Looking for a wide zoom suggestion

I need to have a wide zoom that can focus faster than the EF-S 18-55 I already have. I shoot a lot of sports so I'm struggling with a decision on my choices. I have a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tokina 28-70 f/2.8, Canon 85 f/1.8 and a 50 f/1.8 MkI.
I would really like the 17-40 f/4L but I don't think I can get by with the f/4. The Tamron 17-50 is tempting but I feel it may focus like my Tokina-slow. That leaves the Sigma 17-50 OS HSM ($670) or Canon's EF-S 17-55 USM at almost double the price($1120).
Seems to be the battle I went through when looking at the 70-200's. I like the Sigma I have but I do wonder if the Canon would have been a better investment.
Anyone have input on the pros/cons of the Sigma 17-50 lens?

Tim S wrote in post #11805634
I need to have a wide zoom that can focus faster than the EF-S 18-55 I already have. I shoot a lot of sports so I'm struggling with a decision on my choices. I have a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Tokina 28-70 f/2.8, Canon 85 f/1.8 and a 50 f/1.8 MkI.
I would really like the 17-40 f/4L but I don't think I can get by with the f/4. The Tamron 17-50 is tempting but I feel it may focus like my Tokina-slow. That leaves the Sigma 17-50 OS HSM ($670) or Canon's EF-S 17-55 USM at almost double the price($1120).
Seems to be the battle I went through when looking at the 70-200's. I like the Sigma I have but I do wonder if the Canon would have been a better investment.
Anyone have input on the pros/cons of the Sigma 17-50 lens?

Send a member named Lightrules a PM since he has the Sigma 17-50 and is definitely in Love with it ! Tell him i sent you to pick his brain.

Regards,

https://photography-on-the.net …p?p=11535171&po​stcount=38

http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/1755isv1750o​s

DreDaze wrote in post #11805998
https://photography-on-the.net …p?p=11535171&po​stcount=38

http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/1755isv1750o​s

Thank you for the links. I had read the first but like always, I wanted more than one opinion. Anyone else that has used both have a comment?

I've used a 17-40 for indoor sports (NCAA lighting at 1/500th, f4, 1600) and it does quite well (maybe surprisingly so). If you can get anywhere near those settings, you'll have no issues. The 50D should allow for good ISO performance at 3200 so that gives you a little more flexibility than I have with my 1DMkII which does not perform very well at higher ISO.

Scott-
Much of what I shoot is ISO 3200, f/2.8, 1/500. Many of the local gyms have poor lighting. I'm fine with 3200 but 6400 is not acceptable for anything larger than 5 x 7 in my situation.

Before I got the 70-200 f/2.8, I was using a 70-210 f/4-there just wasn't enough light. Bumping it up in post (I shoot RAW) creates other problems.

If I was setup to use strobes, then I would get the 17-40 in a heartbeat!

Thanks,
Tim

I can vouch for the Tamron AF speed being disappointing. That's the main reason why I went to the Sigma. I didn't feel the need to spend the $ for the Canon when the Sigma would be good enough for my needs. The Sigma is my most used lens.

OK, thanks to all for the info. Sigma looks like the answer!

Tim S wrote in post #11817118
OK, thanks to all for the info. Sigma looks like the answer!

Tim, two last suggestions is to either find an older Canon 17-35 f2.8 L (about $700) or buy a new Tokina 16-28 f2.8 ($800ish). The Tokina is out of stock everywhere but really had my attention. I couldn't wait so I got the Canon 17-35 instead.

namasste wrote in post #11817333
Tim, two last suggestions is to either find an older Canon 17-35 f2.8 L (about $700) or buy a new Tokina 16-28 f2.8 ($800ish). The Tokina is out of stock everywhere but really had my attention. I couldn't wait so I got the Canon 17-35 instead.

I had originally considered the 16-28 Tokina but I think it has the same AF design as my 28-70 f/2.8 (I love the lens) but it's slow to focus. I wasn't aware of the other Canon L ...thanks!

Decision made, the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM will be here Friday! I can use it Friday night and will post some samples.

Tim S wrote in post #11849696
Decision made, the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM will be here Friday! I can use it Friday night and will post some samples.

Congrats, Nice choice & looking forward to your test shots.

Now if Canon would release the mythical rumored 15-60mm F2.8 with the build quality of the 15-85 for around $1100 i might be tempted to splurge !

Regards,

Silverfox1 wrote in post #11850139
Congrats, Nice choice & looking forward to your test shots.

Now if Canon would release the mythical rumored 15-60mm F2.8 with the build quality of the 15-85 for around $1100 i might be tempted to splurge !

Regards,

me too if it were FF compatible. oh wait, you said splurge, I thought you said something else..

Tim S wrote in post #11849696
Decision made, the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM will be here Friday! I can use it Friday night and will post some samples.

Here is a sample, I like the lens but it created a new problem: the light is different under the basket. I think flash will be neccesary to properly expose here.

This is ISO 3200, 1/500, f/2.8

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