Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM

[kfreels]

Originally Posted by dachness

Is weather sealing important to you? If so the canon has weather sealing(I don't believe Sigma has but others can chime in). From my reading it appears the general consensus is that the canon MKII is superior (sharper at 2.8, closer MFD, longer FL at 200mm, build). The big question is how substainal are the differences, which many have concluded isn't very substantial for their uses. I remember a comment in this thread when some one said they would not go for the MKII even if the price difference was $500.

With the above info as my basis I originally had my eyes on the sigma new at ~$1,300. Then I found out I could get a MKII for ~1,600 refurbished through CLP(with purchase of a body). Now we are looking at a price difference of ~$300. I was happy to pay the added cost for the claimed improvements above. Do note that it took quite some time and effort to obtain the MKII through CLP. It took about a week to get one. In the beginning I would call each morning. I later resorted to calling multiple times a day and checking the website frequently. The MKII through CLP route will not be for every one, it can be very time consuming and frustrating.

If the MKII was not available through CLP I no doubt would have purchased the sigma and likely be satisfied. I would not have been willing to pay more than what I did for the MKII. The MKII arrives today so I don't have any hands on experience with it yet.

No. There is no weather sealing on the Sigma. I'm really surprised they haven't tried to play in that arena. Maybe on a mkII in a couple years?

I think I would pay $400 more for the Canon and that's about it. I figure the insurance of weather sealing is worth $250, $100 for the sharper f8 and $50 for the closer focusing. But then again my 48 month warranty vs the Canon refurb 90 day warranty makes me rethink that. Since I bought my Sigma for $1200 new on sale I'm extremely happy. The savings allowed me to buy a new laptop for my daughter.

[av8r]

If I want weather sealing I'll buy a lens/body raincoat. I wouldn't rely on the weather sealing on a lens or body for anything more than a surprise, quick shower.

[namasste]

Originally Posted by av8r

If I want weather sealing I'll buy a lens/body raincoat. I wouldn't rely on the weather sealing on a lens or body for anything more than a surprise, quick shower.

agreed, weather sealing has its place but for the most part, if you are shooting in conditions that need weather sealing, you probably need more than just weather sealing anyway.

[ScreamingSwifts]

Not so worried about weather sealing, as I live in Western Australia at the moment where there are two seasons it seems - very hot and dry, or torrential rain

I was interested to hear about the weight though, as to me the canon doesn't sound that much heavier?

[namasste]

Originally Posted by ScreamingSwifts

Not so worried about weather sealing, as I live in Western Australia at the moment where there are two seasons it seems - very hot and dry, or torrential rain

I was interested to hear about the weight though, as to me the canon doesn't sound that much heavier?

I don't notice any appreciable differences in weight.

[John_N]

Hi,

Anyone using one of these on a 5D3 yet?

I ask as I heard rumours some sigma lenses needing to be re-chipped on newer Canon bodies.

[kfreels]

Originally Posted by John_N

Hi,

Anyone using one of these on a 5D3 yet?

I ask as I heard rumours some sigma lenses needing to be re-chipped on newer Canon bodies.

wow. That's the first I've heard of that. Can't imagine why that would be the case. I know that initially there was some issue with the firmware and even some trouble with a couple specific Canon lenses but as I understand, that was fixed in a firmware update. I can't imagine the firestorm Canon would have to go through if they did something that made a bunch of 3rd party lenses unusable. If you are considering buying it and you have a 5D3 now, I would suggest getting one from a reputable dealer, trying it out and then if it doesn't work right, send it back and raise all kinds of hell.

[John_N]

Sorry - I didn't mean this lens - if I recall it was the Sigma 70-200 APO DG Macro HSM EX and the 7D - but given one day I'll own a 5D3 (at least a year away at the earliest I suspect) I didn't want to buy a duffer.

In fact since writing the question I've spent ages trawling through flickr and found three images taken on a 5D3 with the OS so it looks good

[kfreels]

Originally Posted by John_N

Sorry - I didn't mean this lens - if I recall it was the Sigma 70-200 APO DG Macro HSM EX and the 7D - but given one day I'll own a 5D3 (at least a year away at the earliest I suspect) I didn't want to buy a duffer.

In fact since writing the question I've spent ages trawling through flickr and found three images taken on a 5D3 with the OS so it looks good

Ah.Yeah. I can see that. I'm sure we could all run into the same problem with this lens in new bodies 3-5 years from now if something as new and revolutionary comes out like the 7D was at release. In that case I wouldn't feel too bad about sending it in to get it re-chipped. I would still be way ahead on cash and as we've seen with the 5D3, even Canon can accidentally create problems for their own lenses as well.

I'm with you on the 5D3. Waiting a year or more for the price to become reasonable is my plan too. Until then, my 7D will do just fine.

[mtimber]

The Strand... by mtimber1971, on Flickr

[Talley]

Just got home from my daughters (4) gymnastics (kinda same as dance right) here's a few taken with the Sigma... some 2.8 some F4 anywhere from ISO 1250-4000

[Hot Bob]

Ok, I'm joining this group. I had a Sigma 70-200/2.8 macro for years. Then I got the Canon 70-200/4L IS and I sold off the 2.8. Now I've sold off the f4L IS and placed an order with B&H for this lens. Should be here early next week. BTW, they have a $100 instant rebate for the month of May.

Bob

[NickPrime]

Originally Posted by Hot Bob

Ok, I'm joining this group. I had a Sigma 70-200/2.8 macro for years. Then I got the Canon 70-200/4L IS and I sold off the 2.8. Now I've sold off the f4L IS and placed an order with B&H for this lens. Should be here early next week. BTW, they have a $100 instant rebate for the month of May.

Bob

I understand this lense will accept the Canon 2.0X III, is true? Anyone?

[gabebalazs]

Originally Posted by NickPrime

I understand this lense will accept the Canon 2.0X III, is true? Anyone?

Yes, absolutely true since I owned and used one for a couple months with this lens.

[gabebalazs]

Here are a few nature shots taken with the Sigma 2x APO EX DG attached. Today I got my 120-300 2.8 OS back from service, so probably I won't post birds shots from the 70-200 + TC combination anytime soon.


Great Egret with fish 16 by gabebalazs, on Flickr


Great Egret with fish 8 by gabebalazs, on Flickr


Great Egret with fish 6 by gabebalazs, on Flickr


Great Egret with fish 10 by gabebalazs, on Flickr


Great Egret with fish 14 by gabebalazs, on Flickr


Great Egret with fish 7 by gabebalazs, on Flickr


Great Egret with fish 3 by gabebalazs, on Flickr