User Info on Tokina AT-X 16-50 PRO DX or this range lenses, Canon users?

MntnKarie

Does anyone out there have any user experience with this lens; Tokina 16-50mm and
possible a comparison with it and other Canon/3rd party lenses in this range?

I've been considering the Canon 17-40L, but since it's not IS, was looking at some faster
lenses AND some with a bit more reach without getting into poor glass quality. I pack
my gear into high elevations, so weight is a consideration, one of the reasons for liking
the Canon 17-40. I'll be primarily using this on a 7D shooting stills. IS or fast would be
great as stability at high elevation can be an issue, wind etc. ( yes, even with a tripod )

I considered the Canon 10-22, but it's a bit stiff for a non L/crop lens.

I jumped the Sony boat to Canon and I'm still trying to weed out the typical lens marketing fluff
from the actual lens users perspectives. I am familiar with the L lenses, but I also know there
are some hidden gems out there in the "non L world".

I'd like to keep my choice down around $650 or less for used gear in this range. I've already got my
long glass.

Thanks all input is appreciated.

ziggy53

If you are considering a lens for only crop 1.6x Canon bodies the ideal solution is the Canon EF-S 17-55mm, f2.8 IS USM. I realize that it's above your budget, but I absolutely love that lens for general photography as a standard zoom and for wedding candids and other events.

A good alternative zoom is the Tamron 17-50mm, f2.8 XR Di-II LD SP ZL Aspherical (IF). There is a version available with "VC", the Tamron equivalent to Canon's IS, but the formal reviews don't find it quite as sharp. It's not a tremendous difference and either lens is in your budget so it's your choice as to the importance of the stabilization.

The Tokina 16-50mm, f2.8 Aspheric ATX Pro DX you mention is another very nice standard zoom but I would recommend the non-VR Tamron instead.

MntnKarie

THanks Ziggy. I'll look into the Tamron. I had considered the Tokina because of the build quality,
but I had not heard anything on the optical performance. I had also heard the Tamron 17-50 with
VC was not as sharp. What a pity.

Thanks again.

MntnKarie

I don't know if it will matter, but I do not shoot any indoor photographs. All travel or Landscape/nature,
the only reason I was considering a fast lens instead of IS was for early morning/evening images.
Otherwise I am mainly interested in 2 things; optics and build quality.