Well, besides a whole bucket full of money, one of them lets you take photos in lower light, okay, that's obvious. The 16-35mm is a bit heavier, but not so you'd notice, unless maybe you were carrying it around all day, without eating and you're a bit over the hill. So why pay the extra money, unless, of course, you do a lot of shooting in the early morning and late evening?

Maybe you shouldn't, because I've been doing a lot of photo taking with both, film and digital, and as one would expect from the "L" lenses, the photos are crisp and sharp. In fact I keep I the 17-40 on the camera I carry around all day, you know, the one I might leave on the table in a restaurant when I got to the restroom. It's a lot less money to lose to someone looking for a five finger discount. However, my gal pal Sara and I take a lot of early morning photos. She shoots old houses, and she never, ever goes out without the 16-35mm. She swears by it, loves it, sometimes I think better than me.

So there is a difference, I'm the kind of person that could happily live with less expensive lense, Sara is not. However they both deliver gorgeous photos. You can't go wrong if the lense has that red circle around it.

Jack Priest, Sailor Home from the Sea

Having received some Christmas cash, I put it to good use with the purchase of this lens. It works great with my Digital Rebel and certainly is a fine choice for any of the EOS Canons. Sure, it is pricey and a little heavy, but if you want a fast, wide-angle zoom lens, there is little else that is equivalent. The zoom range takes you from wide scenics to excellent indoor flash shots at 35mm (with a Canon Speedlite EX accessory). The USM focusing motor is quiet and very quick. Comes with a Canon lens hood. Don't forget to add a 77mm UV filter to protect the optics full time!

What can I say? Yes, it's a bit expensive. And yes, it weighs about a ton. But the quality of this lens is absolutely great. If you own a DSLR like the D30, D60 or 10D this lense effectively becomes a 25.6-56 mm zoom. Which is great since there aren't that many high quality moderate wide-angle lenses available for these DSLR's. If used on a 1Ds or a film SLR then the 16-35 suddenly becomes the stuff that dreams are made of. This is one hell of a lens! If you are planning to buy a wide-angle zoom lens for your EOS camera and are considering the purchase of a non-Canon lens, don't do it! I used a few of those before buying the 16-35 f/2.8L USM and regretted it almost from day one. Yes, they are cheaper, but if you're serious about photography in the long run you'll end up buying the real thing anyway. So better wait and save up a litlle longer.

I shoot with a Canon 20D and have used the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens as my wide angle option. When preparing for an extended stay in Budapest, I decided it was time to invest in a faster, better quality WA lens. I reviewed the lens lineup at the Canon website and decided on the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L. As an L lens owner, I was confident this lens would be a great addition to my lens lineup.

Being an L lens, this is a serious lens meant for serious photographers. The sturdy construction consists of three aspherical elements and Canon's UD glass which largely eliminate the secondary spectrum. Weather-resistant construction at lens mount, zoom & focus rings and switch panel helps protect the lens from the elements. This lens is not compatible with the 1.4x II and 2x II extenders. The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L lens weighs in at about 1.3 lbs/600g, and accepts 77mm filters or holds gel filters. Be sure to get a good quality UV haze filter to protect the front lens element. Not only do I see this as a good practice, Canon recommends doing so on their site as well.

The focus type is the standard twist zoom, and permits for auto or manual focus depending on how the switch is set. In addition, the lens has a USM drive mechanism for optimum AF performance.

Included with this lens are the front and rear lens caps, lens hood, soft storage case, and a US one year warranty. The case is a pull string soft case (LZ1319) that can also be purchased separately. The lens hood (EW-83E) is used to reduce lens flare and can protect the front element in certain situations.

I have to admit I was disappointed by this lens while in Budapest. I found that for wide angle scenes with the focused subject at a distance, the images were soft. This is precisely the type of images I wanted to use this lens for. Just because this is a fast lens, it doesn't mean I shoot everything at f/2.8 either. It didn't matter what aperture I used, it was soft in my eyes.

I wondered if the lens needed adjusting or calibrating after hearing all the great things people say. I lent the lens to a friend who loved the quality and sharpness while taking close up shots. I then began to wonder if I was doing something wrong. After testing the lens, I've concluded that this is not the lens for distant wide angle shots like suggested on the Canon website. When the subject matter is much closer, like the other side of a room or several feet away, this is an awesomely sharp lens.

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L lens is too different to compare to the Canon EF 28-135mm. The clarity and sharpness is incredible, and the auto-focus is quiet and quick. Even though this lens didn't fit my original purpose, it has found a place in my lens collection. I don't foresee this lens being one of my most used options though. The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L comes at a price, but it is worth every bit of it.

PROS:
Incredible clarity and sharpness
Quiet and quick auto-focus

CONS:
Heavy and bulky (This should be expected with these types of lenses)

I got this lens because I didn't really own anything close to this range except for the kit lens (good but not great and not f/2.8). I do own a 15mm Canon Fisheye but it does distort quite a bit even on the 20D and I don't like to have to correct in Photoshop each time. I wanted something wider, that could capture lots of light (I do allot of ambient and low light photowork) and I wanted something versatile (on a 20D this is really a 24mm to 56mm --- great working range).

Pros:
1) With the 1.6x crop factor of my 20D this is really a 24 to 56mm lens. This makes it quite a bit less of a wide angle and more of a midrange lens. Consequently, it stays on my camera all the time and covers most of my daily needs. I bought this lens fully expecting it to be 24 to 56 as I wanted it to be multi purpose.

2) I try to avoid flash as much as possible given the type of photography I do and at f/2.8 I can take some great ambient light pictures that I would not be able to do otherwise

3) At f/2.8, I can also blow the backgrounds and foregrounds out of focus.

4) The color saturation is like nothing I've ever seen before except with my 70-200mm Canon "L". I was literally floored at some baby pictures I took where the colors were in two words "mind blowing". I knew the color would be great but "WOW!" With Photoshop CS2 I can "fake" saturation but its just not quite the same as the color that came out of this lens straight out of the box. Zero photoshop touchup needed.

5) Its built like a tank. Black tough shell. Metal EF mount. Smooth manual focusing. Sturdy recessed switches. The red stripe catches the eye of photographers who know....easy to strike up conversations and learn.

6) It was surprisingly smaller and lighter than I thought it would be. About half the size of my 70-200mm Canon "L". I was expecting it to be bigger and am much happier that it wasn't. Its on my camera all the time and not a chore to carry around at all. Unless you're a very petite person.

7) Internal focusing. So the lens size doesn't change in size or turn when focusing. This is very useful when you put filters on or when you're focusing in close.

8) USM Motor. Its whisper quiet and it focuses super fast. Faster than my 70-200mm....something I'd expect but wow its fast and silent.

9) It focuses pretty close 12 inches or so. You can get close to your subject. Its not a macro lens but you can get some dramatic wide angle shots with its close focusing.

10) Its TTL2 so works very nice with my 580EX flash.

11) EF mount will grow with you. If you upgrade your body to a full frame camera, this lens moves right with you.


Cons:

1) On a 1.6x frame size, it doesn't get into "amazing" wide category but that's not the fault of the lens. I can only imagine the coverage I'd get on a full frame camera. one day. I'm marking this down as a Con but you can take it several ways. If you want to get 16mm on a small frame camera, you won't with this lens. If on the other hand, you want the f/2.8 and are ok with something like 24-56, then you won't find better.

2) The hood is massive...wide but not very deep (It has to be with the wide angle I guess). I never take it off -- it keeps stray light out and is a secondary protection for the lens. I have had zero problems with lens flare.

3) The front lens element does sink in and out (exposed but the lens size doesn't change in size). There is no protective filter to protect that front element. I bought a UV/Haze filter ($26 from Amazon) and I highly recommend you do as well to protect your investment. With the UV/Haze filter, the lens is very self contained.

4) Oh the cost....my oh my. Expensive as heck. Cost as much as my camera body --- worth every penny. If its any consolation, these lenses are very hard to make and they keep their value. Your camera body might drop in value as new technology arrives but this lens will hold its value if you take care of it.


Differences, Notes, Things I've heard:

1) I have no experience with non canon lenses so I can't compare but this 16-35 is amazing.

2) Compared to other "L" lenses, it holds up and the quality is amazing when it comes to color, performance, lens construction.

3) I hear there is some Chromatic Aberation at the edges of these wide lenses (well more than the 70-200mm) but that's to be expected. Wide angles exhibit more CA than long telephotos. On my 16-35mm it wasn't visible to me. I imagine a Pro's pro might notice care. Anybody with less stringent requirements than a Pro's pro or extremely saavy person, couldn't even notice or care. Besides, CA on this lens is orders of magnitude less than almost any other lens.

4) I bought directly from Amazon. Ordered on a Monday got the lens the next day on Tuesday. Amazing service. Great store.

I got this lens to go wider on a 20D. I wanted to go wider so I got a 5D. Started shooting events with this lens and I learned that the 580ex couldn't give me enough light in the dark. Used the lens during the day. Terrible problems with lensflare. The hood showed up on the edges of pictures (wide). Went back to the 24-70L as my primary lens. When this lens works and circumstances are right, the results are stunning. I'm trying to use two flashes to get the power to use it at night, again terrible flare problems. Whenever it matters I have to go back to the 24-70L. I just don't have all these problems with it.

The problems with the 16-35 lens appear at the wide end. At 35 the lens operates well but that's not what I bought the lens for.

I love the lens but it's the lens that gives me the most frustration and worry. Wish it had cost less but what can you do?

Buy it. I know, it is more money than many of the other L series lenses. I know, you usually only shoot portraits or people, you don't need a wide angle. I know, it is reported to be heavy. I know, I know, I know. And some people say Santa Claus doesn't exist. I just received my new lenses, having the 70-200 L lens previously. I took the wide angle when dropping off my daughter at a birthday party and it did both for me. Captured the uniqueness of their barn property and took pictures at the birthday party. Most not needing a thing, just cropping, if that. I shoot with a 20D so of course I want the 5D. If photography is your passion and your fun, especially if it is your living, get this lens. Youthful play will be restored as you lie in the leaves to get the perfect shot of the tree house. Buy filters, as it only comes with a lens hood. My daughter jumped on my bed. my camera plumenting to the floor, and with a cracked filter and it being jammed, I just knew. Wrong, camera and lens fine. The $15.00 filter took the hit, Also, for you adding to your lenses. If you are considering the Canon backback, it is wonderful, and not so wonderful. To me the camera body is not padded enough and of course it has a huge Canon label on the outside. This has cost me to have my car windows broken into, the Canon name. So I put a label over it, saying Sarah's school stuff. Much less likely to get stolen! Have fun, play, and remember to throw up the leaves as you lie there. Stay a kid with this lens!

I do fine art photography and mainly use L primes but have kept and use only three of Canon's zooms. This is one of those three. Lovely color, fast to focus and uses all the 5D's full frame and DR. If you are going to have a Canon wide zoom for 35mm and under this is it.

buy it, if you have the cash.

- its canon 'L' series lens, best glass money can buy

- lovely colours

- fast focusing

- super wide zoom

- and not that heavy or bulky (as other would say)

On Feb 22, 2007, Canon announced a "II" version of this lens that will correct the optical performance problems this lens has. The new lens has been completely redesigned, and will require MASSIVE 82mm filters. Yikes! I do not own this lens, as I am now waiting to see if the II version will be more expensive, or if this version will drop below $1000. As mentioned, the new version will require 82mm filters, which will be even more expensive than the filters the I version uses.

Although I am very new to the SLR world I made the jump right to this L series lens and I love it. Super sharp images, great color, very fast focus, and having 16mm to play with at the wide end is a lot of fun. There is definitely some light fall off at the corners with the aperture wide open, but stopped down it isn't really an issue. There is slight distortion at the widest angles but I kind of like that effect to I'm not bothered by it. I shoot a lot in overcast and dark conditions so the f/2.8 is great. The only thing I have been struggling with is flare in bright conditions. Pointed near the sun at 16mm even with the hood on you still have to be careful. Like I said, I don't have a lot of experience yet so I can't say if this is normal or not. The flaring isn't anything so damaging that it cannot be corrected in Photoshop. I'm extremely pleased with this lens!

Let me start out by saying I'm a hobbyist and photography is not how I make my living...

I work for a company that supplies structural steel to the commercial GC's all over Texas. I use this lens to take great pictures of buildings! I can get up close to the building and take a great picture with a lot of crisp detail in the foreground and bokeh in the background. Without it, I was using a 50 or 85mm and I would have to stand too far away and would loose the detail up close.

Limitation: One thing to note is that on a 10D, the lens is so big that the integrated camera flash will cast a shadow in your pictures. This is not a problem with my 30D (or with a speedlite), but it is a problem when my father uses it on his 10D and didn't want to take a speedlite.

Overall, I really like using this lens and use it a lot... in fact, it stays on my camera 85% of the time.