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View Full Version : 70-200mm canon or sigma?


justwoops
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 04:38
Hi,

I have been looking to buy a better mid range zoom lens that i can use with TC's until the day when i can afford the canon 100-400L (prob the same day I win the lottery!). Im having trouble deciding between the canon 70-200mm F4L and the sigma 70-200mm F2.8. I have read reviews and both are rated highly.

Im not fussed about F2.8 as I mostly shoot no wider than F4, but its kind of needed when using a x2 TC as the sigma will become a 400mm F5.6 and the canon a 400mm F8.

Any advice would be great!
Regards,

Liam.

dod
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 05:06
The Canon's lighter, sharp, fast focussing.

The sigmas heavier, sharper, gives you the extra light when you need it and comes complete with tripod collar thingy. I prefer the sigma.

StevenRaith
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 05:22
I'd take the Sigma if you plan on using a TC - you'll be kicking yourself should you need the extra stop.

Also, it feels fantastic in the hand, a nice, weighty lense, easy to hold, balances the camera out nicely IMHO.

I used one on my 300D, and I have used one on a mates 350D with grip, makes it feel much meatier.

The lense is also razor sharp, quiet, and has a nice finish to it. Also the shallow DOF is good for close ups on car badges etc - important to me, perhaps not so much for you but worth noting. Also the F2.8 makes it more usable indoors for expo's/shows etc. where a flash might be a PITA.

I have no experience of the Canon unfortunately, but the Sigma is a classy bit of kit IMHO - is it possible for you to borrow one from somewhere?

Dave_G
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 05:23
I can vouch for the Sigma too!

Choderboy
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 05:53
Hi,

I have been looking to buy a better mid range zoom lens that i can use with TC's until the day when i can afford the canon 100-400L (prob the same day I win the lottery!). Im having trouble deciding between the canon 70-200mm F4L and the sigma 70-200mm F2.8. I have read reviews and both are rated highly.

Im not fussed about F2.8 as I mostly shoot no wider than F4, but its kind of needed when using a x2 TC as the sigma will become a 400mm F5.6 and the canon a 400mm F8.

Any advice would be great!
Regards,

Liam.

Or get a Sigma 100-300 F4!
They were recently selling for lust less than the Sigma 70-200 2.8 (in Australia - don't know your local prices)
I have not used one , but it's rare to read bad things about them.

Raj
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 06:05
I can vouch for the Sigma too!

me too :D

Macavity
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 07:45
I just got my Sigma on Saturday and I'm thrilled with it.

Joe Cyr
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 07:51
I purchased the canon last month and have been thrilled with it. I chose it over the Sigma, just my own personal preference. Focus is lightning fast. Very crisp images. They have the canon rebate for the lens right now too. You'll see a lot of people here with this lens and no complaints.

If money is an issue, the canon lens is cheaper by a couple hundred $839 vs. $544 aftet rebate. (bhphotovideo.com) Oh, and the canon comes with a carrying pouch and lens hood.

But, you probably can't go wrong with either one.

DavidEB
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 08:08
I wouldn't plan on putting a 2x telecon on either lens. While technically possible, the quality will not be great.

05Xrunner
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 08:12
I was in the same debate and ended up with the Canon 70-200f4 and its AWSOME. pics are razor sharp. focus is instant, its light and easy to carry for hours without getting tired. I am happy with mine

justwoops
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 08:54
Thank you for your replies, I think I will go along to my local camera dealer and try both out to see which I prefer!

GSH
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 09:39
I can vouch for the Sigma too!

Likewise. If only i could be bothered linking to my Trax 2005 Gallery for examples again :D

I need some sort of hot key for replying to these Sigma posts.. :lol:

thx-1138uk
20th of April 2006 (Thu), 09:58
I've just got my Canon and was surprised how light it is, I've only taken a few images in pretty uninspiring lighting conditions but they're rezor sharp.

JBF
23rd of April 2006 (Sun), 19:21
Hi,

I have been looking to buy a better mid range zoom lens that i can use with TC's until the day when i can afford the canon 100-400L (prob the same day I win the lottery!). Im having trouble deciding between the canon 70-200mm F4L and the sigma 70-200mm F2.8. I have read reviews and both are rated highly.

Im not fussed about F2.8 as I mostly shoot no wider than F4, but its kind of needed when using a x2 TC as the sigma will become a 400mm F5.6 and the canon a 400mm F8.

Any advice would be great!
Regards,

Liam.

I'd go with the Canon. Alot of people say it is the best zoom in the canon arsenal. It's the best zoom I own.

jmckell
23rd of April 2006 (Sun), 19:44
Thank you for your replies, I think I will go along to my local camera dealer and try both out to see which I prefer!


That is the best thing you can do.

I did the same thing but they weren't happy when I went back and found out I saved over $100.00 buying from B&H.

pknight
23rd of April 2006 (Sun), 22:43
I wouldn't plan on putting a 2x telecon on either lens. While technically possible, the quality will not be great.

There is a thread here somewhere with some fairly impressive images from this combination.

I can also vouch for the Sigma, and while I have not used the 2x TC much, it does better than its reputation.

PEACHMAN
24th of April 2006 (Mon), 06:50
Have Sigma, love my Sigma except backwards turning zoom that I have yet to get use to!...Excellent IQ and low light performance...(and price)!