Sell Canon For A Sigma? Really?

Hey Folks,

I need help not criticism here and I know that I may be inviting that criticism but I'm trying to be inventive and am really looking for advice.

I am a crop sensor shooter. I have crop lenses and a 7D. I really don't have the money to go full frame and, to be honest, I just don't think I need to. I currently have a 7D and I have loved this camera. I dig it so much that I want its baby brother, the mark II. I am on a very limited budget and because of that I have to get creative with my financing. I had an idea last week that I wanted to try out here and see what some of you might think.

I have a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 II and while I lusted after that lens for years before I got it, I realized, when I did get it, that the focal length is a little limiting on a crop sensor camera. I feel like I could probably sell it for $2,000.00 or better, buy a Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 EX DC OS USM (which I've seen rave reviews about) and have $1,000.00 left over to go toward the purchase of a new 7D mark II body.

Am I crazy? According to my research it seems that this might be a positive move for my photography overall. I just hesitate getting rid of that Canon because of the hype I gave it for the years leading up to actually purchasing it.

Just buy a full frame and you'll then love that lens! I use mine on my 7D and it's fine, a little tight but nice if you want some reach depending on what you're shooting.

Your plan is sound, but it depends on what you shoot.

A 5Dc is about $800 cheaper than a Sigma 50-150 OS. You'll find new appreciate for you 85 1.8 and 70-200 II.

With the photography I do I cannot sacrifice the FPS of the 7D for a 5DII or 5DC. I would have to go to the 5DIII and I just don't have that money as it would require lens acquisition as well.

I guess the question is, does anyone think it is a bad Idea to leave the canon 70-200 f/2.8 for the Sigma? My research says it actually isn't such a bad idea but I was interested to hear what others thought.

I'm not sure if this will change your decision, but you will not get near $2000 for the 70-200 II. A refurb is $1750, and new can be had for $1900. Used are around $1700-1800.

I haven't been able to find the 50-150mm lens anywhere. Might check availability first.

iowajim wrote in post #17213295
I haven't been able to find the 50-150mm lens anywhere. Might check availability first.

This right here. The canon mount version of the 50-150 2.8 OS can sometimes be a rare sighting, at least for one listed as new. Used ones rarely pop up too. Having bought one over the summer and it becoming my favorite lens I can understand why they are a little scarce on the used market at times.

I was fortunate though that I scour ebay regularly and scored a new one from an authorized Sigma retailer for just a hair over 800. So they do exist out there but the used ones command practically new price due to current scarcity and because for the most part the lens lives up to the reviews you see on the net.

Personally I love the 50mm wide end on my crop camera - it was one of the main attractors (being able to still use this lens in close) although it can still be a tight fov it is more useful than 70 for me when up close!

I say if you can get your hands on a gently used one or a new one go for it! You will likely not feel any remorse in the trade

what do you shoot?

maybe go to the tamron 70-200VC if you still want to save a bit of money...i can't see the extra 20mm on the wide end being a make or break decision...

^^^ this. Do you really see yourself using the 50-70mm difference? or are you just trying to get up enough money for the 7d mark II? Will the 50-150 give you something else for your type of photography? You have the 17-50 to carry you at the 50 mark. you lack 50-70 (at least on your listed gear in your signature). I would suggest jumping to the tamron 70-200 VC or even the sigma 70-200 OS as well. You will also gain money and you will keep an excellent 70-200 range lens. Granted - if warranted in regards to your photography subject and style the 50-150 - go for it. While the 70-200 is an excellent lens - IMHO - it is not the end all be all as has been "sold" by many many people.

The main thing I would say is that focus on sigma lens, servo in particular, often isn't on par with Canon lenses. I found the 70-200 a bit long in a crop, but great on a full frame, so I imagine the 50-150mm would be a great focal length on a crop body.

andrewq wrote in post #17213189
Hey Folks,

I need help not criticism here and I know that I may be inviting that criticism but I'm trying to be inventive and am really looking for advice.

I am a crop sensor shooter. I have crop lenses and a 7D. I really don't have the money to go full frame and, to be honest, I just don't think I need to. I currently have a 7D and I have loved this camera. I dig it so much that I want its baby brother, the mark II. I am on a very limited budget and because of that I have to get creative with my financing. I had an idea last week that I wanted to try out here and see what some of you might think.

I have a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 II and while I lusted after that lens for years before I got it, I realized, when I did get it, that the focal length is a little limiting on a crop sensor camera. I feel like I could probably sell it for $2,000.00 or better, buy a Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 EX DC OS USM (which I've seen rave reviews about) and have $1,000.00 left over to go toward the purchase of a new 7D mark II body.

Am I crazy? According to my research it seems that this might be a positive move for my photography overall. I just hesitate getting rid of that Canon because of the hype I gave it for the years leading up to actually purchasing it.

If the 50-150 focal length suits your needs, then that's a very reasonable way to go.

hang your cross wrote in post #17213292
I'm not sure if this will change your decision, but you will not get near $2000 for the 70-200 II. A refurb is $1750, and new can be had for $1900. Used are around $1700-1800.

This is true on the re-sale value of the 70-200 II, not sure if that impacts your plan.

Otherwise, if you plan to stay with 7D's your plan sounds good.

Thanks so much for these responses. It really looks that by switchin the canon to a sigma, in this case I will not be sacrificing image quality and that was my concern.

Sigma has discontinued the 50-150 lens.