Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II vs Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS MKI or MKII

So, I'm leering on the edge of a 70-200mm and I wanted to know what people thought. I'm by no means a pro but am definitely critical of IQ. So has anyone done a shootout of the Sigma vs. the Canons (MKI or especially MKII). Sigmas have never treated me wrong, but everyone raves about the MKI/MKII. I can't rent a Sigma around here, so do any of you have real world experience between the two? Cost of the Sigma is obviously a factor since it's half the MKII.

Well, first of all the Sigma 70-200 HSMII is not half the price of the MKII, it is practically half the price of the MK1! More like 3 times less expensive than the MKII.

New price of a 70-200 f2.8 IS MK 1 is $1900
New price of a 70-200 f2.8 IS MK 2 is $2500
New price of the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 HSM 2 is $800

Now that we have the price cleared up, the IQ of the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM II is similar to that of the 70-200 f2.8 non-IS and the 70-200 f2.8 IS (MK1). The IQ of the 70-200 f2.8 IS MK2 is undisputed that it is superior.

Sigma vs 70-200 f2.8 non-IS
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …&FLI=0&API=0&Le​nsComp=242

Sigma vs 70-200 f2.8 IS (mk1)
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …&FLI=0&API=0&Le​nsComp=103

Sigma vs 70-200 f2.8 IS MK 2
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …&FLI=0&API=0&Le​nsComp=687

The Sigma 70-200 f2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM II is a really nice lens for a really affordable price IMO. I can prove test shots if you want since I own one myself. I bought it after much debate on what 70-200 lens to get.

Note! Sigma is gonna release a new 70-200 f2.8 OS (OS is Sigma's IS) in less than two months. If you aren't in a rush, I'd wait for that to come out because it may be a really nice lens for an affordable price!

I had the same debate for months, but decided to go with the Sigma 70-200.
At this range, i don't think OS is worth the extra $ (and the wait).

captevo wrote in post #10003004
I had the same debate for months, but decided to go with the Sigma 70-200.
At this range, i don't think OS is worth the extra $ (and the wait).

at what range is the OS worth the extra $?

themadman : are there front/back focusing issues with the sigma 70-200 as well? seeing that most sigma lenses are plagued with such problems =/

i'm intending to buy a 2nd hand version of the sigma.

des34415 wrote in post #10003080
themadman : are there front/back focusing issues with the sigma 70-200 as well? seeing that most sigma lenses are plagued with such problems =/

i'm intending to buy a 2nd hand version of the sigma.

Front back focusing is not the norm with sigma lenses despite what the internet leads you to believe. I had no problems with mine. I've bought 4 sigma lenses, only one had an focus issue (and it was minor, if I have microadjust bodies, I wouldn't have brothered sending it in).

Second hand price for the 70-200 HSM II is very good. Should be right around $650-$700 which is honestly a steal for a lens that easily matches the Canon equivalent.

I've had 2 L IS's and now own the Sigma. Image quality veyr simialr but a fraction of the cost. No brainer to me.

Do you need the f/2.8? If not, you might also consider the Canon 70-200mm f/4 IS - a brilliant lens. Sharp, lightweight, and easy on the bank account.

themadman wrote in post #10003095
Front back focusing is not the norm with sigma lenses despite what the internet leads you to believe. I had no problems with mine. I've bought 4 sigma lenses, only one had an focus issue (and it was minor, if I have microadjust bodies, I wouldn't have brothered sending it in).

Second hand price for the 70-200 HSM II is very good. Should be right around $650-$700 which is honestly a steal for a lens that easily matches the Canon equivalent.

hmm, not so much from the net, but also from what i experienced myself - the 30mm f1.4 faces the same problem. =/.

The sigma lens is excellent. And the price is right. You can either wait for the OS version or get the current one. I don't think you will be disappointed.

I love mine and there was no need for the small differences between the two IMO to spend the extra cash on the Canon version.

thanks for all the replys, folks. i'll probably wait for the OS comes out and see the field reports. at the very least, it'll drive down the HSM2 in price (and maybe the Canon lens will come down a bit in pricing as well).

jnaks wrote in post #10007452
thanks for all the replys, folks. i'll probably wait for the OS comes out and see the field reports. at the very least, it'll drive down the HSM2 in price (and maybe the Canon lens will come down a bit in pricing as well).

Just a heads up, the new OS version might be a bit pricey... around $1500-$1700. Still cheaper than the Canon IS versions which are $1900 for the MK1 and $2500 for the MK2, but it sure isn't cheap. However, if the optics are improved over the HSM II version, the OS version will be well worth the price.

themadman wrote in post #10007543
Just a heads up, the new OS version might be a bit pricey... around $1500-$1700. Still cheaper than the Canon IS versions which are $1900 for the MK1 and $2500 for the MK2, but it sure isn't cheap. However, if the optics are improved over the HSM II version, the OS version will be well worth the price.

I have been waiting for this lens to get released. But if they put a $1500+ price tag on it, no way I am buying it. It would have to be sharper than the MK1 and even then people will have a tough time forking over that kind of cash for a Sigma when they can get a Canon MK1 for the same price.

A friend of mine got the Sigma 70-200 2.8 for Christmas one year. Within a year the focus had failed on it. It was the second of his Sigma lenses to have issues. My Canon 70-200 2.8 L was still going strong 2 years later when I sold it for the Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS.

CosmoKid wrote in post #10008246
I have been waiting for this lens to get released. But if they put a $1500+ price tag on it, no way I am buying it. It would have to be sharper than the MK1 and even then people will have a tough time forking over that kind of cash for a Sigma when they can get a Canon MK1 for the same price.

If it is sharper than the MK1, have true 4 stop IS like their 50-500 does, and $200 less? hell ya I'm getting it.