Quick answer
Canon's wide-angle zoom that came before the 16-35mm f/2.8L, introduced in 1996. It is smaller than later versions and takes 77mm filters.
Pros
- f/2.8 maximum aperture
- 77mm filters
- Compact for an f/2.8 wide zoom
- Ring USM autofocus
Cons
- Short 35mm end
- Weak corners wide open
- Narrower than the 16mm of its successor
Verdict
Mostly of interest to film EOS owners. Newer 16-35mm lenses are better corrected.
About this lens
The Canon EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM is a fast wide-angle zoom lens covering 17-35mm at f/2.8 for Canon EF mount cameras, from the Canon L series with ultrasonic-motor autofocus. It covers wide angles for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Canon EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 17-35mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/17.0
- Lens type
- Wide Zoom
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1996
- Optical construction
- 15 elements in 10 groups
- Aperture blades
- 7
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.42 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.11x
- Filter thread
- 77 mm
- Weight
- 545 g
- Length
- 95.7 mm
- Diameter
- 83.5 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM?
- Film or full-frame landscapes
- Reportage
- Interiors
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 17–35mm | 54.4–93.3° | 63.4–103.7° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 27–56mm | 35.6–67° | 42.2–77° |
Frequently asked questions
What replaced the Canon EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM?
The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM took its place in 2001. It goes slightly wider and uses the same 77mm filter size.
Can the EF 17-35mm f/2.8L be used on APS-C?
Yes, it mounts on any EF body and frames like a 27-56mm lens on APS-C. It is a bulky option for crop sensors.
Does the EF 17-35mm f/2.8L work on EOS R cameras?
Yes, on EOS R bodies through Canon's EF-EOS R mount adapter, with autofocus and aperture control intact.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
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SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF)
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SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF)
17-50mm · f/17.0 · Canon EF
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