EF70-200/4 L vs. 100-300/4 EX

[Gery]

Hi!

Please give me some opinion about theese two lenses.
I cant decide between the Canon L and the Sigma EX.

Most important for me:
Optical quality, AF speed, mechanical quality. handling, etc.

I would use it on a D60/EOS5. Mostly for sports, street, portraits.

For Canon L is the (maybe) better optical quality, faster AF, better resale value.
For Sigma EX is the longer reach (300).

If some of You have pictures with one of theese, that would be great.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Gery

[Opticky]

You may be surprised to know that the Sigma 100-300 f4 EX looks to have a higer optical quality than the Canon 70-200 f4L. A well-respected German photo mag, Colorfoto, tests lenses and publishes its results. They scored the Canon at 74/100 and the Sigma at 84/100. That makes the Sigma zoom equal to the very very highly rated Canon 300f4L - but at about 1/3 the cost! Seems to be one of the least known but best bargains about. Do a search over at DPReview on the Sigma 100-300 EX.

The 70-200f4L is very much lighter than the Sigma - about half its weight. But the Sigma os only little heavier than the 70-200 f2.8s from Sigma and Canon and just a fraction longer.

For me the optical quality and the extra reach are well worth a little weight and length. Also using a cheap Vivitar 2xTC I find gives very good results at 600mm. I hope to get a Sigma 1.4TC.

Really the best thing is to go to a shop and try it. If possible buy it, try it fully and return it if you do not like it. I bet you'll keep it.

Good luck