This lens is one that I use often. It's tack sharp & beautifilly constructed. As with all L series lenses from Canon, it tops the competition big time. There's nothing to dislike about this lens, it performs superbly. Has good edge to edge sharpness with little falloff on the edges. I also have the 17-35 L Canon lens, but needed the extra width with my digital cameras.
I was warned against upgrading from my 17-40mm 4.0 L lens. I was told that the 17-40 is sharper than the 16-35. I upgraded anyway because I wanted the faster f stop. I found out the 16-35mm 2.8 L lens is sharper than the 17-40mm and I am very glad that I upgraded. The price difernce is worth it. Incredibly sharp.
There is a reson that Canon is known for making some of the best lenses available today, simply because they do. The older version of this lens is a great econimical way to get one of the best proforming short focal length zooms on the market. It may be three times the price of the Sigma or Tamaron lenses and worth every penny of it! It has higher contrast and is sharper then any of the competition. The only other lense to consider is the new version but alas, ones budget has to have some consideration.
Happy with the lens, takes great photos. Have only used it one time so far, but no complaints. Its a little larger than I expected, but I had not looked at this particular lens before purchasing it. The purchase went smooth, and arrrived on time from the seller.
it's a great lens in all focal lenght's . quiet rectilinear. carfull with the focusing. even that's a wide angle, changing focal, sometimes the focus does change in manual focus .. very little, but visible on open diafragm