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Francesca Morrison
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I'm not really sure on what to do right now at this stage but I'll explain my situation.

I got a canon 7D just before christmas and I love it ( I also know how to work it properly) and I have a sigma 70-300 4.0 and 50mm 1.8 prime lens.

At the moment I am saving up for a new lens which I have about 400 in savings. I'm trying to save up for a canon 70-200 2.8 but at the moment I can't save due to lack of shifts being January... But I've had different ideas on weather to get one or not. It's basically for indoor photography but to be quite honest with you - I don't tend to work with the guy during the winter season ( equestrian ) as its mostly indoors and he doesn't need me. I do about 3-4 shows indoors in the summer depending what it is and how big the event is. I've been thinking of buying a 85mm 1.8 as another guy said he loves primes as there so much sharper, and to be fair his images come out amazing. I'm not experienced with all different lenses so I thought I'd ask on here. I wanted to go for the sigma 70-200 2.8 but there is three different types and I was explained ( and got a little confused ) so wondered what would be the best one? I would mostly use it for maybe events, equestrian, portraits etc.

I would really appreciate the help.
 
The Sigma 70-200 f2.8 HSM is pretty decent and sharp for the price you paying. Used price is even cheaper. It focus fast and accurate when i use it on my D7000 and D300.

The other one is more expensive which have OS (image stablizer), i got to admit the OS is useful but i use monopod all the time so i'm not too fuzz with OS.

You can always look for a used Canon 70-200 f2.8 MK1. Price is not too bad actually.
 
I can certainly vouch for the Canon 70-200 F2.8 mk1. Mine spends most of it's time on the camera especially when doing outdoor candid stuff. It's pin sharp and gives plenty of focal range. You can also just throw a 1.4x teleconverter on in future to get to 280mm at F4 for not much outlay.

Gareth
 
A decent 70-200 is pretty much most photographer's "work horse".

For the type of stuff you describe (which is similar to my motorsport work) the 85mm would be a bit specialist. I've used one, and nice as it is, its definitely second string to my 70-200 by a massive amount. Its a handy bit of kit to throw onto a second body, but given the choice of the two, I'd take the 70-200 every time.

You might be a little dissapointed with the Sigma though, I was singularly unimpressed with it. Maybe save your cash for the Canon 2.8 non-IS?
 
Yep. Save for the zoom. Don't be tempted to go for the f4. You'll regret it in a hurry. You're going to need 2.8 a lot.
I've no experience of the Siggy but plenty of people on here are happy with them. For what it's worth I shoot a lot of equestrian and always turn off the IS.
I've had the Canon 70-200 2.8 non IS. Its a great lens.
 
another vote for the Canon 70-200 2.8 here. I have the IS version but but am sure I would have been pleased with the non IS. I originally had the 70-200 f4 but its just not as versatile. Save your pennies, it will be worthwhile.
 
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