18 or 20 mm prime lens.

I had the FE 16-35 f/4 for a number of years (eventually sold it to get the f/2.8 GM) and it was an excellent lens. Like your friend's, it was sharp across the frame, so I think your experience is either bad luck or the vagaries of the second-hand market (e.g. people may be more likely to part with copies of lenses that aren't performing well).

I purchased mine new, and tested it when I received it, as you do. There was never any question about sending it back, as it was great. I'd encourage you not to give up, as there are definitely good ones out there.

I think it was just a case of bad luck that i ran into 2 bad copies of the lens. A lot of people are very happy with the lens and got good copies. With second hand you never know what has happened to the lens before you got it. It could be dropped without visible marks on the outside but the damage is internal. Maybe in the near future i will try out another copy but at the moment i am going down the prime lens road.

Initial reviews of the new Sigma 17mm f/4 look good. I will probably go with this lens

Reviews of the 17 do sound good with the possible exception of vignetting which is not great and focus breathing for those who shoot video. It is so small and light.

I think the distortion is a bit high to

I own the Batis 18mm f2.8. I see them advertised in excellent condition for less than 700 USD on KEH and B&H photo two sources for used equipment that I like.

The lens is really excellent and I like how it looks and feels on my full frame bodies. It is surprisingly light for its size and I really like the OLED depth of field display. I find it really helps when focusing in very dark conditions.

The downside is it takes a fair amount of room in my bag AND is a bit tricky to grasp firmly when mounting on my bodies because of its shape and finish.

For several years I owned the Sony 16-35 f4 but eventually sold if after buying the Batis 18 which was sharper, lighter and faster.

Not sure if you can find a used Sony 12-24 f4 G in your price range but it is a fine lens

I bought a used Samyang 18mm f/2.8 in a as good as new state. Tested it and it is good/sharp enough for the price i paid for it. Came with a lens station which was also as good as new and both for €279.

The Sony 20mm is an excellent lens.

It is, but even second hand it was out of my budget. So decided to go for the samyang 18mm and so far i am happy with it.

The Sony 20mm is a great lens.

Yes, it is quite a nice lens; Here is a shot I took yesterday with it.

Spring Time by Jeremy Cole, on Flickr

I've received my Sigma 17mm f/4 from B&H (they pay the sales tax). I really like it. It's small and I love the images. Works for me.

Nice. Have any images you can post?

Me or levine889? i haven't got any images yet. Been too busy with other things and also the weather hasn't been that great lately.

I purchased this for travel, so I haven't had a chance to use it for that yet, but here are a few around the house (using default Lightroom lens corrections)

www.flickr.com/gp/levine889/0yZ3866r3w
www.flickr.com/gp/levine889/003068p3vk
www.flickr.com/gp/levine889/t2i6zz3SN2
www.flickr.com/gp/levine889/6P9sXgR8p4
www.flickr.com/gp/levine889/p3zz88a025

Here is Dustin Abbotts latest review www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BWg2kyvJMM

The 20 G is a fine lens worth having.

I really like it.

I would definitely get the 20mm.