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Best FF lens as a midrange on an APS-C

Started Sep 28, 2015 | Discussions thread
arty H Senior Member • Posts: 1,546
Re: Best FF lens as a midrange on an APS-C

I have used the 17-40 and 24-105L on crop and then later on full frame. Both are sharp across the frame. The 17-40 becomes an ultrawide on full frame, and the 24-105L is a great general purpose lens on full frame.

A choice depends on your needs, if you want a wider view, the 17-40L is sharp. With good contrast. It is light, compact, and has great AF. The 24-105L is an excellent lens. It may not be as good for events (indoors, without flash), but it gives you a slightly wide view on crop and goes pretty long. The IS is useful. It is also larger and heavier than the 17-40L.

If you want the best optics, the 24-70F2.8 will give you that...at a price in dollars, size and weight. The 24-70F4 doesn't have the range of the 24-105L, and reviews have it weaker at 50 mm, with other defects that would turn me off. There is a slightly less expensive option on a newer 24-105 variable aperture lens. Frankly, the 23-105L is fine for outside. I use a fast prime when taking photos indoors.

Your decision depends on whether you care about cost, size weight, optics, etc. None of the L zooms is flawless, but the 24-70F2.8 comes closer than the others. I don't care for the size and weight, and cost, of that lens. In terms of cost, there are frequent white box deals on the 24-105L, so it may wind up costing you less than the 17-40. Take a look at Canon price watch dot com.

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