70-200 F4 Canon or 70-200 F2.8 Sigma

[Dealau]

I'm in two minds but i think i'll go the way of the Sigma.

I can get either lense for the same price - around $1000 Aust.

I do shoot sport and some at night under lights, so the Sigma would be better. I'd love to get the Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS lense but at $2700 Aust i could tip the extra $1700 i save into another lense or a 1.4x or 2x TC. The Canon 70-200 F2.8 non-IS lense is around $2000AU

This is probably a 'no brainer', but what do you members think? It'll be hooking up to a 20D.

[Matatazela]

The Sigma requires a 77mm diameter filter. The Canon requires a 67mm filter.

The Sigma weighs 1270g, against the Canon at 705g.

The Sigma is f2.8 against the Canon at f4.

If you need lightweight, not so fast, the Canon appears to be the better lens. If you need speed and don't mind the extra weight, the Sigma appears the way to go.

From what I have seen in product comparisons, there is little to choose between the lenses from an image quality point of view.

Oh, and the Canon lens is white :)

[tim]

Definitely get the Sigma for what you're after. Don't forget you can buy from places like B&H in New York easily enough.

http://www.slo-foto.net/reviews-56.html

[Skip Souza]

The Sigma requires a 77mm diameter filter. The Canon requires a 67mm filter.

The Sigma weighs 1270g, against the Canon at 705g.

The Sigma is f2.8 against the Canon at f4.

If you need lightweight, not so fast, the Canon appears to be the better lens. If you need speed and don't mind the extra weight, the Sigma appears the way to go.

From what I have seen in product comparisons, there is little to choose between the lenses from an image quality point of view.

Oh, and the Canon lens is white :)
Sums it up beautifully. You pays your money and takes your choice. :rolleyes:

[tim]

That's a good general summary, but that doesn't address Darrens particular circumstances. F2.8 is probably necessary for night sports.

[jfred]

For me the decision would be "f2.8 versus weight"

If you really need f2.8.... go for it.

I decided on the lighter weight alternative. Plus, with the 70-200f4 L and the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 in my kitbag, I can get a few decent filters (and a circular polariser) that will work on both lenses.

[condyk]

I had both!

I loved both!

AND I would choose the Sigma every single time.

[Matatazela]

My take on the subject is that sports (and wildlife, in my case) lenses should be faster rather than lighter, as well as being mounted on a sturdy tripod. That means that my reommendation is the Sigma, although I do not have to carry all of Dealau's gear for him!

Really, price being similar, the deciding factor, for me anyway, would be the speed. The Sigma is 500g heavier, which is considerable when you carry things a long distance, but the 2.8 would close the deal for me.

[Dealau]

Thanks for the comments. I'm not too worried about the weight of the lense or the colour. Although i do like the sigma's matt black colour, it suits the matt black 20D.

As long as the quality between the lenses are similar. How do people rate the canons and sigmas 70-200 F2.8, not based on weight and colour?:oops:

[tim]

Check out the review posted above, also fredmiranda.com and photographyreview.com, and make up your own mind. This question's asked at least twice a week, a search will also enlighten you. When doing my research I decided that the Sigma was 98% as good as the Canon F2.8 non-IS for a lot less money.

[Dealau]

I've checked out alot of those reviews. It's just I'm an indecisive bugger and hate to find out i bought the wrong lense afterwards. ;)

[anhlong]

I'm in two minds but i think i'll go the way of the Sigma.

I can get either lense for the same price - around $1000 Aust.

I do shoot sport and some at night under lights, so the Sigma would be better. I'd love to get the Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS lense but at $2700 Aust i could tip the extra $1700 i save into another lense or a 1.4x or 2x TC. The Canon 70-200 F2.8 non-IS lense is around $2000AU

This is probably a 'no brainer', but what do you members think? It'll be hooking up to a 20D.

Where do you get this $2700AUD deal for the Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS ? This is a good price, I've been offered $2800AUD at www.photocontinental.com.au (http://www.photocontinental.com.au/)

[Dealau]

Off ebay and that price i'm taking into account GST, taxes and shipping.

[Asmodeus]

The abitlity to throw the teleconverter in the bag and have a long F4 telephoto for the shots that need it (and still spend less than the Canon) was one of the deciding factors for the Sigma for me.