Canon 24-70 f2.8L USM or EF-S17-55 f2.8 IS USM

[dreamzunltd]

Which of the above is recommended for a crop frame camera? I understand that the 17-55 is the ideal lens for a crop frame, however 24-70 has a better build quality. The difference in price is about $200 between the two.

Note: I have a EF-S 10-22 for wide angle photography.

[statichash]

Depends on how wide you want to be with respect to your shots. If you're on a standard 1.6 crop then wide open with the 17-55mm will allow you to shoot at approximately ~27mm, the 24-70mm on the other hand will only let you go to about ~38mm. Since you pointed out the fact that you already have the 10-22mm you obviously understand what you can and can't do with it. The 10-22mm is also a super wide, which is much different than the 17-55mm.

So, unless you plan to upgrade to a full frame in the near future there's really no need for the 24-70mm. If you own a crop sensor camera then the EF-S 17-55 was built for it; further more, if you do happen to move up in cameras the lenses keep their value and you can always sell it and put the money towards the 24-70 when you're ready for it.

I have both the 10-22mm and the 17-55mm and I was in the same predicament. After much consideration, I decided on the 17-55mm and I'm quite happy with it so far.

[bearly]

i would go with the 24-70 f2.8 L... you can't compete with the L lenses, even really nice EF-S lenses such as the 10-22 and the 17-55 don't compare in overall quality.

and also you can cover everything from 10-70 (essentially) rather than only 10-55. and the 24-70 will last you forever even if you decide to go full frame at some point.

[gturner]

Originally Posted by bearly

i would go with the 24-70 f2.8 L... you can't compete with the L lenses, even really nice EF-S lenses such as the 10-22 and the 17-55 don't compare in overall quality.

and also you can cover everything from 10-70 (essentially) rather than only 10-55. and the 24-70 will last you forever even if you decide to go full frame at some point.

I would go the the 24-70. I have it on a crop frame and it is exceptional. You would have everything covered from 10-70.

the only issue may be the size of the 24-70. It is big and heavy.