Sigma 10-20 on 7D vs Canon 17-40 on 5DMKIII

I have a Sigma 10-20 that I've been using since 2007. A nice lens that I use for city photography and landscape shots. It's a lens I use on my 7D (that I still own).
This year I bought a 5DMKIII body (very nice). My widest lens on that body is a 24-105L (which I really like).
Now I have the opportunity to buy a Canon 17-40 lens in almost new condition for €450,-.
I prefer the image output of my 5DMKIII compared to the 7D. The 17-40 doesn't have the best reviews (soft corners).
I'm going on a trip to Peru, Bolivia and New York in about a month and I'm not sure what to do. Sell the Sigma 10-20 and get the 17-40 or simply keep the Sigma on my 7D (I do have to take 2 bodies on that trip besides other lenses).

Any advice?

Tim

Timberland wrote:

I have a Sigma 10-20 that I've been using since 2007. A nice lens that I use for city photography and landscape shots. It's a lens I use on my 7D (that I still own).
This year I bought a 5DMKIII body (very nice). My widest lens on that body is a 24-105L (which I really like).
Now I have the opportunity to buy a Canon 17-40 lens in almost new condition for €450,-.
I prefer the image output of my 5DMKIII compared to the 7D. The 17-40 doesn't have the best reviews (soft corners).
I'm going on a trip to Peru, Bolivia and New York in about a month and I'm not sure what to do. Sell the Sigma 10-20 and get the 17-40 or simply keep the Sigma on my 7D (I do have to take 2 bodies on that trip besides other lenses).

Any advice?

I own a Canon 10-22 and have used it on my sister's 7D.  I also own a 5D3 and 17-40L.

The 17-40L is good when you stop it down to f/5.6 to f/11.  So if you shoot in good light or on a tripod, I think the 17-40L is a great option.  It is definitely OK shot wide open.  I took a lotof pictures with the 17-40 and 5D3 combo in New York.

If you are going to be running around with both 7D and 5D3 everywhere, I can see going with your Sigma on 7D and another focal length on the 5D.  Personally I don't use two bodies while running around on vacation.

Marcos Villaroman wrote:

Timberland wrote:

I have a Sigma 10-20 that I've been using since 2007. A nice lens that I use for city photography and landscape shots. It's a lens I use on my 7D (that I still own).
This year I bought a 5DMKIII body (very nice). My widest lens on that body is a 24-105L (which I really like).
Now I have the opportunity to buy a Canon 17-40 lens in almost new condition for €450,-.
I prefer the image output of my 5DMKIII compared to the 7D. The 17-40 doesn't have the best reviews (soft corners).
I'm going on a trip to Peru, Bolivia and New York in about a month and I'm not sure what to do. Sell the Sigma 10-20 and get the 17-40 or simply keep the Sigma on my 7D (I do have to take 2 bodies on that trip besides other lenses).

Any advice?

I own a Canon 10-22 and have used it on my sister's 7D. I also own a 5D3 and 17-40L.

The 17-40L is good when you stop it down to f/5.6 to f/11. So if you shoot in good light or on a tripod, I think the 17-40L is a great option. It is definitely OK shot wide open. I took a lotof pictures with the 17-40 and 5D3 combo in New York.

If you are going to be running around with both 7D and 5D3 everywhere, I can see going with your Sigma on 7D and another focal length on the 5D. Personally I don't use two bodies while running around on vacation.

Thanks. No, my intention is also not to run around with 2 bodies while backpacking. I tried this in Sardinia a couple of months ago and did not enjoy it (walking around with 2 bodies).

I only intend to bring the 5DMKIII and 4 lenses (17-40, 24-105, 70-200F4IS and 135F2) to Peru and Bolivia (and NY). We will be backpacking and and I don't want to bring too much bulk (1 body and 4 lenses is doable for me).
I will use the 17-40 mostly at F8-F11 during good light. Otherwise I will use my tripod.

Tim

Timberland wrote:

Thanks. No, my intention is also not to run around with 2 bodies while backpacking. I tried this in Sardinia a couple of months ago and did not enjoy it (walking around with 2 bodies).

I only intend to bring the 5DMKIII and 4 lenses (17-40, 24-105, 70-200F4IS and 135F2) to Peru and Bolivia (and NY). We will be backpacking and and I don't want to bring too much bulk (1 body and 4 lenses is doable for me).
I will use the 17-40 mostly at F8-F11 during good light. Otherwise I will use my tripod.

Tim

Nice combo.  I lived with the three f/4 L zooms for quite some time.  My big mistake was selling my 70-200/4L IS when I bought the 70-200/2.8L IS II.  There's rarely any reason to lug a 70-200/2.8L IS on vacation.

Are you bringing a teleconverter?  I have been thinking of going with a 135L plus 1.4x and/or 2x TC instead of the 70-200/2.8L to save weight/room.

This is probably very obvious, but, don't forget to bring something to cover your camera when you shoot in the rain.  I always pack those rain covers from OpTech USA.

I made the mistake of relying on the weather seals of the 5D3 with 24-70/2.8L mk I in the rain once.  The lens was fine.  I shorted out the 5D3's main board.  Thankfully Canon replaced it for free.  My mistake was thinking the light rain was fine and i kept shooting.  Then the rain came down hard and by that time it was logistically to hard to put something on the camera.

What are you bringing for a light weight tripod?

Marcos Villaroman wrote:

Timberland wrote:

Thanks. No, my intention is also not to run around with 2 bodies while backpacking. I tried this in Sardinia a couple of months ago and did not enjoy it (walking around with 2 bodies).

I only intend to bring the 5DMKIII and 4 lenses (17-40, 24-105, 70-200F4IS and 135F2) to Peru and Bolivia (and NY). We will be backpacking and and I don't want to bring too much bulk (1 body and 4 lenses is doable for me).
I will use the 17-40 mostly at F8-F11 during good light. Otherwise I will use my tripod.

Tim

Nice combo. I lived with the three f/4 L zooms for quite some time. My big mistake was selling my 70-200/4L IS when I bought the 70-200/2.8L IS II. There's rarely any reason to lug a 70-200/2.8L IS on vacation.

Are you bringing a teleconverter? I have been thinking of going with a 135L plus 1.4x and/or 2x TC instead of the 70-200/2.8L to save weight/room.

This is probably very obvious, but, don't forget to bring something to cover your camera when you shoot in the rain. I always pack those rain covers from OpTech USA.

I made the mistake of relying on the weather seals of the 5D3 with 24-70/2.8L mk I in the rain once. The lens was fine. I shorted out the 5D3's main board. Thankfully Canon replaced it for free. My mistake was thinking the light rain was fine and i kept shooting. Then the rain came down hard and by that time it was logistically to hard to put something on the camera.

What are you bringing for a light weight tripod?

Thanks. I don't own a TC.

I've sold the Sigma and got the 17-40. Boy that was a quick switch.

The tripod that I use on my travels is the Benro Travel Angel A2690TB1. I'm using this tripod for several (5 or 6) years now and like it a lot. It's light, small and not too expensive (compared to Gitzo options).

Tim

Timberland wrote:

Marcos Villaroman wrote:

Timberland wrote:

Thanks. No, my intention is also not to run around with 2 bodies while backpacking. I tried this in Sardinia a couple of months ago and did not enjoy it (walking around with 2 bodies).

I only intend to bring the 5DMKIII and 4 lenses (17-40, 24-105, 70-200F4IS and 135F2) to Peru and Bolivia (and NY). We will be backpacking and and I don't want to bring too much bulk (1 body and 4 lenses is doable for me).
I will use the 17-40 mostly at F8-F11 during good light. Otherwise I will use my tripod.

Tim

Nice combo. I lived with the three f/4 L zooms for quite some time. My big mistake was selling my 70-200/4L IS when I bought the 70-200/2.8L IS II. There's rarely any reason to lug a 70-200/2.8L IS on vacation.

Are you bringing a teleconverter? I have been thinking of going with a 135L plus 1.4x and/or 2x TC instead of the 70-200/2.8L to save weight/room.

This is probably very obvious, but, don't forget to bring something to cover your camera when you shoot in the rain. I always pack those rain covers from OpTech USA.

I made the mistake of relying on the weather seals of the 5D3 with 24-70/2.8L mk I in the rain once. The lens was fine. I shorted out the 5D3's main board. Thankfully Canon replaced it for free. My mistake was thinking the light rain was fine and i kept shooting. Then the rain came down hard and by that time it was logistically to hard to put something on the camera.

What are you bringing for a light weight tripod?

Thanks. I don't own a TC.

I've sold the Sigma and got the 17-40. Boy that was a quick switch.

The tripod that I use on my travels is the Benro Travel Angel A2690TB1. I'm using this tripod for several (5 or 6) years now and like it a lot. It's light, small and not too expensive (compared to Gitzo options).

Tim

Personally I would travel lighter than that, especially if backpacking.

I would bring either the 17-40 or 24-105, and either the 70-200 or 135.Maybe the 17-40, 70-200, and 40mm pancake for in-between?

That's what I'm thinking for the Galapagos trip I'm going on, though it's not a backpacking trip.

i'd want the 17-40L because the 5d3 is just such a spectacular camera.  but on epic journies I always carry a spare body.

Timberland wrote:

I have a Sigma 10-20 that I've been using since 2007. A nice lens that I use for city photography and landscape shots. It's a lens I use on my 7D (that I still own).
This year I bought a 5DMKIII body (very nice). My widest lens on that body is a 24-105L (which I really like).
Now I have the opportunity to buy a Canon 17-40 lens in almost new condition for €450,-.
I prefer the image output of my 5DMKIII compared to the 7D. The 17-40 doesn't have the best reviews (soft corners).
I'm going on a trip to Peru, Bolivia and New York in about a month and I'm not sure what to do. Sell the Sigma 10-20 and get the 17-40 or simply keep the Sigma on my 7D (I do have to take 2 bodies on that trip besides other lenses).

Any advice?

Tim

I own the Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 - I've been using it about as long as you yours. I love it.

I recently purchased a 6D. Of course, since I shoot interiors I needed to replace my 10-20 right away if I'm going to use the 6D! So, after contemplating the Tokina 16-28 and Sigma 12-24, I got the EF 17-40.

It rocks. I'm really, really surprised at how sharp this thing is. It's certainly superior to the Sigma. It's pretty good on my 60D as well - but I'd still suggest APS-C folks go with a 17-55 or Sigma 17-50.

But on an FF it's way sharper than my 24-105 - a bit of a shock actually.

I see you got the 17-40 (now), I think you'll be happy. I had uploaded some comparison shots for naught! Guess I should pay closer attention!

Timberland wrote:

I have a Sigma 10-20 that I've been using since 2007. A nice lens that I use for city photography and landscape shots. It's a lens I use on my 7D (that I still own).
This year I bought a 5DMKIII body (very nice). My widest lens on that body is a 24-105L (which I really like).
Now I have the opportunity to buy a Canon 17-40 lens in almost new condition for €450,-.
I prefer the image output of my 5DMKIII compared to the 7D. The 17-40 doesn't have the best reviews (soft corners).
I'm going on a trip to Peru, Bolivia and New York in about a month and I'm not sure what to do. Sell the Sigma 10-20 and get the 17-40 or simply keep the Sigma on my 7D (I do have to take 2 bodies on that trip besides other lenses).

Any advice?

Tim

I was a bit worried about the 17-40 reviews when I went from 550d/10-22 to 5d3. I couldn't justify the extra for the 16-35 and must say Im very happy with the 17-40.

5d3 & 17-40 set

" I only intend to bring the 5DMKIII and 4 lenses (17-40, 24-105, 70-200F4IS and 135F2) to Peru and Bolivia (and NY). We will be backpacking and and I don't want to bring too much bulk (1 body and 4 lenses is doable for me). "

Ive got the same combo apart from the 135 and I seldomly use the 24-105 when Im away. My normal 2 kit lens is the 17-40 & 70-200 and I certainly don't miss the lack of 40-70mm range.

Timberland wrote:

Thanks. No, my intention is also not to run around with 2 bodies while backpacking. I tried this in Sardinia a couple of months ago and did not enjoy it (walking around with 2 bodies).

I only intend to bring the 5DMKIII and 4 lenses (17-40, 24-105, 70-200F4IS and 135F2) to Peru and Bolivia (and NY). We will be backpacking and and I don't want to bring too much bulk (1 body and 4 lenses is doable for me).
I will use the 17-40 mostly at F8-F11 during good light. Otherwise I will use my tripod.

Tim

While on vacation, swapping glass constantly gets old very quickly. I've found two bodies FAR easier to deal with if you pair them with complimentary focal lengths.  Plus you have a backup if your only body fails.

I would do a wide angle on one body and your 70-200 on another and be done with it. Leave the rest at home. Just get a decent case that will make swapping between the two fairly easy, and it will be less weight and hassle than you are planning for now.

Just my $0.02.