Canon EF 17-40 f/4 L $579.99 at Blacks

[qam]

I'm not sure if this is a price error or not since I've never seen it anywhere near this price, but Black's currently has the Canon EF 17-40mm lens for $579.99, regular price $979.99. http://www.blackphoto.com/blacks/jump/product/93403/Canon+EF+17-40mm+f4.0L+USM/cat100009/Camera+Lenses/product.jsp?prdId=93403 Currently in stock online and I believe that shipping is free. I'd order one if I didn't already own one. I wouldn't hesitate if you are currently considering this lens.

[chestnut]

Excellent!! Thanks a TON op!

Although my wallet is now much thinnner!

Already sold out online.. only in store now.

[hagbard]

Good price for a lens with QC issues.

[shaolinmonk]

just ordered.. thanks.. tempted to switch to full frame gear now lol

[zrepiV]

What a price... I might just get it.

[laflaque]

OOS.
Too bad but I needed wider anyway.

[DBOi]

Is this going to be superseded by an IS version?

[kareshi]

just ordered one. thanks op

[KorruptioN]

Good price for a lens with QC issues.

You got a dud. Not all of them are duds. Canon's post-sales customer service afterwards doesn't have a whole lot to do with the initial QC of the lens.

For APS-C shooters... the Tamron 17-50/2.8 is more flexible and faster, but actually costs more.

[topspd]

For APS-C shooters... the Tamron 17-50/2.8 is more flexible and faster, but actually costs more.

I can't comment on quality comparisons with the tamron, but it's actually cheaper here;

http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-TAMRON-17-50mm-XR-f-2-8-Di-II-LENS-CANON-T1i-XSi_W0QQitemZ130319986421QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera _Lenses?hash=item1e57ad2ef5&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

17-40 review; http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-17-40mm-f-4.0-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

17-50 tamron review; http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-17-50mm-f-2.8-XR-Di-II-Lens-Review.aspx

[magical]

I can't comment on quality comparisons with the tamron, but it's actually cheaper here;

http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-TAMRON-17-50mm-XR-f-2-8-Di-II-LENS-CANON-T1i-XSi_W0QQitemZ130319986421QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera _Lenses?hash=item1e57ad2ef5&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

17-40 review; http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-17-40mm-f-4.0-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

17-50 tamron review; http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-17-50mm-f-2.8-XR-Di-II-Lens-Review.aspx

I own this lens, and its my favorite lens... very fast focusing, mine is built very well... if you don't have a FF then you might want the tammy instead for the extra stop, but if considering to go FF in the future then this is a much better purchase.

[sharkcalgary]

But I have this lens already.

I kept thinking the margin of any Canon lens is pretty low, that is why the price is not changing much. This makes me think again.

[gte357s]

But I have this lens already.

I kept thinking the margin of any Canon lens is pretty low, that is why the price is not changing much. This makes me think again.

I think they have a very high margin especially in Canada. I once heard in this forum someone said the margin on TVs are low, not until I got an warranty exchange. The TV MSRP is $2999, I bought it on sale for $2699, the dealer bought it from Panasonic for $2167. Even it is on sale for $300, they are still making more than $500 out of it.

[JCLJCL]

Is this going to be superseded by an IS version?

www.canonrumors.com is usually a good source for this type of chatter. So far, the 17-40 isn't known to be on the list for a replacement. One of the most likely one at the moment is the 70-200 f2.8 IS. I'd say this price for the 17-40 is really unusual and low.

[cy]

Uh oh, I think I am heading to the blacks. I sold mine a while ago and I think it's time to get it back! OOS online..

It's easily one of the sharpest zoom I've seen on my FF. Even it's a F4.0, it's not that prone to blur caused by hand movement @17, all you need is around 1/15 - 1/20 shutter.

just ordered.. thanks.. tempted to switch to full frame gear now lol

I told you so a couple months ago and the idea was rejected >:(

[soconnell74]

I've been looking at this lens for a while, future proof my way to a FF. I wonder if there is any chance of a PM with this lens... hopefully a company out of Ontario to save the taxes.

[cy]

Any stores open btw? I see that citynews said malls are open.

[dead_lo]

I have had this lens for 3+ years. no problems what so ever. If there are problems, perhaps it's the later batches?

Excellent lens and for under $600, it'd be a crime not to pick it up. :D

[1nsanity]

Thanks op, I went to Astral Photo which is the same as Black's but in Québec.
I was the second to order that lense today from the store.

[ActiveX]

Any stores open btw? I see that citynews said malls are open.

Called one in Mississauga and the person said most of the stores are open.

[mic2074]

damn... that's a great price - if I didn't have access to a 16-35 f/2.8, I'd be all over this.

[flyguy3bua]

Apparently it's a price error. This kind girl from Blacks in Pickering did a search for the lens in the GTA and Blacks in Ajax has it in store, but I just called and they are not able to honour that price.

Best of luck to anyone who was able to grab it off the online store. It's an excellent lens :)

[SaraLee]

Great price for 17-40. Went from the 17-40 to the 35 about a year ago. Paid 3x the price for the 35 but is worth it for low light.

[zoomzoom]

I'm using this lens on my crop body and it's great (IQ, focus, red ring, etc). Sometimes I want it to have a little more reach though.

[cy]

Great price for 17-40. Went from the 17-40 to the 35 about a year ago. Paid 3x the price for the 35 but is worth it for low light.

I got a 35L and it's a beauty. I could do 80% of a wedding with it ;)

I had this lens for UWA shots, but due to lack of use of it, I ended up selling it. At this price though, it's definitely something worth staying in my bag.


Edit: Dropped by Bremlea city center store, apparently the whole chain is "sold out" as I was told. Since I don't have an urgent need for it, I won't bother hunting for one (or demand to order it in). For those that wanted one, you can try to PM with Henrys. :)

[yiujun]

did anyone actually get the lens at this price? just called my local blacks and they said its a special order item @ the regular price of 980 bucks.

[HI-ROLLA]

did anyone get this price?

stores said online price cannot be matched by stores.

[1nsanity]

did anyone get this price?

stores said online price cannot be matched by stores.

It's possible, but I ordered mine in stores at 12:30pm today. I even paid for it in full price(579.99 :) )

Will let you know how that goes.

I forgot to add that they didn't have stock. Worse case they will refund me.

[najibs]

I think they have a very high margin especially in Canada. I once heard in this forum someone said the margin on TVs are low, not until I got an warranty exchange. The TV MSRP is $2999, I bought it on sale for $2699, the dealer bought it from Panasonic for $2167. Even it is on sale for $300, they are still making more than $500 out of it.

You're totally wrong. I know, because I work in the industry. Markup on these lenses is actually quite low. I can tell you with 100% certainty that this is below cost.

[HI-ROLLA]

damn... this sucks
i want this lens bad and theres none left online and stores (mississauga) said no to price match the online price.

[malcom]

I contemplated getting this lens and decided against it since I already have a Tamron 17-50 and won't be going to FF anytime soon. But I did some calling around and the Oshawa store will order it in for $579. BTW, they close at 6 today. Goodluck.

[yiujun]

so i called in again to ask about the lens and this is what the vancouver stores have taken to doing..

they are going to get you to prepay for it first and special order it in for you.
they had no idea about this online sale and since it's bc day in bc head office isn't open and they can't ask head office about it.
so they've decided to honour the price match from the website and special order it.
the dt guy said that they may have to refund the money back to me later, but the store people @ the local mall where i put my order in didnt say any such thing.
they just said it'll take some time before it comes.

total comes to 649.xx

i already have a 17-85mm so i have to try it out when i get it to see if its worth the price. if not ill prolly end up returning it or selling it. the 17-85mm was only 365, so that's a big price leap there for a lens with no IS and only 17-40mm range - which matters b/c i have a 1.6x crop body.

[1nsanity]

i already have a 17-85mm so i have to try it out when i get it to see if its worth the price. if not ill prolly end up returning it or selling it. the 17-85mm was only 365, so that's a big price leap there for a lens with no IS and only 17-40mm range - which matters b/c i have a 1.6x crop body.

The Canon 17-40L is a vastly superior lense to the 17-85mm. Even some of the kit lense(18-55 IS) that come with the newer XSI/XTi bodies have better IQ than the 17-85. If you can get a copy of the 17-40, I would say go for it, since you won't find a cheaper L lense.

My 2 cents

[malcom]

The Canon 17-40L is a vastly superior lense to the 17-85mm. Even some of the kit lense(18-55 IS) that come with the newer XSI/XTi bodies have better IQ than the 17-85. If you can get a copy of the 17-40, I would say go for it, since you won't find a cheaper L lense.

My 2 cents

I agree with 1nsanity on this one...the 17-85's IQ isn't that great. I'd go with the 17-40 or Tamron 17-50. The 17-50 gives you a little more reach and it is faster (f/2.8). The only downside is that AF is not as quick.

[shaolinmonk]

I told you so a couple months ago and the idea was rejected >:(

i'm still too noob though.. and ff is big to carry around lol... but maybe sell my 10-22 and xs and go FF... yikes!

[chuck232]

Be careful - Canon's WA zooms aren't great on FF. On a crop body, they're much better.

[ActiveX]

I agree with 1nsanity on this one...the 17-85's IQ isn't that great. I'd go with the 17-40 or Tamron 17-50. The 17-50 gives you a little more reach and it is faster (f/2.8). The only downside is that AF is not as quick.

I heard a lot good things about Canon 17-55 on a crop body. Of course it's not really at the same price range as the $600 17-40 here. How good is the Tamron 17-50?

[1nsanity]

Be careful - Canon's WA zooms aren't great on FF. On a crop body, they're much better.

Yeah but even 17 on a crop body loses it's WA a little bit. Consider the Canon 10-22 or the Tokina 11-16 if you can find one for great UWA pictures.

[setell]

Thanks OP. Ordered it in for $580 and we made sure we paid for it first. Hope they honour the price if it is a price error!

[betaboy00]

so i called in again to ask about the lens and this is what the vancouver stores have taken to doing..

they are going to get you to prepay for it first and special order it in for you.
they had no idea about this online sale and since it's bc day in bc head office isn't open and they can't ask head office about it.
so they've decided to honour the price match from the website and special order it.
the dt guy said that they may have to refund the money back to me later, but the store people @ the local mall where i put my order in didnt say any such thing.
they just said it'll take some time before it comes.

total comes to 649.xx

i already have a 17-85mm so i have to try it out when i get it to see if its worth the price. if not ill prolly end up returning it or selling it. the 17-85mm was only 365, so that's a big price leap there for a lens with no IS and only 17-40mm range - which matters b/c i have a 1.6x crop body.

which store did u order from?

thanks

[woodychau]

First of all thanks op for the deal. I got it 650 taxes in. For some of you that wants to know about the tamron 17-50mm, I can tell you that's one of the best lens for its price. I own it now for a little over a year and I have been relying on it strongly. The iq is great, focusing is fast ( but noisy), fast lens (f2.8) and it is a light lens to travel all day. Nonetheless I bought the 17 40 to try if canon L lens iq is more superior.

[yiujun]

which store did u order from?

thanks

i got it from the rmd center location

[malcom]

I heard a lot good things about Canon 17-55 on a crop body. Of course it's not really at the same price range as the $600 17-40 here. How good is the Tamron 17-50?

The Tamron 17-50's a great lens, especially for the price. I've had mine for a couple of years now. The IQ is great but it's a little soft wide open (which is normal for most lenses). My only gripe is that AF is a little slower than my other Canon lenses, which means you might miss the odd shot. But overall, I'm very happy with it. If you're planning on getting one, I recommend getting it from a local store so that you can swap it in case you get a bad copy (there were some back/front focus issues).

The price has gone up considerably since I bought it, so you're looking at about $600 locally now.

Sample shots on the Tamron 17-50 group:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/37412600@N00/

[topspd]

The Tamron 17-50's a great lens, especially for the price. <snip>

The price has gone up considerably since I bought it, so you're looking at about $600 locally now.


Follow the link I put on the first page of this thread or click below.. this is some camera store in Stratford, ON that's selling it for $410 + tax with free shipping in Canada. From the few times I've looked at their ads, they relist them as soon as they sell out of the quantity listed in the current ad.

If I was looking for crop body lenses, I'd pick one up..

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130321333241&ssPageName=MERCOSI_VI_ROSI_PR4_PCN_BIX_Stores&refitem=130319986421&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&refwidgettype=osi_widget&_trksid=p284.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%252BP%252BIA%26itu%3 DUCP%252BUCI%252BIA%26otn%3D4%26ps%3D42

[ryan_lau100]

the 17-40 was made for FF bodies. if you are buying it for a crop body i would stick to something crop ie 10-22. ive used the 10-22 for a solid year now and its been pretty good. since ive gone FF ive contemplated selling it and grabbing one of the 16-35/2.8. cant justify spending that much more for a lense that is one stop faster and slightly less distorted esp considering i use it maybe 3% of the time.

remember too that the 10-22 is L glass without the red ring. its super nice but because its EF-S they cant call it L so dont let it fool you it keeps up with the 17-40 imo.

[1nsanity]

the 17-40 was made for FF bodies. if you are buying it for a crop body i would stick to something crop ie 10-22. ive used the 10-22 for a solid year now and its been pretty good. since ive gone FF ive contemplated selling it and grabbing one of the 16-35/2.8. cant justify spending that much more for a lense that is one stop faster and slightly less distorted esp considering i use it maybe 3% of the time.

remember too that the 10-22 is L glass without the red ring. its super nice but because its EF-S they cant call it L so dont let it fool you it keeps up with the 17-40 imo.

Even if the 10-22 is a great lense it's not the same built quality as an L lense. The 17-40 is weather sealed(need to complete with a filter). If you really need the faster 2.8 aperture I would recommend looking at Tokina's 11-16 2.8 lense. It's cheaper than the 10-22 and obviously one stop faster.

Just mind you that you can only use the 11-16 at round 16mm on a FF.

[crimsondr]

Damn, would've been nice to get on this deal. Oh well, what I really want is a 24-70 :razz:

[topspd]

Even if the 10-22 is a great lense it's not the same built quality as an L lense. The 17-40 is weather sealed(need to complete with a filter). If you really need the faster 2.8 aperture I would recommend looking at Tokina's 11-16 2.8 lense. It's cheaper than the 10-22 and obviously one stop faster.

Just mind you that you can only use the 11-16 at round 16mm on a FF.

The 10-22 uses super UD glass just like the L lenses so the picture quality is similar even if it's missing the weather sealing. It's a great lens and I've got one on my 40D. It's going to give you a 1.6mm wider shot than an 11-16, which is significant.

I don't really see the reason to compare the 10-22 and the 17-40 as they have little overlap. If you have a crop body and want wide, you'll want the 10-22. If you have full frame and want wide, you'll want a 14, 15 FE, 16-35 or this much cheaper 17-40.

[magical]

I was about to drop the cash on the 11-16 but decided to go FF so canceled my order, but my father in law has one an that lens is a sweet one, not only is it nice and wide, but its fast, and the BQ is very very good. I'd easlily say its built like a tank and much better than a canon counterpart, but the 10-22 does have more range, and is a bit wider, but not as fast and therefore not as versatile.

Both are great lenses, but just don't let the tokina not be a choice.

[1nsanity]

The 10-22 uses super UD glass just like the L lenses so the picture quality is similar even if it's missing the weather sealing. It's a great lens and I've got one on my 40D. It's going to give you a 1.6mm wider shot than an 11-16, which is significant.

I don't really see the reason to compare the 10-22 and the 17-40 as they have little overlap. If you have a crop body and want wide, you'll want the 10-22. If you have full frame and want wide, you'll want a 14, 15 FE, 16-35 or this much cheaper 17-40.


I'm not saying that the 10-22 EF-S is a bad lense, if I gave you that idea I stand corrected. It's a great quality lense, but it is also more expensive than the 17-40 or the tokina, and by a couple hundred dollars.

Also you are right that the 1.6mm makes a big difference, but only to those that are really UWA crazy(which I am, but 2.8 aperture>1.6mm in my case).

[George W. Bush]

I rather spend less money on the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II - faster and very, very sharp lens!

The reviews out there are more favourable towards the Tamron at lower prices.

[Don_s]

The Tamron 17-50 2.8 is a GREAT lens for your money. I had one on a 50D for a little bit and PQ is great! For the price obviously there will be drawbacks like the louder and slower focus motor. The copy I had would sometimes keep seeking in low light conditions.

If you think you'll be going FF down the road then its a no brainer - go for the 17-40L. Usually f4 is plenty fast for most conditions anyways. Also keep in mind that if you have a Canon Speedlight, ETTL-II is only compatible with lenses that are equiped with USM.

But if you're in a budget, the Tammy is a GREAT buy and a good warranty to boot! :)

[betaboy00]

damn..miss the boat..price is back up to $979.99

[b8287]

Went to Blacks this morning and ordered this lens and paid for it. Then brought the receipt to Henrys and did a PM. Playing with the lens now!!! Hopefully Blacks will come through and I will be able to sell one at a nice profit. Thanks OP.

[crimsondr]

Went to Blacks this morning and ordered this lens and paid for it. Then brought the receipt to Henrys and did a PM. Playing with the lens now!!! Hopefully Blacks will come through and I will be able to sell one at a nice profit. Thanks OP.

How did you get this price at Black's?

[deal4real]

I am thinking he brought the online print out. Damn def price error. Only lasted a day. Wish I got in on that. :(
Curious if everyone will get their orders filled. Wicked price.

[b8287]

I am thinking he brought the online print out. Damn def price error. Only lasted a day. Wish I got in on that. :(
Curious if everyone will get their orders filled. Wicked price.

Had the girl look up the price online and she honoured it in the store. Paid for it then brought that receipt to henrys. They looked it up as well and honoured the PM.

[deal4real]

Had the girl look up the price online and she honoured it in the store. Paid for it then brought that receipt to henrys. They looked it up as well and honoured the PM.

Good deal bro. Wish I got in on that. Black's fail=customer win.
Let me know if you want to get rid of the other lense. :)

[RunnerForDeals]

According to a store this wasn't an error. It was part of a one day holiday Sale they did. There was some memory card and a bundle and free shipping thing as well. I missed it as well :(

[mattchoo]

why don't Nikon shooters get any good deals?? :P

[1nsanity]

According to a store this wasn't an error. It was part of a one day holiday Sale they did. There was some memory card and a bundle and free shipping thing as well. I missed it as well :(

What memory card was it? hopefully not some Sandisk III or IV..........

[ActiveX]

It seems stores came up with different stories about this. What I heard is the 17-40L is soon to be discontinued, and the sale person actually showed me there is a code "S" (means soon to be discontinued) besides the product code on their computer. Not sure if it's true. Is there going to be a 17-40L replacement coming soon?

[setell]

For the folks that was able to order this in store yesterday, did you guys get a cancellation call? We got a call saying that head office sent them an email saying it's an online deal only and that they can't honour it by not sending the lens to the store. Can they do that? I don't remember it stating that it was an online deal only. I tried to PM it at Henry's earlier and they said it was below cost so no go there.

[paradigm]

For the folks that was able to order this in store yesterday, did you guys get a cancellation call? We got a call saying that head office sent them an email saying it's an online deal only and that they can't honour it by not sending the lens to the store. Can they do that? I don't remember it stating that it was an online deal only. I tried to PM it at Henry's earlier and they said it was below cost so no go there.

Ya I just got the same cancellation call.

[setell]

Ya I just got the same cancellation call.

I am going to call Blacks CS to see what they say. Nowhere did the site say that it was online only AND the girl at Blacks verified the deal yesterday!!! It wasn't just our eyes that didn't see it but she didn't either! I don't like how they are trying to fix their stupid error by pissing off people.

[b8287]

I just got my cancelation call!! They said they coudnt honour the price because its not something they usually stock???

[setell]

I just got my cancelation call!! They said they coudnt honour the price because its not something they usually stock???

At least you were smart and PM it at Henry's before they changed the price. I am really pissed how I was on hold for their CS and I hung up as I didn't want to use my daytime minutes. Called 2 minutes after 6 and they are closed when they were open 20 mins ago!!!!!

EDIT: can you post a scan of your Henry's receipt with the 579.99 price? I want to try to PM at Henry's again as they gave me the lame excuse that it was below cost.

[crimsondr]

So are only the online orders going through? Did many people get it?

[betaboy00]

At least you were smart and PM it at Henry's before they changed the price. I am really pissed how I was on hold for their CS and I hung up as I didn't want to use my daytime minutes. Called 2 minutes after 6 and they are closed when they were open 20 mins ago!!!!!

EDIT: can you post a scan of your Henry's receipt with the 579.99 price? I want to try to PM at Henry's again as they gave me the lame excuse that it was below cost.

I want to do the same too - PM at Henry's

How do one PM it via online since I"m in vancouver and can't go to the store physically.

[topspd]

I got my online order today..

[1nsanity]

I called up the store and they said the regional manager would honor it, meaning that he will get the lenses. I did pay upfront, that might of helped.

I can now sell it, anyone interested:D