Comparison of Tamron AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical and Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

Ultra wide angle zoom comparison @ 17mm - Page 2

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Test 2: Outdoor, medium range

All shots were taken on a tripod with aperture priority mode. The camera was set to JPEG, Large Fine, Sharpness -2, Contrast 0, Color 0, Tone 0. The Canon lens continued to meter a little bit lower than the Tamron. Here is an overview of the scene at f/8.

Tamron:

Canon:

Next is a comparison at the center of the frame. There is really not much between each lens at comparable apertures here.

Finally, the near edge is compared. In this case, the Tamron is showing better sharpness until f/8, where the lenses are the same.

Final thoughts and conclusion

These conclusions (opinions) are based on comparisons on a 1.6 crop-factor camera only. Both lenses work on full-frame 35mm cameras, but I don't have the means to compare in that format. Also, sample variations exist between lenses. Maybe I got a good or bad copy of either lens. I have used a Canon 17-40 before and it was no better than this one. This Tamron 17-35 was my first.

Those for whom image quality is of paramount concern can choose the Tamron knowing that it delivers at least equal performance in sharpness, color, contrast and distortion to the Canon offering, across the frame, at its wide end. At the long end, I found no great difference between lenses in general use. (I did not do detailed tests.)
Those for whom build quality is primary will find the Canon to be the better lens. Without dropping them on the ground, I can't say which would fare best, but the Canon seems slightly more rugged and is weather-sealed (though I read that you need a front filter to complete the sealing). The Tamron is solidly built and has smooth zoom and focus rings. Both come with a petal hood. The Canon one is rather large, fairly solid, the Tamron one smaller, less solid.
In terms of autofocus speed, the Canon wins. In practical use, this isn't usually important for a wide lens, but it may be important for some. The Canon has USM, so is a little quieter also.
The loss of 5mm on the long end is compensated by the extra stop at the wide end, at least for me. Depends what else you have in your bag!
The Tamron is much cheaper ($470-$500 versus $680-$800) and has a six year warranty compared to Canon's one year warranty. The Canon will likely have higher resale as a percentage of original price, though I haven't looked for the Tamron used.

I take pictures as a hobby, not a profession, and to me, the price difference is important. I was prepared to pay more for a better lens, but for my purposes, the Tamron wins. I returned the Canon.