good idea or bad

Selling my 70-200 2.8 IS to get a sigma 50 1.4 or sigma 85 1.4. Would that be a good trade off? I do more photos hoots then weddings? I have 3 more weddings this year, and I noticed non of them are in cathloic churches so I can get away with not having a 70-200 IS and plus I want to go in most using non flash. Thanks in advance everyone.

Not a good trade off, especially exchanging something that focuses well for something that doesn't (or may not) reliably focus well.

I use a 70-200 for medium sized churches (kiss close up), portraits, and reception. It's great on full frame for portraits, completely blurring out the background. I wouldn't sell mine.

form wrote in post #12323140
Not a good trade off, especially exchanging something that focuses well for something that doesn't (or may not) reliably focus well.

if you get a bad copy, get it replaced. Canon lenses can focus badly too....

The ratio of Sigma lenses with AF issues is much greater than the ratio of Canon lenses with similar problems.

Downs Photography wrote in post #12322575
Selling my 70-200 2.8 IS to get a sigma 50 1.4 or sigma 85 1.4. Would that be a good trade off? I do more photos hoots then weddings? I have 3 more weddings this year, and I noticed non of them are in cathloic churches so I can get away with not having a 70-200 IS and plus I want to go in most using non flash. Thanks in advance everyone.

If you aren't going to do that many weddings, then certainly sell a lens that isn't seeing much action. The Sigma 50 & 85 are nice lenses provided you get a good copy.

That said, I use the 70-200 f2.8 IS MKII a lot at weddings and would never sell mine, even if it meant not having the 2 primes.

nicksan wrote in post #12324072
If you aren't going to do that many weddings, then certainly sell a lens that isn't seeing much action. The Sigma 50 & 85 are nice lenses provided you get a good copy.

That said, I use the 70-200 f2.8 IS MKII a lot at weddings and would never sell mine, even if it meant not having the 2 primes.

Thanks everyone! This does make alot of sense and thanks for clearing this up again. I will just add when I get more money.

My opinion on the 70-200 lens has changed quite a bit, especially after getting the II version. I'm now using it more and more and finding it to be a very valuable lens to have in the bag, not just for weddings but for portraits, too. You do need a better quality mid-range fast lens, but I would find another way to pay for it.

wedding photographers Must have 3 lens in their kits

short zoom- like a 24-70 and 24-105
long zoom - 70-200
wide-- 16-35,17-35,17-40

If your suing a crop-- 17-55,,10-22

In my opinion this kit is something that you must have before you consider doing a wedding,,,,,,,,,,prime​s are optional and definately desirable . But of everything I listed,, 70-200 is at the top of the list. Must have lens IMHO.

form wrote in post #12323587
The ratio of Sigma lenses with AF issues is much greater than the ratio of Canon lenses with similar problems.

I'll never use a Sigma lens again. I've had three and they've all been a POS.

tim wrote in post #12334786
I'll never use a Sigma lens again. I've had three and they've all been a POS.

Tim

I said the same thing. I decided to give them one more try with that 85mm 1.4. The first one that showed up had a defective AF motor right out of the box. Sent it back and waited for another 3 weeks before B&H got one in. I almost said screw it and was going to keep the 85mm 1.8. Borrowed by buddys 85mm 1.2 and knew i wanted to change but there was no way i was going to spend $1800.00 for a canon 85 1.2. B&H shipped me another one and we went out and tested them side by side, shot for shot. The sigma was spot on with the canon shot for shot. probably on par with my 35L with IQ, Sharpness, and shallow depth capabilities. WE were blown away.

My Buddy sold his 85mm 1.2 canon and got a sigma 85mm1.4 and the 50mm sigma. Both were dead bang on the money. So for the 85MM lens,,sigma has a winner,,IF you get a good copy. Ive heard of guys having to get 1-2 50mm sigmas before they got a good copy, but the 50mm looks killer as well. The 85mm sigma is awesome---IF,,and that can be a big IF-- you get a good one.

Yes I hear when you get a good Sigma lens they're awesome, but i've had two Sigma 30 F1.4's for Canon and three Sigma 50 F1.4's for Nikon and none could focus consistently accurately. Two were even sent for calibration but it didn't help.

tim wrote in post #12335221
Yes I hear when you get a good Sigma lens they're awesome, but i've had two Sigma 30 F1.4's for Canon and three Sigma 50 F1.4's for Nikon and none could focus consistently accurately. Two were even sent for calibration but it didn't help.

I had the same problem with the 30 f/1.4's as well. Tried 3 copies and finally said screw it and got the 35L. I swore them off for 2 yrs. Gave it 1 more go and boy was i surprised. This 85 is phenomenal. Pretty much glued to 5D.

Thanks again everyone, btw when the 5d mark III comes out I will use 2 full frames, so no i'm not building for crop anymore.

They'll get my 70-200 IS when they pry it out of my cold, dead hands. The more I use it at weddings, bridal sessions, and engagements the more I love it. The biggest problem I have with it is getting it before my husband does when wego shoot.