Best Wide Angle Zoom?

[IBM]

Although I love my longer lenses, starting to realise that for decent portraiture I need something with a wider angle and a little flexibility. I know that the Canon 17-40 L is an awesome lens, but is this the best out there?

I'm pretty lame when it comes to lenses by brands other than Canon, so if anyone has recomendations from Tamron or Sigma I'll be glad to hear them..

And given that I hope to switch from a 10D to a 40D sometime soon, are there any EF-S lenses that I should be aware of? I saw a 17-55mm 2.8 which sounds very nice...

[Hans Voralberg]

If you stick with EF-S, the 17-55/2.8 is a very decent lens, I test if briefly with the 17-40 and cant see much difference, for portrait I'd like to have f2.8 though. If you go all out I recommend the 16-35/2.8 or the 24-70/2.8, they're Canon best glass IMO and incredibly sharp. I use the 16-35 alot and it is fantastic, worth every penny.

Cheap option is the Tamron 17-50/2.8, this one got rave reviews but I personally havent use it yet.

[Bobster]

Cheap option is the Tamron 17-50/2.8, this one got rave reviews but I personally havent use it yet.

hey don't knock Tamron, they do make great glass!

i've put an order in for a Tamron 17-50mm (£194.00)- its sharpness is comparable with Canon's (but you don't get USM and IS) and yes costs a hell of a lot less!!

the other option is Sigma's 18-55 2.8..

[IBM]

That seems exceptional value for money for the Tamron.

What about a good wide angle prime? I've got a 35, 50, and 80, so is there anything out there at the same price range as the Tamron, but a wide angle prime?

[Rhyth]

Other lenses to consider would be The Canon 10-22, Sigma 10-20, and Tokina 12-24. I use the Sigma 10-20mm which although is designed for a crop body will fit full frame Canons and it comes in at around £295; I love it .

Ah, zoom you say; try the Sigma 18-200 OS. Around £295 also, but look around on that one, you might get it cheaper.

[Hans Voralberg]

hey don't knock Tamron, they do make great glass!

i've put an order in for a Tamron 17-50mm (£194.00)- its sharpness is comparable with Canon's (but you don't get USM and IS) and yes costs a hell of a lot less!!

the other option is Sigma's 18-55 2.8..

Cheap as in price alone compare to Canon, I didnt say anything about quality I use tamron myself too

[Hans Voralberg]

Oh before moving to the 16-35 I used the Tokina 12-24 for some months, it's a great lens. Very well made and quality is very good, quite good control on distortion as well