Going to L?

[jimtfoto]

Looking for opinions/advice/guidance ...
Currently I have two Sigma lenses which I am very satisfied with, a 15-30mm and a 50-500mm. I also have an older Tamron 28-300mm which I used on my Canon film bodies, but am less than pleased with it on my 10D. My wife uses a newer "optimized for digital" Tamron 28-300 on her DRebel, and she's pleased with that.
For my purposes, however, I need something to bride the gap between the top end of the 15-30 and the bottom end of the 50-500 ... after much web (and soul) searching, I settled on a 24-70mm. Had planned on the Sigma f2.8 version, but there are mixed reviews on various posts here. The consideration is this - the Sigma is about $700 CDN, while the Canon f2.8L is three times as mch, just under $2,100.
Should I bite the bullet and hold out for the L, or go with the Sigma?
Over to you ....

[Cadwell]

I am sure you won't find this at all helpful.... but if I were you I would also consider the Tamron SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di. It's a hell of a lens at a bargain price. I can strongly recomend it.. check out some of the other threads on here about it.....

[roanjohn]

Agree with the Tamron.......Its not as wide as it starts around 28, but you gain extra reach at the tele end at around 75. With a constant aperture of 2.8 and much lighter than the Canon, you can't go wrong.

Ro1

[Olegis]

I also recommend the Tamron. I have this lens and it's very good - light, well built, fairly fast AF, sharp at 5.6 and up, but also OK at 2.8. The first 6 pictures in this gallery (http://www.pbase.com/olegis/natasha_&page=all) were shot with it, as are all the pictures here (http://www.pbase.com/olegis/bneibrak).

[EXA1a]

I can't/don't want to argue against the Tamron but replies are not representative so far. Following the forum for quite a while, a majority of forum members would recommend the 24-70L lens if you can afford it. It's a Canon lens, it's sealed, it has outstanding picture quality, AF is fast and silent, it has high value now and in 5 or 10 years time.
I am using the old predecessor 28-80L (12 years old!). Like the 24-70L, it's a bit heavy but I like the picture quality, although not as good as the 24-70L.

--Jens--

[Gibmeister]

You could always opt to purchase a used Canon 28-70mm L. I picked one up for around $800 USD and I love it.

[jimtfoto]

Thanks for the tips so far ... have done a search through the forums on the Tamron and it looks like a very strong option ... also checked into the availability of the used Canon 28-70mm and found one at a nearby camera store ... now comes the next dilemma ... a used Canon AF 28-70, f/2.8L for $1,350 CDN or the Tamron DI 28-75mm f/2.8 XR for $700 ..........

[2new]

I just purchased the Tamron used from another forum member after Cadwell & a few other here recommended the lens. I hope to have it in hand this weekend. I have never been steered in the wron direction by the member of this forum, and I have been extreemly pleased with the groups recommendations. If I get the lens by Friday I'll send you a message and some sample shots.

Michael

[jimtfoto]

Michael:
Look forward to your comments and posts ... I won't be making a decision on purchase right away, but the more I look into the Tamron, the more I'm liking it ....

jim