Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L or Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II or Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L?

I'm getting a Canon T4i and want a telephoto/sports lense. I want to be able to stop action well and get great image quality at the same time, something I think both of these lenses do well. I nerrowed it down to these two because they are under a grand, and are relatively light. Do you all think the extra $100 is worth the faster aperture of the Sigma? Im told the Canon has slightly better image quality, is that true? Which is a better pick and why? Thank you!

Sigma.

I had the sigma 70-200 EX HSM (non-macro) before and used 70-200 f/2.8 L for a while. They're pretty close. If you don't mind the weight and size, I'd say go for the Sigma.

I was in a similar debate between the f2.8 Canon and the f2.8 Sigma... the price difference was significantly more than the Canon f4 so I went with the Sigma. I did have to send it off for repair as soon as I got it, but now it's razor sharp at 2.8 so i'm happy - in other words, the Sigma is great if you get a good copy!

Also, you mentioned the weight of the lenses... it's worth noting that the Sigma f2.8 is *much* heavier than the Canon f4.

I'm on the same crossroads and would like to hear more opinions and see results, if you have 'em thanks!

Sigma. Sigma can do f/2.8 Ever get a the Canon f/4 to do f/2.8 ? Nope- not gonna happen.

Slightly better image quality ? You do realize that a lot on POTN will say darn near anything- cause often they feel that they need to justify their purchases?

In case you ever want to tie a 2x TC and retain autofocus - the Sigma will do it.. Good luck with the f/4 doing that.
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1219520

Sigma weight double of the Canon f4. 1400g vs 700g.

I would take the f4 for the weight and slightly better IQ. However if you absolutly need f2.8...

There's also the Canon ef200mm f2.8L for 700$...

Since you're after a lens with the ability to stop action, choose the one with the larger aperture.

I've owned most of the ones in this thread, Sigma 70-700, Canon 70-200 f/4, and the Canon 200 f/2.8. I can say it depends on where you will be shooting, indoors or outdoors at night you will have to have the 2.8 period. I loved the image quality of all three of these lenses and they all work very well on a crop camera. If you can be for sure you won't need that extra stop get the f/4 but otherwise I'd stick with the Sigma 70-200. I will say I had to get rid of mine when I moved to a Canon 1DIII because it just wouldn't focus at all, no amount of adjustment would fix it. It did work great on my 60D, see below for a sample.

I would mainly be outdoor shooting. I don't know weither I need the extra stop or not, and don't know if it's worth the extra weight.

In my mind is reach against aperture
If you need the 300mm you need the 70-300 period, I believe th Canon is not compatible with an extender like the 1.4 and is a variable lens at f5.6 it will only be good for outdoors and certain other conditions
I tend to go for aperture, so I'd say the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 OS, and I believe it is compatible with a extender like the 1.4 (dont quote me on that)
I had the Sigma and had to sell it, is a wonderful lens, I tend to use it a f3.2 and was very sharp, fast focus, spot on with AF, great lens and great value.
It was actually sharper at f4 than my previous 70-200 f4L non IS

I feel that the Canon 70-300 might be a little faster focusing and plenty sharp, but the slow variable aperture kill it for me.
I am going to say Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS

borism wrote in post #14887979
I'd say the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 OS, and I believe it is compatible with a extender like the 1.4 (dont quote me on that)

That is indeed true that the 70-200 f2.8 would be compatible with a 1.4x extender... it would even be compatible with a 2x extender on regular bodies, and more than that on the 1d series.

borism wrote in post #14887979
I am going to say Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS

I don't think that was an option for the OP as it's considerably more than the ones being suggested...

shelly111 wrote in post #14887746
I would mainly be outdoor shooting. I don't know weither I need the extra stop or not, and don't know if it's worth the extra weight.

OP, if you are using it outside mainly, and are conscious about the weight, go for the Canon f4 imho

I own the sigma and have also used the canon f4. Personally I am sick of my sigma and am looking forward to replacing it with the canon variant. The accuracy is just not there. Its still my primary lens, but it has now developed an issue with the aperture not closing down properly at smaller apertures and sigmas service has been far from good... my recommendation, if your main shooting is in decent light, go the canon.

shelly111 wrote in post #14884626
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II or Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L?

I'm getting a Canon T4i and want a telephoto/sports lense. I want to be able to stop action well and get great image quality at the same time, something I think both of these lenses do well. I nerrowed it down to these two because they are under a grand, and are relatively light. Do you all think the extra $100 is worth the faster aperture of the Sigma? Im told the Canon has slightly better image quality, is that true? Which is a better pick and why? Thank you!

Images from a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX II.

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE