Sharp, with very good color contrast. Built solidly, a constant 2.8 with internal focus ( is not a dust pump). Good range for most applications. Not heavy so it can be a walk around lens.

For some not having USM is an issue. It is a discontinued model so parts and service could be an issue.

Took a chance buying it off Ebay and have never regretted it. My copy was made the last year of production and looks new. Sharp, color all you want in a lens. Ok it is not as fast as a $1500+ USM lens. But it is 2.8 and it does not weigh a ton nor does the barrel extend to change range. Built solidly as a pro lens should be. I wonder how many of the new "pro " lenses made today will hold up after 10+ years. These cost 1800 when new 13 years ago ( how much would that be in 2009 $ ?) Today you can find them in the 450-600 range and they do not sit around long when offered.

Optics, build, second-hand price

Very slow and noisy focusing.

I bought this lens from a pro who had given it a tough time. And it's got many years left in it yet! This is a truly great lens. For a zoom, it's amazing. Optically magnificent, solid as anything - but very slow to focus. But I'll forgive it that - this lens is a real cracker!

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Sigma 18mm, Voigtlander 15mm Heliar, and many others.

'L' optical quality f2.8 constant aperture Internal focusing Built solid (metal!) Looks great on my EOS5 ;)

No USM, so a little bit noisy when focusing (that if you are already spoiled with other USM lens, otherwise you would not notice it)

Incredible quality lens. I bought it used and I do not regret it. The more I use it, the more I am impressed by the pictures I get. The 'L' quality is here and its metal body seems as solid as a rock. I did not notice any vigneting, even wide open.

Customer Service

not tryed.

*Very, very sharp *Image quality like very good prime lens. *f/2.8 *The price: about half of what the Canon 16-35mm L f/2.8. *Amazing color saturation and contrast *Very sturdy construction.

*NO USM *a bit noisy

Very sharp and very well build. Excellent optics. You can find it in the used market for a good price. I don''''''''t regret the price. I really recommend this lens. This is without a doubt one of Canons finest lenses in this focal range. It''''''''s worth every penny. 5 stars *****

Customer Service

XXX

Similar Products Used:

Canon 28mm f/2.8, 20mm f/2.8, Zenitar 16mm fisheye f/2.8, 28-70mm L f/2.8, 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.

Sharp, more compact than 17-35L, 72mm filter, little distortion.

No full time manual focus, but I can live with that. Too bad it''s out of production. Might not be wide enough for digital, not with the D30.

The best in terms of value and performance. Very mimimal distortion at 20mm, from 24mm on as good as prime lenses. Very sharp too, even at 2.8 for photojournalism work. If you come across one, grab it right away before someone else does. Your only other choice is the Tokina 20-35 2.8.

Customer Service

Nice enough to check it for free when I bought it used.

Similar Products Used:

17-35L, primes 17,24,35

Very sharp, low distortion for a wide zoom. Great contrast.

Loud focus and no FTM. That said, while its important on longer lenses its really not an issue to me in a wide angle lens. Noticably more prone to flare than the primes. Mine has been to hell and back TWICE, and while it's ugly, it works great.

Mine has been used by a major newspaper for years, and it shows. But it is still a reliable, SHARP lens. The prices are FINALLY begining to come down on them used occasionally, and at $500 (I have seen them there and below on occasion) I would call it a steal.

Customer Service

GREAT (CPS)

Similar Products Used:

eos 28 f1.8, 28 f2.8, 35 f2

Good zoom range.
Compact.

50cm closest focus !

Good lens.It´s quite affodable these days.
It´s a pity that it´s not possible to take
close ups.20mm and 50cm seems too far away in reality !I prefer 24 2,8 (25cm in closest focus distance.)

Similar Products Used:

None

Fabulous build quality. Excellent distortion control. Sharp results.

None that are important to me. Lack of USM for outdoor use is a non-issue.

This is a beautiful lens. High quality, sharp lens at a good price. This is the best wide zoom in the Canon wide zoom line IMHO.

Customer Service

Never needed

Similar Products Used:

70-200 f4
100 f2.8 macro

Superb lens, very solidly built and very sharp. Excellent contrast and color. Despite the lack of a USM motor, focus is quick and decisive on a D30.

The weight bothered me initally but I now actually prefer this lens' handling to that of a lighter lens.

This lens was worth every penny. I'd buy it again without hesitation.

Customer Service

Haven't used.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 17-35 2.8L
Canon 24-85 3.5/4.5

Ultra Sharp for a zoom
Full time Manual focus
Fast.

Manual focus is hard to find if your in a hurry.

Great lens, In fact it may be my favorite! This lens is extremely sharp for a zoom, and the L glass is wonderful.

The lack of a USM motor makes it a bit noisy and slow focusing, but for wide angle, this is not a problem for me.

For anyone looking at a wide zoom, I strongly recommend looking at this model used. At 2/3 the price of the 17-35L for a lens this good, I don't think you can go wrong!

Similar Products Used:

20mm 2.8
20-35 USM