Sigma 24-70 2.8 HSM or Canon 24-70 2.8 L

I have just shortlisted from 24-70 2.8 or 24-105 F4 to 24-70 focal length. I need a walk around lens and hence am looking to decide from Sigma 24-70 HSM or the Canon one. Can anybody give me the pros and cons on which one is better and why? I have seen a few people complaining about the quality of Canon one, any reasons why?

I know some members in here love the Sigma lens probably because of its much lower price but unlike Canon 24-70 it is not weather sealed and probably doesnt generate images that have as good contrast and colors as a Canon L lens. If you are on a budget I would say Sigma only because of the it's lower price otherwise EF 24-70L is the way to go. Personally I am biased towards the Canon lens mostly because its a L and of course of the weather sealing and the past bad experience with Sigma and all the crap I constantly hear about Sigma lenses. After all its a third party lens and competing with Canon by being cheaper.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com ….8-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

maxloxton wrote in post #9084915
I have seen a few people complaining about the quality of Canon one, any reasons why?

It is human nature to ALWAYS find something to to complain about.


Whether you're buying new or used, I'd go with Canon's variant of the 24-70L; there is no substitution. If you don't you'll always wonder

maxloxton wrote in post #9084915
I have seen a few people complaining about the quality of Canon one, any reasons why?

Lemme guess - backgrounds too blurry?

I can't speak for Sigma's 24-70, but I've had a few Sigmas before and haven't found them lacking - I particularly like the 10-20. That said, the only lens I've had that surpasses the 24-70L is the 70-200 2.8 L IS.

Keep in mind, however - that even if you purchase the 24-70 2.8L from Canon, you'll have to temper your expectations somewhat. I went from a Tamron 24-75 2.8 to the Canon version, and to be perfectly honest, the Tamron IS just as good a performer as the Canon in terms of sharpness. Once I switched to the Canon 24-70, it was like moving up from a Camry to a Lexus. Small changes, to be sure - but they're changes you'll either appreciate or think frivolous.

In all honesty, the only reason I bought the Canon version was for the weather sealing and for the fancy red ring denoting L glass. /shugs. It's a very good lens, but I wouldn't overlook the 3rd party variants either - they're VERY able performers.

I've handled both lenses and went with the Sigma for its superior sharpness and smaller size. But I have a camera that has microfocus adjustment and it's set for +20. For some reason, Sigma has issues with Canon cameras as this doesn't seem to happen with the Nikon version of this lens. This is kind of strange since Sigma uses pretty much a clone of the Canon focusing system for their own cameras.

mister wiggles wrote in post #9085323
It is human nature to ALWAYS find something to to complain about.

Whether you're buying new or used, I'd go with Canon's variant of the 24-70L; there is no substitution. If you don't you'll always wonder

it would be an extraordinary human being who has spent thousands on a canon 24-70 f2.8L only to find out it is as soft as marshmallows wrapped up in cotton wool that dosn't complain...

I recently went through this...
Spent roughly equal time with both lenses, and in the end decided that I should get the Canon mainly because I knew if I got the Sigma, and any issues came up I'd ask myself why I didn't get the Canon. I didn't think the reverse would ever happen.
The L has been amazing. The HSM was really good in my 1/2 day with it. Saving money was tempting too...

First thing First, It is not the matter of the budget, I am looking more for something that can give me IQ and something good and not just looking for something for a short time. It is going to be my main standard lens on my 5d mk ii which I am going to buy.

maxloxton wrote in post #9085771
First thing First, It is not the matter of the budget, I am looking more for something that can give me IQ and something good and not just looking for something for a short time. It is going to be my main standard lens on my 5d mk ii which I am going to buy.

Then buy the Canon, you cannot go wrong. End of story.

http://www.lenstip.com …0_mm_f_2.8_EX_D​G_HSM.html

You said you shortlisted the 24-70 and 24-105.

I've used both. I'll have to say that the 24-105 is a pretty amazing lens, and I used that on my 5D - and it's lighter than the 24-70 2.8. You get a workable 2 (maybe 3) stop image stabilization as well.

One of the reasons why people complain about the 24-70 is the weight, and that it's not as sharp as some of the other offerings in the canon L line. It does take some effort and learning curve to use it though - but once you DO get around the little quirks, it's an amazing lens.

maxloxton wrote in post #9085771
First thing First, It is not the matter of the budget, I am looking more for something that can give me IQ and something good and not just looking for something for a short time. It is going to be my main standard lens on my 5d mk ii which I am going to buy.

Thread concluded! Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM it is then.
I don't think you will be better off with anything else.

before you decide on the Canon or Sigma make sure you check out this review below... its a bit lengthy but worth reading and I think it will make your decision easier between the Sigma and Canon. The Canon is a great lens but it does have its shortcomings that nobody really seems to think it has here. As does the Sigma but the Sigma's shortcomings get pointed out right away so its only fair to read a non-biased review (well as non-biased as you can find one, lol).

http://www.lenstip.com …0_mm_f_2.8_EX_D​G_HSM.html

quick question about this thread. What does the HSM stand for and what is the difference other than the price on the HSM and the non HSM?