Canon 20-35mm f/2.8 or Alternative?

[RobbieB]

Hi guys,

I'm a bit stuck. I recently sold my Samyang 14mm after not being able to solve the filter problem. I want to get a wide angle lens for my Canon 5D II but my budget is limited.

My obvious choice is the Canon 17-40mm f/4. I like this lens but f/4 means it isn't brilliant for astrophotography which I enjoy.

My less obvious choice is the Canon 20-35mm f/2.8. The lens is getting on a bit but gets incredible reviews still. 72mm means it can hold normal filters unlike the evil but beautiful Samyang. f/2.8 means I can use it for astro. The problem is it is very hard to find in the UK and I would probably have to try and find a pristine condition one in US/Japan.

What I need:

• Under £500 at the very most, closer to £400 preferably
• Wide: </= to 24mm at widest.
• f/2.8 if possible for astro.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

ETA: 16-35mm f/2.8 I or II would be perfect but prices me out of the market.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

Canon L ultra wide zooms are all a bit of a laugh and very poor wide open. You may as well get 17-40 f/14L (pun intended) and another samyang for astro work. The new 24-70mm f/2.8 is incredible if you can drop the ultra wide requirement

 

[RainMaker]

If 24mm is wide enough, take a look at Canon EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM. Compact, light, fast, stabilized, well made, excellent IQ, cheep on filters and within the budget.

 

[a1ex2001]

If your considering the canon 20-35mm f2.8 don't rule out the tokina version it's cheaper and not far off.

Personally I'd go with the above advice 17-40mm for landscapes and a samyang in the bag for astro.

 

[RobbieB]

Canon L ultra wide zooms are all a bit of a laugh and very poor wide open. You may as well get 17-40 f/14L (pun intended) and another samyang for astro work. The new 24-70mm f/2.8 is incredible if you can drop the ultra wide requirement

The 24-70mm dipped to a temptingly low price a while back but it's back up on the pricey side these days. I've heard good things though. I think getting the 17-40 for landscape and something else for astro is my only hope as it stands.

If 24mm is wide enough, take a look at Canon EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM. Compact, light, fast, stabilized, well made, excellent IQ, cheep on filters and within the budget.

I did look at this lens but for a little bit more I might as well get 17-40mm for landscape and maybe reacquire the Samyang for astro one day.

Thanks for the replies chaps, helpful!

 

[RainMaker]

I did look at this lens but for a little bit more I might as well get 17-40mm for landscape and maybe reacquire the Samyang for astro one day.

That's the best thing of Canon system, there is a lens choice!