm lenses, thus making the 24-70 feel unnecessary by the time i could have considered it.
