Sigma 70-300 or Canon 55-200

[93octane]

Sigma 70-300 or Canon 55-200 which of these two lenses have the better optics, colors, quality??? Just need it for outdoor photography with reach.

[jtmorales]

First of all, which Sigma are you talking about? I believe there are 2 or 3 different 70-300's available. Judging by the price of the Canon 55-200 I'll assume your looking at the Super APO.

Most of the people I know who do landscapes and nature photography seem to really like having the reach of a 70-300 lens. Based on reviews I've read the Canon 55-200 is average and the Sigma seems to be pretty good for the price. Honestly though, for that price you may want to consider the Canon 75-300 USM or the IS. What most people will tell you is to save a little bit more and get the Canon 70-200 f4 L. Great quality and good focal range.

You chould check out http://www.fredmiranda.com, http://www.dpreview.com, and http://www.slr-lens.com for some reviews and comparisons on the lenses. Good luck.

[93octane]

yeah I'm looking at the 70-300 APO don't know how much better the canon 70-300 is compared to the sigma and I have been contemplating on saving up and just buying the 70-200 f/4 L instead. But if the 70-200 wasn't a choice would you say it comes down to the Sigma or the Canon 70-300???

[jtmorales]

Personally, I'd say yes. I looked at bothe the Canon 75-300 and the Sigma 70-300 when I was looking for a lens. I chose the Sigma 55-200 because I needed something that was lighter and smaller, but still offered decent quality. When compared to the Canon 55-200 it just seemed to be a slightly better lens and a better price. If I was gonna go with the 70-300 range I was going to get the Canon 75-300 USM. As for now I'm saving for L glass.

[hotled]

I would not opt for a 55-200 sigma. I have one and am really disappointed in it's quality at full range.

Everyone I have talked to loves the 70-200 f/4 L unless you need more reach, then the Sigma 100-300 comes into play..just depends on budget I quess, kind of the boat Im in as well.

[cfcRebel]

Sigma 70-100 Super APO macro, EF 100-300mm, EF75-300 have often been discussed and compared. Ron has some awesome input and comments regarding these consumer lenses. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=78099

[nitsch]

I can highly recommend the Sigma 70-300 Super APO, however CFC is right, read the thread started by Ron - he truly is the master of the consumer zoom! :D

[whchan]

Also heard good feedback from the Tamron 70-300. Price is about the same as the Sigma. Actually, at least for the reviews that I have seen so far, most people prefer having the Tamron. I did not test/owner either one of them.