Canon 70-200 f4 IS vs. Sigma 70-200 OS

I'm looking for some opinions on he purchase of one of these lenses.

I have a Canon 70-200 F4 non stabilized. I've already determined that camera shake is something that I'm encountering.

I plan on shooting some performers in clubs, restaurants, etc, so lighting will be at worst horrible, and at best, probably bad. No flash, just available stage lighting, or room lighting.

Both of these lenses are around the same price used (+/- $1k)

I'd like to stick with Canon, so do you think that the F4's stabilization will be enough of a factor in this situation?

But, I'm not opposed to changing brands. I've heard some good things about the Sigma.

Looking for opinions, suggestions, real world experience, etc...

thanks!

2.8 will not be enough IMO. You need the 85 1.8 or the 135/2, and even that might be pushing it. The sigma 85 1.4 may be even better.

IS will help with camera shake problem. I believe IS system on 70-200 f/4 IS can compensate close to 4 stops. I have taken sharp pictures at 1/40 indoors handheld with canon 70-200 f/4 IS. It is a tremendous lens.

Also remenber that IS will not compensate subject movement in low light though.

Of the two, the Sigma. Performers perform( which generally means.. moving). F/4 with IS may allow slower shutter speed, but the perfromers will be blurred.
F/2.8 and with OS, allows one stop higher ss.. plus OS. A sharp shot of any performer, at under 1/100.. is purely luck, be sure and use those fps!

Get the Sigma, the Sigma can stop down to f/4 and ends up just as sharp (maybe a bit sharper) than the f/4L IS at f/4, at f/2.8 its VERY sharp, second only to the Mark II IS, AF works great and you have a very good OS system in it...

IS is useful, Not going to lie, and I would rather stabilized over non stabilized when it comes to a 70-200, but in this case f/2.8 is pretty much a must..

Also I own the 70-200 f/4L IS and I have times I wish I could have had the Sigma...

I've owned both. Of the two I like the sigma better. It's just as sharp as the canon at f4 but unlike the canon it can go to f2.8

But like Sirrith said, even f2.8 might not be fast enough in super lowlight situations. Also IS/OS will help with camera shake but it can not help with subject movement due to low shutter speeds.

1Tanker nailed it. For moving subject under poor lighting, you will need to get the largest aperture with proper FL your budget allows.

as said before, 2.8 won't cut it, not on your crop body camera for sure.

get fastest prime you can afford, and/or a 5D III or the new entry level FF camera, then you're good to go.

Sigma 70-200 OS is a wonderful lens! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

I have shot a number of acceptable photos with my 60D with moving performers at iso6400 f2/8; always try to stay close to the rule of thumb: sutter speed = the inverse of (focal length (X) crop factor)


You will never get the results that you could achieve with a f/1.2 prime, but of the (2) choices the Sigma wins. The Canon lens listed will never achieve f/2.8 and the Sigma at f/4 will yield indistinguishable photos.

faster apertures are NOT always the better solution. F/1.4- for example- faster- yes- thinner DOF.. So, no, faster aperture is not the answer to everything... If you can use the thinner DOF- that's one thing.. If you can't- well, money wasted. there is always going the other way as well- a body like the 5D3- that is better in low light, and has more usable higher ISO options- - well- that's travelling in the other direction.. It's an expensive highway though.

Maybe you can use some kind of reflector to add some light ?

Lets not forget that a zoom gives you the ability to alter composition without moving or switching lenses, you might not be able to step back or get closer depending on how the stuff on stage is going...switching lenses or even swapping to your backup body might mean missed shots

I agree. At this point the sigma is the better option - just validate focus and purchase one that allows you to return it should you find of focusing issues. I also agree you should consider the 85 1.8 and/or the 135 F2.

Of your two choices, the Sigma easily. You may also want a faster prime lens to go with it.