50D is finally here

[tlbradford]

Thanks again.  I'll just keep my eye out for a good deal for either the 17-40 or the 10-22.

[sooperfly]

Just a reminder, unlike some of the "L" lenses, the 17-40 isn't "weather-proof" unless you have a filter attached to the front of it.

It most likely won't be that big of a deal, especially if you aren't using a weather-proof camera, but I thought you'd like to know.

I have both the 17-40 and 10-22 and they are excellent lenses.  The 10-22 doesn't give anything up in image quality, only build quality.

[popeshawnpaul]

That's a great point Sooper.  I don't think it's weather proof...lol.

Here is what I got from the Canon website:

A new and affordable L-series ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that's ideal for both film and digital SLRs. Superior optics are assured by the use of three Aspherical lens elements, in addition to a Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass element. Optical coatings are optimized for use with digital cameras. This lens focuses as close as 11 inches (0.28m), and offers both Canon's full-time manual focus and a powerful ring-type USM for fast and silent AF. It has a constant f/4 maximum aperture, and offers the choice of screw-in 77mm filters or a holder in the rear of the lens for up to three gel filters. Finally, it offers weather-resistant construction similar to other high-end L-series lenses.

Sooper, when are you going to show us more high mountain lake pictures?

[sooperfly]

Yes, the key word in their description is "similar". Not the "same".  I'll see if I can dig up the official Canon literature that explains this.

For instance, if you have a Canon 1D series and say a 70-200 2.8IS attached, that combination, even without a filter on the front, is "weather-sealed".  You should be able to stand out in the pouring rain ( I have many times ) and they won't be affected.  Some of the other "L" lenses, like the 17-40, are not "weather-sealed" without a filter on the front.  If I remember correctly Canon and Nikon have a rating for how much they can handle.  To be sure, a lot of people still cover their gear up.  When I'm hiking I don't bother and haven't had any problem in heavy rains - yet.

It can also depend on the year the lens was made.  Some of the newer "L" lenses now have weather sealing while the older version didn't.

Here is a website showing the 17-40.  Go down to the bottom of the page and he has an animated gif with an explanation.

http://vahonen.com/photo/equipment/lenses/Canon17-40F4L/

It can be a moot point if a non weather sealed camera body is being used as that will be the weak link.

[popeshawnpaul]

That's a good point about the body.  Don't be fooled by some of these new cameras like the 40D and 50D that claim they are weather resistent.  I can say I've used my 40D in a light rain and not had problems.  I've had my 70-200 f2.8 L IS exposed to heavy rain with no problems.  I feel uncomfortable getting my 40D too wet.  It just isn't a 1-series camera and isn't as well sealed.  Most of the time I use a clear vegetable bag like you get in the vege/fruit section of the supermarket.