Experiences with the Canon EF 17-35 f/2.8L

I went to Calumet and rented the Canon EF 17-35 f/2.8L lens to compare the expensive glass with the much cheaper lenses which I own (to wit: the Canon EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6, which comes with most 350D kits, and a Tokina 24-200 f/3.5-5.6). Calumet's list price on this lens is over $1400, but as it has been superseded by the 16-35/2.8 it's available for significantly less elsewhere. (I would have rented the newer lens had it been available.)

In one set of experiments, I compared the three lenses for wide-angle daylight shooting, where the larger minimum aperture makes little difference. Since I had the lens for the entire weekend, I also decided to do some tests in low-light conditions where the f/2.8L ought to shine. Conveniently, the building where I work was designed for architectural photography (and precious little else), it has a large parking lot on the "front" side, and I had already taken a number of nighttime photos with the 18-55 so there was some basis for comparison.

I did make a few changes from the shooting setup of the previous nighttime foray. Most importantly, I thought to bring along my tripod, and used it for all of the shots, so I was not left searching for a post of the right height to get the shot I wanted without shake. Also, I used the camera's exposure-bracketing function at 1/3 stop in an attempt to compensate for the problematic lighting conditions.

The previous shoot took place on July 2nd, the Saturday of one of the nicest Fourth of July weekends Cambridge has seen in many years. The weather was crisp and dry, with nighttime temperatures in the upper 50s. Because of the holiday, few people were in their offices. This time, Sunday two weeks later, the weather was warm and steamy, and you can see some of the results of that in the photos.

Main St. facade, 0 EV
Main St. facade, 0 EV
Main St. facade, -1/3 EV
Main St. facade, -1/3 EV
Main St. facade, +1/3 EV
Main St. facade, +1/3 EV
Northeast elevation, 0 EV
Northeast elevation, 0 EV
East elevation, 0 EV
East elevation, 0 EV
Southeast elevation, -1/3 EV
Southeast elevation, -1/3 EV
South elevation, -1/3 EV
South elevation, -1/3 EV
South drive, -1/3 EV
South drive, -1/3 EV
BCS building, 0 EV
BCS building, 0 EV
Vassar St.
Vassar St.
Southwest elevation
Southwest elevation

Copyright 2005 Garrett Wollman. All rights reserved.