Details

With superb optical performance, the fastest AF in its class, dust and moisture seals and a close focusing distance of just 28cm, this lightweight, wide-angle lens is especially suitable for use with APS-C and APS-H cameras like the EOS 40D and EOS-1D Mark III. That’s not to say that this lens should only be used on smaller sensor cameras. In fact, for photojournalists, landscape and travel photographers, this is the perfect wide-angle lens when matched to cameras such as the EOS 5D with a full-frame sensor because it is lightweight and robust.

It is also favoured in interior photography where the focal range from a wide-angle 17mm to an almost standard 40mm allows the photographer the versatility to achieve a variety of shots. The focal range and close focusing distance, when used correctly, also allow a large change in perspective.

Two types of aspherical lens elements are used in conjunction with one super ultra-low dispersion (Super UD) element to control and eliminate aberrations and ensure high image quality appropriate to an L-series lens. The USM autofocus ensures sharp pictures, whether the subject is a stationary landscape, or a fast moving car.

An almost perfectly circular diaphragm ensures smooth out-of-focus highlights and pleasing background blur, and the large, constant maximum aperture gives plenty of control over depth of field. When attached to one of the EOS-1series cameras, the lens retains the dust and weather sealing characterised by those cameras.

Technical Info