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EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
- 17-40mm
- f/17.0
- Zoom
- 475 g
- Min focus 0.28 m
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Quick answer
An L-series wide zoom with a constant f/4 aperture, from 2003. Covers full frame and acts as a normal-wide zoom on APS-C.
Pros
- Lighter than the f/2.8 zooms
- Dust and moisture resistant
- 77mm filter thread
- Constant f/4
Cons
- Corners are soft wide open
- No image stabilization
- Older optics
Verdict
Fine for full-frame landscapes, though the 16-35mm f/4L IS is stronger optically.
About this lens
This 17-40mm f/4 wide-angle zoom lens from Canon fits Canon EF mount cameras, from the Canon L series with ultrasonic-motor autofocus. An L-series wide-angle zoom aimed at landscape, architecture and interior photography.
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 17-40mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/17.0
- Lens type
- Zoom
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2003
- Optical construction
- 12 elements in 9 groups
- Aperture blades
- 7
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.28 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.24x
- Filter thread
- 77 mm
- Weight
- 475 g
- Length
- 96.8 mm
- Diameter
- 83.5 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM?
- Landscape
- Real estate
- Wide shots on full-frame
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 | 17–40mm | 48.5–93.3° | 56.8–103.7° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 27–64mm | 31.4–67° | 37.4–77° |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L weather sealed?
It has L-series dust and moisture resistance, though Canon recommends fitting a front filter to complete the seal.
Is the EF 17-40mm f/4L full-frame?
Yes, it covers full-frame sensors. On APS-C it acts as a normal-wide zoom, with roughly 27-64mm equivalence.
EF 17-40 f/4L vs 16-35 f/4L IS: which is better?
The 16-35 is sharper at the edges and has IS. The 17-40 is older and lighter.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
Tamron
AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD (Model A16)
17-50mm · f/17.0 · Canon EF
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SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical (IF)
17-35mm · f/17.0 · Canon EF
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SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF)
17-50mm · f/17.0 · Canon EF
Tamron
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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