70-200 Dilemma

Good Morning/Afternoon/Even​ing.

Many apologies if this questions has been asked before or something similar. Fairly new to the Forum and have done a search but maybe I'm a muppet and not searching right.

Anyway, my dilemma is that there seems to be a few 70-200 lenses on the market and I'm trying to decide which would be best value for money. Now before anyone immediately thinks the 2.8L IS USM then SORRY but not enough notes for that one.

The three I have picked out are:
Sigma 70-200 f2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM £528
Canon 70-200 f4L USM £399
Canon 70-200 f2.8L USM £730

Now, from reading the many excellent posts on the forum the 70-200 can be used in portraiture (my main use) as well as giving obvious length in zoom when necessary for other needs. Would the extra stop of the 2.8 make a whole lot of difference in "normal" environments (mix of generally well lit indoor and some outdoor)? (hate the phrase "normal" but can't think of better right now) Take into consideration that a Speedlight will be used most of the time as well.
Curious about the Sigma and the Canon f4 as it would allow me to get a 50 f1.4 as well for the same price as the Canon f2.8.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who gives a moment of time to reply.

All 3 are fantastic, to say the least. If I was to choose one of those, it'd be the Sigma EX, for my money. YMMV.

I have the Sigma and like it. I could not justify the added $ vs. the canon 2.8, and felt I wanted the 2.8 over the f/4. IS was not overly important as this is a lens I use for sports and outdoor shots in good light. I have a 1.6 crop so I gained some length. I could not see myself doing any portrait work with this lens as it is fairly big and would choose a prime for this ( 50-85 full frame or 30-50 1.6 crop.) Sigma 30, canon 35 or 50 1.4 come to mind or if full -frame the 85. If portraits were a possible income source I would consider an L as they , by my reading, offer the best optics.

Going through a similar dilema myself in choosing a 70-200.

What it really boils down to is if you need F/2.8 or if F/4 will suffice and size/weight. Going between the 2.8's I'd choose the Sigma because for price/performance I can't justify throwing down the extra cash for the Canon version (unless going for the IS).

I've pretty much decided (for today at least.haha) that F/4 will suit my needs just fine, and I'm interested in the smaller size and lighter weight. If I were you I'd go with either the Sigma 70-200 F/2.8 or with the 70-200 F/4 + 50 F/1.4, but that's just MHO.

I have the f/4 and personally love it. I've played with the f/2.8, and though it's sexy I would rather have the f/4 and it's weight (or lack thereof =)).

A 70-200 needs a decently fast shutter speed to be able to handhold, and f/4 may not suffice even in decently lit indoors (you need ~1/320). I use my primes for the speed and love the f/4 for outdoors use =)

Yes, had the same problem and bought the f4. It's going to have fun this week.

I would think that the 2.8 lenses would be better suited for your portrait work because the DOF issues. That said, your idea of the 70-200 f/4 and a 50 f/1.4 seems like a great combination of focal range plus a very fast lens as well. When the new 70-200 f/4 IS becomes available, my guess is that the prices will be dropping on the present f/4 lens as people upgrade, so if you can wait a bit you may see some excellent deals!

Sigma 70-200 f2.8 + Canon 50 f1.4

Personally I'd get the Canon 85 f1.8 instead of the 50

Ummmm. First of all, SORRY PEOPLE. One thing I did notice that I forgot to originally say is that the lense will be paired up with a 30D and not the cameras in my Signature, not sure if that alters peoples ideas or not.

Thank you all for replying and giving your opinions.

Seems that it is a very close match between the Sigma and the Canon f4. Well at least I have ruled one of the original 3 out!

Suzyview, why did you decide on the f4?

Starting to think that I might go the f4 root and use it for outdoor work and then get a fast prime for indoor portrait work. Then a bit later on I can get another fast prime. Maybe 50 now and 85 later or vice versa.

Nordieboy - why you recommend the85 1.8 instead of the 50 f1.4? Wouldn't the 50 be better as it's a faster lense or were you recommending it based on the cameras in my signature?

Thanks again.

similarities:
- sharpness
- good af motors (usm and hsm)

reasons for choosing the ef 70-200mm f/4:
- weight savings
- cost savings
- Lust
- f/4 is sufficient enough for you

reasons for choosing the ex 70-200mm f/2.8:
- f/2.8
- value
- black colour - more inconspicuous

I am up in the air as well. I am buying it strictly for outdoor paintball photography. Canon F4 or Sigma F2.8? Grrrr!

Jaetie - Many thank to the little breakdown lists. Does help a bit more seeing a kind of side by side comparison like that. I think what it's going to come down to is the decision as to whether I need the extra stop or not. The likelihood is that at any time the light is too low I would be using a tripod or monopod anyway so maybe the extra stop will be a luxury rather than a necessity.

Did like the addition of the colour comparison tho surely the hole point of getting the L and a white body is to say "Look at me!!! At least I LOOK like I know what I am doing!!!"

Do think I will be happy with the f4. Think I shall pop into my local camera shop and have a little play and see that it will be quick enough for what I want.

Thanks again to all that have responded.

if i was me to chose ill go with the sigma ... tried one of those one day at rally and i must say its a really good lens, heavy but has really soft controls and its so prettyyyyyy

anyway go for the sigma and the 50mm

The Sigma 70-200mm is quite a good substitute for the Canon f/2.8. For sports, nothing can be better than a bigger aperture. A 70-200mm f/2.8 will complement your 24-105mm very well.

Both 50 and 85mm are worthy to get. Nothing can replace their big apertures. Choose the appropriate focal length according to your use.

If you don't need the speed of the 2.8 then the canon f4 is a very good buy.