Alternative to Canon 70-200

I want to get a lens as a birthday gift for my daughter. I've decided to go with a 70-200mm. She is currently "borrowing" my Canon 70-200mm f4 non-IS which is the least priced of the 70-200's. I believe the most expensive is the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS at around $1,00 or so. And then there's the f4 with IS around $1K. Can I get a recommendation or 2 for a non-Canon version of the lens that would save some $$. Thank You.

I just got the Tamron G2 and love it. May be out of your budget however at $1300. But the G1 is still available new for less than 1K.

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …20_200mm_F_2_8_​DI_VC.html

Bogino wrote in post #18442850
I want to get a lens as a birthday gift for my daughter. I've decided to go with a 70-200mm. She is currently "borrowing" my Canon 70-200mm f4 non-IS which is the least priced of the 70-200's. I believe the most expensive is the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS at around $1,00 or so. And then there's the f4 with IS around $1K. Can I get a recommendation or 2 for a non-Canon version of the lens that would save some $$. Thank You.

Look for a used/refurb Tamron 70-200 F2.8 VC (G1 or G2). They're excellent.

Otherwise, a refurb or used Canon 70-200 F4L IS is an excellent lens.

Very best,

Buy used or refurb.

I had the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 OS HSM and really liked how it performed. IQ was fine, and AF was fast and accurate. I shot daytime field sports with it. It was too big and heavy for me; about the same size weight as the Canon 2.8L II. It is generally available used for about $800.

I think your best bang for the buck is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM II, used. I have one. Love it.

Bassat wrote in post #18442944
I had the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 OS HSM and really liked how it performed. IQ was fine, and AF was fast and accurate. I shot daytime field sports with it. It was too big and heavy for me; about the same size weight as the Canon 2.8L II. It is generally available used for about $800.

I think your best bang for the buck is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM II, used. I have one. Love it.

I have got many 70-200 range lenses. 70-200 L IS Ver 1 is one of the my favourites and if you can buy an used one, that will be cost much less. 70-200f4 is also great.
As for the Sigma OS, that really depends on how much you pay. My second one for F mount costed me only 500 dollars so I did not say anything and grabbed the lens from the shop. Image quality is fine.

It is difficult to make any recommendation if the budget is unknown.

Another question: do you need f/2.8, or are you OK with f/4 maximum aperture? The Canon f/2.8 is significantly heavier and more expensive than the f/4. Both are great lenses.

Mike

If for a crop camera, and fast lens is not a "must have" then the 55-250 STM will be a less expensive option.

I would recommend a used or refurb 70-200 F4 IS, if you can live without the F2.8. it really is a spectacular lens, bested only by its big brother, and only by a whisker.

Scrumhalf wrote in post #18443531
I would recommend a used or refurb 70-200 F4 IS, if you can live without the F2.8. it really is a spectacular lens, bested only by its big brother, and only by a whisker.

Second that, the sharpness and micro contrast delivered by this lens is simply superb.

Third'. F4 IS is simply an amazing lens.

Fourth that, and almost fits in a pocket

You got some big pockets!

I would recommend Canon 70-200mm f/4 IS.
If f/2,8 is really needed, then I would save up for a f/2,8.