Will I have regrets.....

I am about to purchase a Sigma 24-70 2.8. Will I be kicking myself for not saving up and going with the Canon 24-70 L ?

Are the two comparable with each other?

Well, the good thing is you will have no regrets until you actually try them both


You will love the Siggy I'll bet.

Is the L an nicer lens? Probably, but it's 3x the price.
I have the sigma and I love it. That said I want to replace it eventually with the L version. personally I prefer the f/2.8 fixed aperture lenses to the f4 with IS... Nothing wrong with the IS, but I prefer my 2 stops to be light in the viewfinder, and less elements in the lens.

My experience with the sigma EX DG has shown me that it's IQ is outstanding. I have ZERO issues with that aspect of it. But it's AF is slow and noisy (why sigma don't HSM on this lens???) and it's not water resistant on my 1 series as the L would be. For 1/3 the price, it's well worth it, but you do get what you pay for with the L version too.

my review:
http://www.pbase.com/b​enjacobsen/sigma_24_70​mm

oh, and if you get the sigma, DON'T try anyone's 24~105mm or 24~70mm Ls... The sigma is AWESOME, but those Ls are contagious.

Good Luck!
Ben

jmckell wrote in post #2900848
I am about to purchase a Sigma 24-70 2.8. Will I be kicking myself for not saving up and going with the Canon 24-70 L ?

Are the two comparable with each other?

I can't speak personally about the Sigma, but I had the Tamron 28-75 and I was quite satisfied with it. It was light, sharp and produced great colors. The focus speed and sound were never an issue.

Then, on a whim, I sold it and got the 24-70 L, which was my first (and so far only) L. The differences were noticeable. Not only was the AF quiet, it was silent. Not only was the AF fast, it was instantaneous. Not only were the colors vivid, they were deep and rich anf fully saturated.

Chances are, if I'd never sold the Tamron, I could have been content with it forever. From what I've heard about the Sigma, I doubt that you'll regret buying it, but if/when you replace it with the 24-70 L, I'd bet you'll notice the differences.

jacobsen1 wrote in post #2900885
Is the L an nicer lens? Probably, but it's 3x the price.
I have the sigma and I love it. That said I want to replace it eventually with the L version. personally I prefer the f/2.8 fixed aperture lenses to the f4 with IS... Nothing wrong with the IS, but I prefer my 2 stops to be light in the viewfinder, and less elements in the lens.

My experience with the sigma EX DG has shown me that it's IQ is outstanding. I have ZERO issues with that aspect of it. But it's AF is slow and noisy (why sigma don't HSM on this lens???) and it's not water resistant on my 1 series as the L would be. For 1/3 the price, it's well worth it, but you do get what you pay for with the L version too.

my review:
http://www.pbase.com/b​enjacobsen/sigma_24_70​mm

oh, and if you get the sigma, DON'T try anyone's 24~105mm or 24~70mm Ls... The sigma is AWESOME, but those Ls are contagious.

Good Luck!
Ben

there is a one-stop difference between f2.8 and f4.

ed rader

jmckell wrote in post #2900848
I am about to purchase a Sigma 24-70 2.8. Will I be kicking myself for not saving up and going with the Canon 24-70 L ?

Are the two comparable with each other?

If you are asking this question then you will likely have regrets.

jacobsen1 wrote in post #2900885
But it's AF is slow and noisy

In all my experience with 3 copies of the 2470 EX, I've never thought the AF to be slow (used on a 20D and 1dMK2). I have commented on its noise (still very tolerable, and certainly not any worse than the 35f2 - crikey!), but AF speed is zippy and fast (and I've used -and own- quite a few ring USM lenses).

I loved my Sigma 24-70. Took some great shots with it and it didn't let me down. I only sold it because I wanted the extra reach of the 24-105.

You won't have any regrets until you look through the L. So the secret is never to attach the L to the camera if you get the siggy.

You will only have regrets if you keep telling yourself you're missing out on something. The Sigma is a fine lens. Shoot with it and enjoy it. Get over the "must buy Canon" thing and buy what you need, not what you or others would have you believing you need. If you know beforehand the the 1 stop difference will be a factor then don't buy the Sigma, and no regrets. If the 1 stop is not an issue then get the Sigma. You won't be disappointed. If you're unsure then try to borrow or rent both lenses and compare.

TMR Design wrote in post #2901088
...If you know beforehand the the 1 stop difference will be a factor then don't buy the Sigma, and no regrets. If the 1 stop is not an issue then get the Sigma...

I believe the IQ and build quality of the L should also be considered. The loss in f-stop is a fairly minor difference and should not the only consideration by any means. I've had both, by the way.

runninmann wrote in post #2901133

I am usually OK at reading faces, but I'm afraid I'll need more than the one you provided in order to determine what you are talking about...

Benandbobbi wrote in post #2901102
I believe the IQ and build quality of the L should also be considered

Here's what I found IQ-wise between the two in identical conditions: http://www.pbase.com …s/image/7296497​0/original

A good/normal copy of the EX is extremely good for the standard zoom category.

In terms of build, the EX isn't as "refined" as the L, but it still is built like a tank. Drop both from 6 feet up into concrete and both will need some fixin'. Both can take bumping around day to day just fine.

The L is the better lens for other reasons apart from IQ, but that's why it costs over 3x more.

Benandbobbi wrote in post #2901181
I am usually OK at reading faces, but I'm afraid I'll need more than the one you provided in order to determine what you are talking about...

I'm confused by the discussion of 1-stop loss when both the Sigma and the Canon are f/2.8.