
The EF17-40mm f/4L USM is a lightweight ultra wide angle Canon EF zoom
lens. It is especially well suited for use with digital EOS SLR cameras
with a focal length conversion factor higher than 1.
Features
Superb optical performance throughout the zoom range.
Fastest AF speed within its class (same as the EF16-35 f/2.8L USM)*
Highly dust and moisture resistant
28cm minimum focusing distance at all focal lengths *as of January 2003
Ultra wide lens for analogue EOS SLR cameras
The EF17-40mm f/4L USM is an ultra wide angle Canon EF zoom lens meant
for professional and high amateur SLR EOS camera users.
Standard zoom lens for digital EOS SLR cameras
While it is an excellent lens when used with an analogue SLR camera, the
EF17-40mm f/4L USM is especially well suited for digital SLR cameras
with an imaging sensor size smaller than the 35mm format. Indeed on such
digital SLR cameras these focal lengths can give an angle of view
approximately equivalent to that of a 28-70mm lens used on a 35mm
camera, which makes it the ideal standard zoom lens.
Superior optical performance
The EF17-40mm f/4L USM has 12 lens elements arranged in 9 groups. Super
Spectra Coating on the elements ensures excellent colour balance and
minimises ghosting and flare. To provide superb image quality over a
17-40mm zoom range the lens uses three aspheric elements of two
different types, while Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass is used to
prevent the chromatic aberrations that often can degrade the subject
edge clarity.
Extensive set of high-end features
Minimum focusing distance is just 28mm throughout the entire zoom range.
The Auto-focus works silently and quickly thanks to a fast central
processing unit with an improved AF algorithm. You can override AF mode
with manual focus should you wish.
Controlled by an electromagnetic diaphragm, the EF17-40mm f/4L USM’s
circular aperture can achieve a more attractive appearance to out of
focus background areas in a picture.
The front of the lens does not rotate as you focus. This means, for
example, that polarising filters still function effectively as you zoom
in and out. At the rear of the lens there’s a drop-in gelatin filter
holder.
Highly resistant to moisture and dust, the EF17-40mm f/4L USM is ideally
suited for use in harsh environments. Environment friendly lead-free
glass is used throughout its construction.
Photo Quote: The use of the term art medium is, to say the least, misleading, for it is the artist that creates a work of art not the medium. It is the artist in photography that gives form to content by a distillation of ideas, thought, experience, insight and understanding. - Edward Steichen