Sigma vs. Canon

No, two years is about right. 2005 was my first full year as a wedding photographer. Since your profits cease to be profits in the eyes of the govt. once you buy business equipment with them, I had a $4000 loss last year. This year my prices have jumped quite a bit, and my equipment is pretty much bought so there'll be a real "taxable" profit. I'm trying to keep it as small as possible, though, because I still work a 40/hr corporate job that pays the bills... 2007, I'm toast as my prices have increased again and just about all of it will be taxable.

I know, I know, you're cryin' your eyes out for me, Ay?

HAHA... yeah I feel for ya. I still do the 40 hr gig too but the business has grown good enough to keep my wife home with the kid(s) (one on the way). Our goal is for me to be full time by the end of 2007. My first two years were counted as losses due to equipment as well but this year and for sure next year may hit me so no, I'm not crying for ya!! : )

sig line says it all

I was in a fortunate position of working in IT, so the first half of my gear I bought because I liked toys (70-200 IS etc). The second half (like the 2nd 20D and the upcoming 24-70) will be tools, paid for by my business.

That's what it comes down to. I recently took a shot that has a little motion blur, of a father helping her daughter (the bride) out of a car. I think the tiny bit of motion blur actually adds to the shot, it's one of my favorite ever, even though it's not technically right.

The other point to remember is if you plan to upgrade cameras in the future. Is your current glass going to be as good on that is it on your 20D.

As I have just discoved going from 20D to 5D.

You only buy good glass once

weka2000 wrote:
The other point to remember is if you plan to upgrade cameras in the future. Is your current glass going to be as good on that is it on your 20D.

As I have just discoved going from 20D to 5D.

You only buy good glass once

Don't forget lenses hold their value well if looked after, so you can buy the glass which is good for the 20D, then when you upgrade to the 5D sell it for a little loss and buy the good glass. That makes sense as it keeps your money in your pocket longer. Look at the loss as a rental fee.

I am very happy with my L series and similarly with the Sigma. There is a reason that people call it "BIGMA"...

[QUOTE=tim]I was in a fortunate position of working in IT, so the first half of my gear I bought because I liked toys (70-200 IS etc). The second half (like the 2nd 20D and the upcoming 24-70) will be tools, paid for by my business.quote]

I also work in IT, all my gear was bought as "Toys" or at least thats what people keep telling me...

Well - I have owned both and used both in wedding photography.

The sigma is as sharp ( even at 2.8 ) and has faster autofocus than the Canon. However, the Canon has IS, has better colour and contrast and a little more solidly built.

What I like best about L glass is the colour and contrast you get.

Colour and contrast can be added afterwards and a tripod or monopod can be used instead of IS. But in the end I sold the Sigma and bought the Canon

How many times have you heard the story about the person who cooked dinner for some friends? One of the guests said “wow, that was really good food, you must have some excellent pots!” Your equipment is tools, the person operating the tools is far more important. I own the Sigma and love it. I feel pretty sure you could not look at the final results of my photographic effort (the print on the wall) and tell what lens I used. Having said that, if I could have justified the expense, I would have bought the Canon for it’s IS capability—another tool in my toolbox. What am I trying to say? Make sure you know how to use the tools you have. If you do, I am sure you will be happy with which every lens you choose.