Let's talk lenses.....

So, I'd like to get a new lens for my Canon 40D (which has an APS-C sensor which equates to a 1.6x crop factor). I currently have two lenses (the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM) in my bag. These are fantastic lenses, but considering the crop factor I have a limited focal range of 80mm to 320mm (with about a 30mm gap on the low end...it hasn't been that big of a deal for me though). Not the best focal range for taking photos of larger groups or landscapes.

For most photographers, a good walk-around lens (like a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM or the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM) would seem to be the next logical step. While either of these would be nice lenses to own, I think that the price of these lenses is somewhat prohibitive for me at this point. I also have to consider crop factor in making this decision. If I owned a camera with a full-frame sensor, such as the Canon 5D Mk II, I would only consider these two lenses. A 24mm lens on the Canon 40D equates to just shy of 40mm. That is not all that wide in my opinion. Now, if I could come up with the difference in price, I'd still get it...

In considering the crop factor of my camera, and my current budget, I think a wide angle lens would be better suited to my needs. So then we consider three Canon lenses: the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM, the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM or the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM. The price of the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM is well beyond my price range. Plus, I rented one from Canoga Camera and I was not all that impressed. The two remaining lenses retail for around half that of the previous lens. Now, I have to say it's no question for me between the two lenses...the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM, hands down. Here's why: it's an "L" lens which means much better build quality, weather sealing and optics; it has a much broader and more useful focal range; and, it will function on any of the Canon Digital SLRs. That's right, I forgot to mention that EF-S lenses will only work on a crop-sensor camera (like the 40D) and not on full-frame sensor cameras (like the 5D). Plus, I like lenses that have a constant aperture through the focal range...it makes things a bit simpler, at least for me.

Of course, there are other options on the market. Sigma, Tokina and Tamron all offer at least one lens that would fit the above criteria. I prefer to stay with Canon products though as there is a lot of information trasmitted between the lens and body. I feel more comfortable sticking to the same name brand and feel there are less hassles in the long run.