Wide Angle Lens.........Choices?

I'm a rookie photographer and don't know much about wide angle lens, but would like to purchase one. I have a cannon high end camera and would like to stay with canon.......Any suggestions? Also,in looking at canon's 16-35 I see two models; Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM EF Zoom Autofocus Lens and Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM........what's the difference in the two and which one would be a better option?

Thanks

When looking at wide angle lenses we need to remember that digital SLRs with APS-C sized sensors use less of the image a lens produces than a full frame sensor.

You don't specify the camera, but at 16mm a full frame camera will be very wide indeed, but sat a 450D will be more like the field of view that a 26mm lens would show on full frame.

As you are a beginner, I would call in at a dealer and have a try with a few lenses to see what the effect is like on your camera.

As for the lenses you list, the L series are a high quality Canon range and I presume that the second one is a newer version of the same thing. They may be expensive though, and while you are in the stage of trying out things it could be an option to go for a lower priced lens or two and then when you know what you want upgrading to the high grade lens that's appropriate.

Best regards

John

John,

Thanks. Yes, I'm a beginner. As for the camera that I have is the Canon 1D Mark III. So, what would you recommend?

After a little research the second one I listed is a newer model and it's around $ 1500.00. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, again

Gaspar

The lens you have selected seems a good choice, but for a full frame camera the alternative 20-35mm is still quite a wide angle and considerably less cost.

I'm of the opinion that a high grade camera deserves the proper high grade Canon lenses to go with it, otherwise it's a waste. So if the price doesn't scare you too much, then your 16-35mm should be a great lens.

However, don't forget that it's your style of photography, not mine, so you need to think about the sort of images you want to shoot.

Hope you enjoy your new lens!

Best regards

John