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EF 17-40mm f/4 vs 24-105mm

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ClassyGroup
Posts: 230 - Karma: 50
As the title suggests, I am switching to a DSLR for filming, and was wondering which one would be more versatile overall. Not really considering glidecam/following shots at this point. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sep 16 2010 10:19PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
isnt the 24-105 the kit lens?

Sep 16 2010 10:24PM
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jwalt
Posts: 611 - Karma: 11
it's L glass

the 17-40 has always been pretty soft imo, and is a limited range. the 24-105 is pretty versatile and is much less soft than the 17-40. I'd vote the 24-105 (hoping to get my hands on one soon to close out my kit once i get the money)
Sep 16 2010 10:40PM
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MADDECENT
Posts: 5579 - Karma: 951
The 17-40 is amazing for filming action things, as its plenty wide and has very little distortion on the edges. It's L glass aswell, so, no, it's not soft. But, the range is much more limited than the 24-105, so it really depends on what you're filming. For skiing, get the 17-40 no doubt, it's an amazing lense
Sep 16 2010 10:44PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
whoops I'm thinking of the 18-105
Sep 16 2010 10:57PM
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Blandct
Posts: 1858 - Karma: 37
if you are getting into dslr filming I would look into the tamron 17-50 its built for aps c so is great for a 7d. and is 2.8 end to end where as the canon is only 4.0 It's pretty damn sharp and way cheaper then L glass. Autofocus is kinda loud and slow but if you are using it for video that doesn't really matter.
Sep 16 2010 11:04PM
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MADDECENT
Posts: 5579 - Karma: 951
yeah another really good 17-50 is the sigma.
Sep 16 2010 11:15PM
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jwalt
Posts: 611 - Karma: 11
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=100&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=0&LensComp=355&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=2&APIComp=0

it's shit on by most for being TOO soft
Sep 16 2010 11:49PM
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jwalt
Posts: 611 - Karma: 11
also, L glass doesn't definite it as being it as being a sharp lens, its just part of canon luxury line, the image quality can still be meh
Sep 16 2010 11:55PM
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japollner
Posts: 1699 - Karma: 459
This. Even stopped down to f11, the 17-40 isn't as sharp as the 24-105.

The 24-105 is truly an amazing lens. If you dont mind the external zooming, go for it.
Sep 16 2010 11:58PM
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MADDECENT
Posts: 5579 - Karma: 951
alright, you win i guess. I would still really like the extra width.
Sep 17 2010 12:10AM
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jwalt
Posts: 611 - Karma: 11
buy a 1D or 5D with the 24-105 on it :D
Sep 17 2010 12:54AM
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mnjib
Posts: 5592 - Karma: 362
You guys are also not taking into account the fact that if he is going to be filming with a DSLR there is the crop of 1.6x thus making the 17-40L a 27-64 and the 24-105L a 38-168. If you are hand holding the wider the lens the more stable the shots will be. Doing a follow came with the 24-105L would be rather difficult. I really breaks down to how you film and what your budget is like.

From a personal note, I have the 17-40L and have shot some of my favorite Images with it and have done filming with it on my 7D as well. Its not the sharpest but it still a kick butt chunk of glass and would say that its much better then any kit lens(not calling the 24-105L a kit though it is the kit lens on the 5dMKII).
Sep 17 2010 12:55AM
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solitaryman
Posts: 3578 - Karma: 123
Very good point.  I would say either get a rokinon 14mm and a 24-105 or just go for a tammy 17-50 non VC or a canon 17-55 too.  Me i would just get a 24-105 and shoot on a tripod with a go pro for follow cams or w/e
Sep 17 2010 1:13PM
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mnjib
Posts: 5592 - Karma: 362
The tokina 11-17 I think it is, is also a great choice for an ultra wide angle lens. I was shocked by the quality from that lens.
Sep 17 2010 2:47PM
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[-mvee-]
Posts: 1713 - Karma: 10
i have the canon 17-40 lens for my t2i and love it. its nice and wide and has some zoom capabilities as well. dont regret getting it at all.
Sep 17 2010 11:49PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
11-16 is their rectilinear UWA
and yes its an awesome lens, I want one so bad
Sep 17 2010 11:53PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
I have used both with my XSi and they are both awesome lenses. The 24-105 is an extremely versatile lens, would make a good one lens quiver (? on phrasing). 17-40 is also a great lens, its has a good wide angle, but with some zoom capabilities. Both are great lens, personally I like the 24-105 better for photography because its so versatile, but if your planning on doing follow cams, the wide angel of the 17-40 will help to reduce camera shake and help you get a steadier image. Paul Braunstein films with the 17-40, peep some of his vids.

http://vimeo.com/pbraunstein
Sep 18 2010 1:12AM
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MADDECENT
Posts: 5579 - Karma: 951

The Re-Up from Paul Braunstein on Vimeo.



Paper Planes from Paul Braunstein on Vimeo.

Sep 18 2010 11:37AM
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Aenigma
Posts: 11256 - Karma: 424
If you have enough money for the 24-105, you could always throw the 24-70 into the mix as an option. Just keep in mind that with both of those your wide angle will be somewhat limited--I didn't like my 24-70 on my 40D much, but now that I have a 5D it's great.
Sep 18 2010 1:28PM
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japollner
Posts: 1699 - Karma: 459
This.

For photography, I am looking at this for a kit.

Canon 10-22 f3.5-4.5
Canon 24-70 f2.8
Canon 70-200 f4

If I am shooting indoors events, the 10-22 ans 24-70 will come along. You'll need to carry a good flash that can diffuse well (I love the 580ex) but those 3 zooms will be all you need for 90% of event/sports photography. Throw in a decent portrait lens, and you will be set. Substitute the 70-200 f2.8 and that can be your portrait lens, and your kit is pretty much done.
Sep 18 2010 2:11PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,240

Let's Head to Hood! from AbeK on Vimeo.

A fun weekend at Hood. MHSSC and the public Park

canon t2i with a 24mm nikon 2.8.




shot on a 24 2.8. Video is Abe k's

Sep 18 2010 10:00PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
I see my video!

and yeah, the entire thing is at a focal length of 24, I think it was wide enough.

I'd be all over the 24-105 if it was faster.
Sep 18 2010 10:13PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,240
I want it and dont mind the f4. i'd just use a really fast prime anyways if I was shooting below f4 anyways. (already have a 28, 35, and 50, that covers most of the range of it)
Sep 18 2010 10:35PM
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niels043
Posts: 814 - Karma: 184
write a letter to canon, tell them to make a 24-105 f2.8L. maybe they will send you an f4 out of simpathy.
Sep 18 2010 10:49PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
tell smuggs to do it
Sep 18 2010 10:58PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,240
i'll do it
Sep 18 2010 11:00PM
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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,272
the only appealing aspect of the 17-40 is the fact that it's an L lens, otherwise it's soft and somewhat shitty

i did a side by side test with the tamron 17-50 and the tammy won in everything except for autofocus speed

24-105 is a sweet outdoor lens, i really enjoy mine
Sep 19 2010 12:48AM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
lol it was a joke about his gear test but yeah, go for it
Sep 19 2010 12:50AM
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Canadianfreeride
Posts: 281 - Karma: 227
I would get a Tokina 17-50. They cost about 410.
Sep 20 2010 4:39PM
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ClassyGroup
Posts: 230 - Karma: 50
Thanks guys,

I'm going to be going with the 24-105, as it is sharper and more suited to the tripod work I am planning on doing. Thanks again.
Sep 20 2010 4:42PM
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