Starting my dSLR life with Canon 17-40 L lens

I have been a Canon enthusiast for years using most of their powershots S, SD, G series. I finally decided to try myself in dSLR photography. So, I purchased Rebel XSi / 450D body and 17-40 f/4 lens. Those are the very first lens I tried (after the kit lens 18-55 Is which I did not like).

Right after I received the package from Amazon I started shooting non-stop. I didn't know what to expect from $700 lens, neither did I know how it compares to other L lens or other manufactures (Tamron, Sigma).

The first few tries went terrible. Indoors - of course. With all the lights on, and using camera's flash, my shaking hands contributed to my first disliking of the lens - BLURRINESS. Unless you use a tripod or were born with extremely stable hands, this lens is not for you if you want to shoot indoors with poor lighting. Absense of IS only benefits to bluriness.

I was totally disappointed and even thought of returning the lens as I was requiring something more versatile in all environments. But the following day my mind has changed, I have discovered the whole world of wide angle possibilities with day light. The lens simply went beyond my expectations. After few hours of shooting in bright day light around San Diego using different white balances, stopping the lens at different apertures as well as using all the pre-defined modes (Landscape, auto, etc)..I can say - THIS LENS IS DEFINETELY A KEEPER!

Of course $700 lens might not be the best choice for a beginner, but for true amateurs and professoinals I can see how this lens can stay in their collection forever. Even with my terribly shaking hands, in good light the lens rendered an amazing quality.  After setting a white-balance the lens produced very warm and almost vivid colors.  The lens works perfect for landscapes. Even the absense of IS stopped bothering me.

I have read many reviews where people prefer other lenses because of focal length of this lens is not good for walk-around lens. For me, it's perfect as I do not zoom in much and enjoy landscape and street photography the most. I occasionally like the close-ups and macros but for this I will probably buy different lens later on. I did manage to get some cool close-up shots though even with this lens (mostly flowers).

In terms of physical attributes I actually expected something smaller (being a new to dSLRs), however, the lens's weight goes well with my Rebel. It is very comfortable to walk around and to hold it while searching for the best shot in the viewfinder. Overall, I am very satisfied with this lens.

I have purchased a Crumpler 4-million dollar camera bag and it goes well with Rebel / 17-40 setup (of course minus the hood).

I also purchased a 77 mm Canon UV haze which works great as well. It also protects the lens.