Canon EF 17-35mm F2.8 L USM Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 1996.
The lens belongs to the category wide angle zoom lenses, a wide angle lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Canon

At launch 1996 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 17-35mm F2.8 L USM:

"A large aperture, super wide angle zoom lens with the wide-angle focal length of 17mm. The optical system has two aspherical elements, including the first lens element which is a ground and polished aspherical glass lens element, thoroughly eliminating the distortion that is normally a problem with wide angle zoom lens. This lens delivers sharp and crisp performance throughout the entire zoom range. Its ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor) drive and inner focusing contribute to silent and fast AF, full-time manual focusing and superb picture quality in close-range photography. Since the front lens element does not rotate during focusing, use of circular polarizing filter is facilitated. The drop-in gelatin filter holder at the rear can hold three filters. A large, dedicated, petal-shaped lens hood offers superior light shading."

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 17-35 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.

This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.

A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 17 mm or at 35 mm the aperture value can be f/2,8.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "EW-83E".

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The lens brightness, f/2,8
  • Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
  • Works on all sensor types
  • A lens hood is included
  • The lens can be difficult to find in stores
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
  • Heavy (545 gr)
  • The price (more info)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Canon EF 17-35mm F2.8 L USM.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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