giving up on the Sigma 85 - options?

So as the title suggests I bought a Sigma 85, and now that I'm expecting my third copy of this lens to came back from B&H I started thinking about alternatives and preparing for the worse,because I'm not going to get a fourth copy!
I started playing around with the idea of getting a 70-200 F2.8, and that of course brought up the question: "but which one???" so now that I narrowed it down a bit to the final candidate, which are:
1. The Canon "superzoom"70-200L F2.8 ISII (superzoom is because it's so dam GOOD not because of the FL)

2. The Sigma 70-200 OS but due to my recent experience with Sigma that just might not be the best idea... yet it's still on the table

3. And last is the Tamron 70-200 which I hear is very good optically and it's biggest downfall is the AF being slow

So to my question did a lot of you guys have problems (or heard of people having problems) with the Sigma?
And just how bad is the Tamron AF? is it a bit slow but not so noticeable or is it so slow you can grab a cup of coffee while it auto focuses?
And as for the Canon I guess I just need to decide if I want to shell out the cash for perfection... or the closest thing to it

P.S I can afford each one of them, I'm just not sure I want to

Any other suggestions will be welcome!

My Sig 85 has performed flawlessly( knock on wood) and what is on the body currently as my "normal" lens.

The choice is clear, get the best since you can afford it!

It could be worse- buy each one- and then decide.

Here's the thing - you've heard things about each- and for the most part- it's probably true to an extent.

3. The Tamron- from what sample photos I've seen here ( and limited to the posting restrictions ) - look real good.. And focusing is reportedly slow- known issue. If you can accept that- and that works for you- then get the Tamron.

2. The Sigma - I've never had focusing issues with mine. Nice sharp lens. On the 7D- nearly flawless, for me. Sharp- much better @ 3.2 than at 2.8. @3.5 ~4.0- well, you should not have any complaints. On the 5D 3- better- believe it or not. On the T4i- better than even the 7D - i think it's more dialed in than it is on the 7D ( more accurate focus ).

1. The Canon- has a reputation and price to match. Outstanding lens from nearly every aspect. Pixel peeper's dream. Sharp- slightly & noticeably sharper- at 100% than the Sigma. 99% of the time- it probably would not matter if you were only using the Sigma.

The worst thing you can do is to own - say - the Sigma, and then try the Canon. Then you will want the Canon. It's slightly better in nearly every respect- and together- it's enough to say- "i'm not getting rid of this .." .

My Sigma 50mm f/1.4 is similar- better on the 5D3 than it was on the 7D. While that 85mm might be lackluster on the 5D2, it might be better on another body.

OK, back to the subject at hand; if you have the cash and know that you are going to be enticed by it sooner or later- save your cash- don't buy twice- and get the Canon up front and end the nagging in the back of your head.

I tried the Tamron and 70-200 f2.8 a couple years ago. The Tamron focusing was slow as mentioned but was very sharp. Its biggest issue was after around 180mm it would have focusing errors. I know the dpreview site mentioned it as well in their review sample. Its been a while so hopefully they have fixed it but just an FYI.

I love my sigma 85 and I have the canon 85L as well....i bought a used copy from a guy who had a great copy and i am thrilled with it

I'm leaning toward the Canon just for this very reason (maybe not just for that...)

I love my copy too! it's just that I didn't pay almost 1000$ for a manual focus lens...

Send your lens along with your camera to Sigma for calibration.

obviously get the Canon 70-200. it is one of the best lenses Canon has ever made. If you don't mind manual focus, I'd check out the samyang 85mm 1.4.

Have you sent your camera and lens to sigma for calibration?

It's sad to hear of all these Sigma issues. I rented that Sigma 85mm f/1.4 and had to MA only 3 on my 5D II. I was a little worried about it since I had read stories of Sigma's being messed up, but I figured since it came from the rental place they would have already found a good copy.

Maybe you should get the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 II since it's the best out there now. You just won't be able to use anything below 2.8.

I've owned/used two separate copies of the Sigma 85mm.. both worked perfectly out of the box - seems like you just got unlucky. Perhaps you should just get it calibrated by Sigma?

No brainer . . . there's one truly world-class lens in the group. Yes, you'll pay for it, for lens prices are like water, they quickly settle to their proper level.

My Sigma 85mm f/1.4 worked flawlessly out of the box.

I purchased a used Sigma 85 that the owner stated was perfect on his 1dsII. It had terrible focusing issues, very inconsistent. I sent it in to Sigma along with the receipt I was provided and they repaired under warranty. It came back and performed flawlessly on my 7d with no MA needed. If I wanted 85 and f1.4 I'd just send it in for repair.

As far as the zooms. I'd buy the Canon 70-200 II without question. I also have owned this lens, and it is wonderful. Biggest complaint is it's big and bulky.

Concerning sending in both camera and lens to Sigma, I would not. They repaired my lens without the camera, and unless your camera has issues with other lenses, it's a lens problem. Just my 2 cents.