Zoom Lens Decisions

BanzaiBk

Hey all, I don't post practically at all in this forum (usually use POTN/FM) but I'm looking for a bit of advice regarding my zoom lens purchase. I'm trying to chose between the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and the Canon 70-200 f4L. I'm going to be purchasing in the states and there seems to be a $300 between the Canon and the Sigma, the latter being the more expensive.

I know the Sigma will give me about a full stop more than the Canon for lower light situs. etc. but the lure of L glass is keeping me from making a decision. I'd love to get the canon 70-200 2.8L but my pockets are no way that deep so that's not an option at the moment. I don't want to make a decision based on L glass alone but I'm not 100% sure if I need the extra full stop given that I don't know what I'll be shooting in the future. What would you guys choose?

Appreciate any replies.
Using a 20D and shoot a broad range of subjects namely wildlife, portraits, automotive.

Paulw

If you don't shoot in low light, then the Canon 70-200mm f/4 is a brilliant lens, well worth getting.

However, if you need low light/faster lens, then the Sigma might be of more use.

Personally, I'd go for the Canon.

SOL

I'd go for the Sigma, the extra stop will be far more useful than the extra quality in the glass, have a look on flickr, compare photos with both lens and see if you can tell the difference...

Fajitas!

The Sigma has the extra stop, which I'd be looking for.

pete4130

I've got the Sigma 70-200 2.8 and my version is sharp. If it's anything to go by I'm sure the Canon will be as big and heavy. Even at 2.8 you need fast shutter speeds to get a sharp shot because the thing is so heavy to hold steady especially at the longer focal lengths. I'd always go for faster glass if I can afford it.

Psychobiker

Get one with IS

BanzaiBk

Thanks for all the replies. I've used both these lenses and have been very pleased with the results, I just wanted some more opinions:) I think I'm going to just cough up the extra money for the Sigma, I don't want to regret not spending a bit extra to get the extra stop a few months down the road. The difference in quality between the ex series and the L series is negligible right? I've never owned a Sigma lens unfortunatly.

pete4130

I'd second what psychobiker said about getting one with IS/VR. Smoetimes I struggle to get sharp shots handheld even with shutter speeds of 1/250th second as the lens is so heavy. I know this means MORE money but definitley worth it I think.

BanzaiBk

I definitly take the point about IS/VR, I'm going to be away for nearly a month so I'm actually hoping to go to a POTN swap meet and have a prearranged look at a 2nd hand Canon 2.8 70-200 with IS. Either way this will be my last lens for a while so I'm opening up to spending a little more. Damn you expensive hobby:(

Borderfox

Is your decision based on Irish prices? I had the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and now the Canon 70-200 f2.8IS and the main differences are the Sigma is warmer in colour and a bit more contrasty, the Canon is sharper and weather sealed and heavier and white!! Build quality is much better on the Canon by a long shot.

BanzaiBk

Borderfox wrote: »

Is your decision based on Irish prices? I had the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and now the Canon 70-200 f2.8IS and the main differences are the Sigma is warmer in colour and a bit more contrasty, the Canon is sharper and weather sealed and heavier and white!! Build quality is much better on the Canon by a long shot.

No, not based on price really at all. I was just putting that out there. I can get a good deal on the 2.8L IS at the meet than I'll certainly jump on it, but if I'm gonna buy new then I'm trying to decided between the Sigma and the Canon. I've never owned L glass and the white is tempting me loads:( I'm a sucker for sharpness though.

Borderfox

Very little sharpness applied to this and shot with the Canon 70-200 f2.8IS

BanzaiBk

That's exactly what I'm looking for with this purchase. I expect to mimic my shooting patterns last spring this spring, which was practically all wildlife. The weather sealing would come in handy in that respect. I've still a lot to consider I think.

CH3OH

I'm also looking at the 70 200 2.8 IS USM lens and I came across this site which gives a discount on the BHphotovideo.com site

http://www.supercoupon.com/Coupons/Electronics/B%26H_Coupon_for_Canon/

This brings the price of the lens down to 1467 dollars + shipping

I'm not sure if you can use the code in store ( will find out next week) which would result in adding 8.3% sales tax to the discounted price

price in euros 1100 approx

BanzaiBk

Hmm well after much consideration I've decided to go for the second hand 2.8L provided I'm happy with it upon inspection. If that plan falls through then I'll more than likely go for the Sigma, but that's getting more unlikely:) Thanks for all the great replies!