I want New GLASS and I want it bad

So I have decided to spring for 70-200mm f2.8 for the upcoming dance season - just a Dad taking pictures of his daughter and her friends at regional competitions - I have a 50D and have used a Tamron 28-300mm VC the past two seasons however I really need more speed.
I also shoot volunteer work at the local regional theater every other month or so.

So after a great deal of research and reading numerous threads here I am down to the the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM or the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM - both fit the $1500.00 budget and the two obvious differences are Brand(Dooh) and IS/OS

I am leaning toward the Sigma, I really could use the 4 stops of stabilization, I know my hands are not the steadiest.

So I plan on pulling the trigger this Friday, so I hope I pick right :0) - and yes I wish I could justify the MarkII it would make the whole choice a lot easier.

if your panning, its not making much of a difference. atleast i think so... how about adding on a flash?

Im sure you realize the IS or OS wont help with the kids in motion Dancing right ?

But it sure is nice when your taking still shots of the kids or any other static subject matter without the need of an external flash.

If your objectives will be solely moving subjects you could opt for a used 70-200 f2.8 non-IS and also pick-up a new 85 f1.8 for the lower light captures of the dancing activity which both should fit within your budget.

Regards whatever your decision.

Or you could pick up a used 70-200 f/2.8 IS Mk I and a 85 f/1.8 from the classifieds here. Should be able to stay in or close to your budget.

Silverfox1 wrote in post #11836296
Im sure you realize the IS or OS wont help with the kids in motion Dancing right ?

But it sure is nice when your taking still shots of the kids or any other static subject matter without the need of an external flash.

If your objectives will be solely moving subjects you could opt for a used 70-200 f2.8 non-IS and also pick-up a new 85 f1.8 for the lower light captures of the dancing activity which both should fit within your budget.

Regards whatever your decision.

Yes, I understand that) , the IS/OS would really be an advantage shooting theater is my thought

Mk1Racer I thought of that but used scares me to death when spending that kinda of money, probably irrational fear , but nonetheless fear.

The decision to buy used or not is up to you. I've bought 90% of my gear used and have had nothing but great experiences and have gotten some great deals.

The IS/OS will help with theater(some but less so for dance). For theater you will typically only need 1/60 to 1/100 to stop the action. In that range and at 200mm IS will really help. My recommendation would also be a used 70-200 2.8 IS and an 85 1.8 (I have used both for indoor performances successfully). If you do decide to buy new, then I'd rather have the Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS. You would have the versatility of a zoom, the fast aperture and OS.

I am not sure how close you are getting, or if you are permitted to use flash.

Just thinking the Canon 135L and 85 1.8 would be a nice combo for this indoor shooting.
Both are offered on the B&S forum here on a regular basis. I have purchased 3 lens on that forum, I have been thrilled with both lens and I used the saved money to buy other "stuff".

Mk1Racer wrote in post #11836582
Or you could pick up a used 70-200 f/2.8 IS Mk I and a 85 f/1.8 from the classifieds here. Should be able to stay in or close to your budget.

Good advice here.

curlydog wrote in post #11836731
Yes, I understand that) , the IS/OS would really be an advantage shooting theater is my thought

Mk1Racer I thought of that but used scares me to death when spending that kinda of money, probably irrational fear , but nonetheless fear.

A natural concern for someone that is new to the used market. With the exception of my 50 f/1.8, my 40D, and my 7D, everything else in my gear list was purchased used, off of these forums. The 50 f/1.8 and the 40D were bought new, the 7D was a refurb from Canon through the CLP (which I wouldn't have known about it were it not for this place). I have had no problems at all w/ the gear I've purchased from people on here. There are also other lenses that are no longer on the list (because I sold them to people on here) that I bought from members here. I didn't sell them because I had issues with them, I sold them because I upgraded.

This is a pretty decent community, and it's pretty rare that you hear of someone getting scammed or getting equipment that was not as advertised. The 30 days and 30 posts policy that was put in place 2 or so years ago has seemed to really stem the tide of shady people and scammers.

If you see something that you're interested in, check the seller's feedback in the feedback thread.

If I had to buy all my gear new, I'm sure there's stuff I wouldn't have.

The Sigma 70-200 f2.8 OS is a great lens and since the recent price drop, it is at a good price as well. I would say go for the Sigma. I have shot plenty with the previous version of the lens and it was very good.

Just depending on the situation, a 135mm F2.0 might give you a little more speed if that is what you need.

curlydog wrote in post #11836240
So after a great deal of research and reading numerous threads here I am down to the the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM or the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM - both fit the $1500.00 budget and the two obvious differences are Brand(Dooh) and IS/OS

I am leaning toward the Sigma, I really could use the 4 stops of stabilization, I know my hands are not the steadiest.

I've shot with numerous copies of the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 OS as well as many different Canon 70-200 f2.8 MK1 and MK2 IS lenses. Recently I did some comparison shots between the OS and the MK2. While not directly related to your issue of the f2.8 L non-IS, I think the Sigma is an excellent choice based on what I found when compared to the amazing L IS MK2 (which is better than the L non-IS).

Overall, the Sigma OS was always behind the new MK2 but always put in a strong effort. I would take the new OS lens over any 70-200 f2.8 lens currently out except for the new MK2.

Here are some sample 100% center crops:

Sigma 70mm f2.8

Thanks all, I am gonna pull the trigger in the AM