200mm and my budget

Since getting my 7D, I have been saving (within my budget) for a 70-200 f/2.8 (non IS). Five months ago, my choice was clear, this was the lens I wanted for indoor sports. And right now, I have the opportunity to get it, but now I am not sure.

I don't need IS, but the IQ on the new 70-200 f/2.8 looks amazing and the IS is a really nice to have feature, but it will be many months until I can swing this lens.

The new Sigma 70-200 with OS also looks really good, but it may not be available until June. It is still to be determined how its price and IQ compares to the current canon 70-200 f/2.8 (non IS).

Indoor sports season is over until next year, so I can wait, but vacation time is coming (with time off planned in the next few weeks).

Any suggestions?

Well, the current non-OS Sigma is EQUAL to the Canon non-IS in image quality...in fact theres very few reasons to get the Canon over the Sigma considering the price difference

The OS version well...I'm expecting it to be good...the new 50-500 is pretty good from what i hear

I am waiting for the Sigma 70-200 to be released so I can see some comparisons and decide which way to go.

Do you need the zoom capability in your lens?

If not the 200 f2.8 is amazing - noticably better than my 70-200 f4 IS which is no slouch. If you buy used, you could probably get the 85 f1.8, 135L and 200 f2.8 for about the same price as the 70-200 f2.8 IS.

sleibrand wrote in post #9892732
Do you need the zoom capability in your lens?

If not the 200 f2.8 is amazing - noticably better than my 70-200 f4 IS which is no slouch. If you buy used, you could probably get the 85 f1.8, 135L and 200 f2.8 for about the same price as the 70-200 f2.8 IS.

That is actually the forth lens I have been considering and did consider putting it in the original post. When using zooms, I do find myself at the long extreme more than 50% of the time. I think when the new 70-200 II came out and seemed to be getting IQ pretty near the prime, it somewhat dropped out of my list of lenses that I have been considering... even though right now, like CosmoKid, I have pretty much decided to wait for the new Sigma to come out before making a final decision.. though the wait -- especially with time off coming up -- is killing me.

Find a decent price on a used lens and go shoot. If something better comes along later then you should be able to sell with minimal loss.

Waiting on the next great thing is an exercise in frustration - I should know, I'm still waiting on either the 400 f5.6 IS or the 100-400 mark II.

Have you thought about the 200 2.8L ? or the 135L ?

Any price point on that Sigma 70-200 OS? I have the Sigma 70-200 Non OS and its amazingly sharp. I bought it new for $760 off amazon. Just wondering how much extra OS would cost.

cory1848 wrote in post #9893762
Any price point on that Sigma 70-200 OS? I have the Sigma 70-200 Non OS and its amazingly sharp. I bought it new for $760 off amazon. Just wondering how much extra OS would cost.

I don't have anything on it. I have been checking several online retailers for prices and availability, particulary Adorama (they seem to be the first to allow pre-orders).. nothing.

cory1848 wrote in post #9893762
Any price point on that Sigma 70-200 OS? I have the Sigma 70-200 Non OS and its amazingly sharp. I bought it new for $760 off amazon. Just wondering how much extra OS would cost.

I saw this page that indicates that the new Sigma APO 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has an 'MSRP of $2,400 (Amazon is actually offering it at $1,599 but it still says it “has not yet been released”)'

I've gotta believe that the APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM will be less.

sleibrand wrote in post #9892732
Do you need the zoom capability in your lens?

If not the 200 f2.8 is amazing - noticably better than my 70-200 f4 IS which is no slouch. If you buy used, you could probably get the 85 f1.8, 135L and 200 f2.8 for about the same price as the 70-200 f2.8 IS.

Another vote for the 200mm 2.8. I also own the 200mm 2.8 along with the 70-200mm f4. The prime is sharper when compared with same apertures. I know there's more changing of lenses, but I'd take the 200mm 2.8, 135mm 2.0 and 85mm 1.8 over the zoom anyday. But then again, I like primes.