Canon ef 200mm f2.8 or sigma 50-500

[deana]

Hi,
Will be purchasing a lens this week for outdoor sports. Already have the 70-200 but need secondary lens for 20d. Which of these would you recommend and why? Or would you recommend something else? Thanks much

[condyk]

Strange options ... very different lenses there. Which 70-200mm do you have?

What is missing at present? Length, speed, flexibility, quality ... I loved my Bigma but it may not suit you unless length is vital. It needs good light and to be securely mounted to get the best results.

[deana]

I have the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. I am looking for another lens because there will be 2 of us shooting but I want something different. Looking to shoot about 30 yards from my subject so not sure what the differences are in those 2 lenses just know that other posts say they use them for sports. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[condyk]

I reckon you probably already have the best outdoor sports lens. If you want something different then I can personally recommend the Sigma 100-300mm f4, which is very fast focusing with the HSM motor and produces strong, clean images. It has more length that your Canon but is also a bit heavy and lengthy ... and no IS of course! Then, adding the 1.4x TCon gives it 420mm, so nice and flexible for the sorts of conditions the Canon would be too short for. Minimal loss of quality with the Sigma TCon. Hand held shooting probably not recommended at this length. Keepers will increase on a tripod or monopod.

The Canon 100-400mm IS is also a superb lens, as you probably know, but a more expensive option. I like it but don't like the UK prices!

If you find you are most often feeling the lens is too short but the shots you want are a similar distance away (unlikely, but there are all kinds of sports!!) then a 300mm or 400mm prime would be a nice addition for just the longer shots. How about a 300mm f4 L IS? Again, add a TCon if you need longer in future.

Seems like the 200mm prime is more of the same length and the Bigma may be too impractical. I'd call it a bird hide lens for use on a nice bright day, though crackin' quality images. Not one to swing around following sports.