Choosing my next 2 lenses

For a while I was set on getting the 70-200 f/4L now and then the 17-40 f/4L for christmas. But lately I've been looking at the sigma 24-70 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8. Both of these combos cost about the same, so I was wondering whether I should go for the speed or the L quality? I tend to shoot at all times during the day, and the wider 17-40 would be useful for use in photographing skateboarding.

i vote speed, because the IQ of those particular lenses are excellent, assuming you mean the EX DG APO HSM models..... gosh, i sincerely hate their naming system

I have the Sigma 70-200 f2.8. There is no build quality issues...it rivals Canon's easily!!It has a very solid feel, focuses w/o problem. The only drawback is it is a litle heavier which I find to be no big deal !!

Does anyone else have an opinion on which combo to choose?

I'd opt for the speed. I've found my 70-200 f/4L to be very limiting for the type of shooting I do.

jimbob5 wrote in post #2052530
For a while I was set on getting the 70-200 f/4L now and then the 17-40 f/4L for christmas. But lately I've been looking at the sigma 24-70 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8. Both of these combos cost about the same, so I was wondering whether I should go for the speed or the L quality? I tend to shoot at all times during the day, and the wider 17-40 would be useful for use in photographing skateboarding.

The 7-2 lenses are both excellent, with the f4L being a bit sharper than the EX. However, f2.8 is f2.8 and the Sigma is no slouch -- it can deliver big-time performance. If it were me, I'd take the f2.8, but that's me. I do think the 7-2f4L is the sharpest and most contrasty 7-2 lens of them all though.

As for the 1740L and 2470EX, they are somewhat different beasts. There's quite a difference between 17mm and 24mm. Is the 24mm wide enough for you? If so, it's a very good lens, especially at its price-point. The Sigma f2.8 lenses you are looking at offer exceptional value, though I do wish the 2470EX had HSM.

vote for speed.

SPEED.
I am so happy that my 70-200 is so FFFFAAAASSSST on my 1Dmk2N and also al my other fast lenses. I can't imagine to get slower versions.

Tareq wrote in post #2056779
SPEED.
I am so happy that my 70-200 is so FFFFAAAASSSST on my 1Dmk2N and also al my other fast lenses. I can't imagine to get slower versions.

Tareq, how fast is it?

I have the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro and it is a fine lens. I also have the 70-200mm F4L which, IMO, is stellar. If most of your shooting is in daylight, the F4 lenses will work fine for you. FWIW, the 24-70mm Sigma is very slow to focus, at least compared to my Canon 70-200mm F4L and is relatively noisy while focusing. Of course, with outside shooting, the noise will probably not be an issue. Also, my Sigma 24-70mm had to go back to Sigma for a front focusing issue that seems to be common with that lens. So, if you go that route, do not be surprised if it has to go back for the "flexboard" upgrade.

Don't get me wrong, I like my Sigma 24-70mm. In fact, I probably use it more than the 70-200mm F4L due to the focal length. Just thought you should know the whole story. If it were me, shooting outside, I would go with 70-200mm F4L and 17-40mm F4L. Shooting outside in daylight, you will probably never use F2.8.

I'd stick with the 17-40L and the 70-200L. I have that combo and love it.

jimbob5 wrote in post #2055999
Does anyone else have an opinion on which combo to choose?

I'd recommend a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and the Sigma 70-200 EX f2.8.
The older non macro version may have sharper optics at the long end per Popular Photographys review. The Sigma 24-70 is not wide on a cropped sensor. I'd rather miss the 50-70mm range than 17-24mm range.

I currently have the Tammy and have tried both of the Sigmas and the Canons you are talking about. For the most bang for the bucks, I'd go for the Tammy and the Sigma for the best optics and speed per dollar ratio.

For me, speed rules. I'm also a generalist, shooting all kinds of things, so primes are not a good option for me. But if I shot in controlled settings, I'd probably go for f1.8 or faster primes.

JNunn wrote in post #2057699
I'd stick with the 17-40L and the 70-200L. I have that combo and love it.

ain't nothing like the L

I just bought the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 today and already I am in love. Not only does it give me fantastic sharpness and color but it also gives my $800 in my pocket over the Canon L version I was going to buy. I don't need the best stuff to take the best pictures, I only need the best patience to take them correctly. So far I am happy and I may consider buying the 70-200mm f2.8 from Sigma and dumping my white 70-200mm f4 L. Not sure yet.

If you do buy a Sigma though, I would buy it Brand new and with in your own country for warrenty issues.

cjm wrote in post #2059157
I just bought the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 today and already I am in love. Not only does it give me fantastic sharpness and color but it also gives my $800 in my pocket over the Canon L version I was going to buy. I don't need the best stuff to take the best pictures, I only need the best patience to take them correctly. So far I am happy and I may consider buying the 70-200mm f2.8 from Sigma and dumping my white 70-200mm f4 L. Not sure yet.

If you do buy a Sigma though, I would buy it Brand new and with in your own country for warrenty issues.

How much do you like your sigma compared to your 17-40L?