Which lens 10-20 or 17-40 L

[scott b]

Hi all. I'm new here and looking for a bit of advice. I am looking at a new lens as a step up from the standard canon 18-55 kit lens. I have around £350 to spend and seriously considering the Sigma 10-20mm lens as I've heard good stuff about it.
I cant help thinking though that I would be better spending a bit extra on a 17-40 L. :shrug:
Looking for a lens suitable for landscapes as well as a day to day lens.
Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Grendel]

Hi Scott and to the forums

The Sigma 10-20 is a great lens but it isn't really a replacement for the 18-55 kit lens. It's classed as an ultra wide angle lens. IMO if you can aford the extra, of the two you're looking at, the 17-40 would be a better bet and give you a bit more versatility.

 

[Mr.Orb]

I had to make the same choice last year, I ended up going for the 17-40mm and haven't looked back. I find 17mm is fine for landscapes and you'll find it more useful for 'day to day' activities.

 

[Jimmy_Lemon]

For landscapes and general use I would also say the 17-40 - It is what I use for those purposes, the 10-20 has its uses but it would be very limiting if it was your main lens

Oh and welcome to the forums

 

[shiato storm]

agree with them ^ I've got both but when I want a light do-all-combo I put the 17-40 on the 20d and head out. not disappointed me yet...

 

[CT]

A lot depends on which sensor size you use, 17mm on a full frame sensor is considered an extreme wide angle lens and you'll see all of that width on a full frame sensor.

The 10-20mm will give you the same FOV on a 1.6 crop sensor, but with more distortion due to the smaller sensor. Some people like the distortion though and use it to good dramatic effect, so it just depends on your personal taste.

I have the 17-40 and I think it's great, even on a 1.6 crop sensor, giving an effective 27mm focal length - still quite wide.

 

[watred]

A lot depends on which sensor size you use, 17mm on a full frame sensor is considered an extreme wide angle lens and you'll see all of that width on a full frame sensor.

The 10-20mm will give you the same FOV on a 1.6 crop sensor, but with more distortion due to the smaller sensor. Some people like the distortion though and use it to good dramatic effect, so it just depends on your personal taste.

I have the 17-40 and I think it's great, even on a 1.6 crop sensor, giving an effective 27mm focal length - still quite wide.

One reason I bought the Tamron 17-50 F2.8 as I wanted a lens that would give me 17mm at the wide end. the Canon 17-40L would give me 28mm at the wide because of the crop factor. plus the 17-40L is built like a tank and just as heavy (so im told) so I was happy to buy something smaller and lighter and almost as good IQ wise.

I doubt I'll own a full frame body for quite a while yet (if ever) ,but if your planning to upgrade then that needs taking into consideration.

cheers
watred.

 

[scott b]

Thanks for the welcome and advice. I'm looking at using it on a 400D. Better get saving a bit more for the 17-40.

Thanks