Canon 70-200 versus Sigma 70-200

[georgewdean]

Hi folks,

Are these virtually identical?

My gut says to get the Canon but my brain says to make the best financial decision.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
George

[clengster_77]

if you're comparing the sigma 2.8 version and the canon 4L version it will go down to what shooting style are you gonna use that lens for. if you're shooting lowlight go for the sigma 2.8. but if you want a LIGHT lens i'll go for the canon 4L. as far as i've seen and read, those two lenses have the same image quality. hope that could help.

cleng

[georgewdean]

Reason for buying it: Indoor Gymnastics!

[clengster_77]

then i'd rather get the sigma b/c it's a 2.8 lens

[georgewdean]

I should have said

Canon 70-200 f2.8

versus

Sigma 70-200 f2.8

Virtually identical?

Why one versus the other?

[JaertX]

seach on pbase for fstopjojo...he has some comparisons.

[LightRules]

IMO, if you are not getting the IS version of the Canon, then the Sigma EX is a really good alternative. The build is VERY good, you get a 4 year warranty, the HSM/FTM unit is excellent, and optically they are so close that it is a copy to copy difference between the L and EX. I also like the tripod collar better on the EX as well as the lens hood. I would have kept my EX had it not been for the IS version. The 70200EX will serve your needs in this category for a long while. [Note: The Canon non-IS version is also VERY good, but for me it's between the EX and IS.]

[georgewdean]

With the psjan on B&H, the Sigma is $714.

Seems like a great price.

What do you think if the 7 year warranty for $40??

George

[japanviking]

I had the Sigma 70-200 2.8 before I switched to a Canon 70-200L IS.
I changed to canon because I wanted to try a lens with IS.

I had no problems at all with the Sigma. I used it for motorsport and I found it to be sharp with similar AF speed as the canon.

If you don't want/need the IS I think you should go for the Sigma.


Hope this helps

/Andreas

[cbock]

i've got mine coming from digitalfotoclub for $719 and a 7 year warranty for $24.85. for me, it came down to IS. i wansn't prepared to spend that $$$. the sigma has rec'd high marks at fredmiranda.com