Customer Rating: 




Summary: makes you better
Comment: photography is my hobby. i do enjoy it and wanted to improve. i bought this lens to give more range to my lens. i have, the kit lens for my 30D and a 70-200 f2.8L. the telephoto was just too heavy for everyday/walk around use. the 17-40 fits the bill. i have shot about 2000 pictures. i would say about 20% are keepers (because i am learning). focusing at such a wide perspective (i got the hang of it about 250-500 shots) does take some getting used to. the lens does teach you a lot about f stops, lighting, and composition when in full manual. overall, the quality of the lens is outstanding. sunsets and "vista in the southwest" are when i appreciate this lens. i was most surprised at how good it works in close quarters. for example, my kids walking around the mall. it is expensive, but the EF 16-35 f2.8L, was simply out of my range. it is better than the kit lens for sure. i would agree with the majority of the positive reviews. the only drawback is the price, but i feel it is well worth it. AMAZON did not get the product to me as quickly as promised, but they did wave the shipping when i pointed it out.
in summary, if you are wanting to improve your skills in photography, then this lens is a great addition. it will not take better pictures, it will make you a more refined photographer/artist. as with all things worthwhile, it will cost you something.