Lens Image Quality: EF prime vs L zoom

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Hi All, I have both a crop body, and a full frame, and use the old crop camera for angling trophy shots (using a 50mm 1.4, and normally shooting 6.3 or 7.1 to achieve the depth of field where both the fish, and the angler are in sharp focus). I have been very happy with the 50mm 1.4 for image quality, but I am finding the focal length restrictive (aprox 80mm), and would be prefer to shoot the equivalent of 50mm.

The Canon 28mm 1.8 gets good reviews, and on the crop gets close (aprox 45mm) to the focal length I want, but including the price of the lens hood, it's around 80% of the price of the Canon 17/40mm 4 L zoom (which also covers the focal length I want). For those who know/use these lenses, my question is would I notice any difference in IQ between these lenses? (at the same aperture)
 
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17-40mm should be very decent on crop (as opposed to FF at wider apertures). It is very sharp around the centre. 28mm prime is to be honest not canon's best, and is rather soft and tons of CA. Between the two the zoom wins.
28mm is probably replaced with 28/2.8 IS now (for a good reason)
 
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Considering the very low price of 5D mkI at the moment, it may be worth selling the 450D.

450D's go for around £200. Then you can pick up a 5D mkI for approximately £500. Then take that with your 1.4 and you will have your effective 50mm.

Of course it depends on a lot of things, but it may be worth considering.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I did consider the Sigma, but must admit was put off by reviews I have read on the net (supposed focusing issues).
 
My suggestion would be to go for the 17-40, it is a cracking lens, will be good on your full frame camera too.
 
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