Sigma 70-200 f2.8 V Canon 70-200 F4L

scottduffy

scottduffy

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Can anyone who has used both of these lenses give me some advice please on which one i should purchase when the Sigma is £449 and the Canon £400? What would you buy at these prices and how does the IQ stack against each other? I know the Sigma might be better for low light but is theauto focus as good?
 
Also interested in this.....

I have a friend who started out with the canon F4l, then went to the sigma, then eventually to the 2.8LIS. Sadly all he goes on about is how good the 2.8 is but its out of my price range.

Rob
 
Scott, I'm another with the same problem :nuts:

Can I ask where you have seen them for those prices? are they new?
 
It depends! If you are only going to be using f/4, then the canon. If you're going to be using f/2.8 to f/4, then there's only one real choice!

Chris

Edit: I went for the sigma and haven't regretted it :thumbs:
 
postcardcv said:
I had the Sigma and changed to the Canon - the Canon has faster AF and better IQ and is much lighter (which is great if you're carrying it all day). Unless you need the f2.8 then I'd definitely go for the Canon.
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I'd pretty much disagree with most of that :shrug: The sigma I had was just as sharp as the F4 and definitely sharper than the F2.8IS. Focussing was just as good.

Colour rendition was different, the Canon definitely had a slightly warmer tinge to it, the sigma was more neutral. Both are built like bricks but the coating on the sigma has a tendency to peel.

Of those two, if I didn't need F2.8, I'd probably go for the Canon, only because of the weight advantage. Really tough choice though.
 
it really depends what your shooting, sometimes the extra stop at f2.8 will let you get the shot were you carnt with the f4.
Rob.
 
I claim utter rubbish at people moaning about the newer sigmas been soft, yes there are a few bad copies, im pretty sure thats the same with any lens (Look at the issues with the flaking INSIDE the new nikon 70-200 2.8 vrII) mines sharp enough to cut someone :D and after you get used to it the weight can be a nice advantage, it balances perfectly on my D2hs and is usually bolted to it
 
I had this same debate, and ended up plumping for the canon f4. There are lots of reviews outthere speaking about too many bad examples of the sigma, if you get a good one then great, but seem to be lots of talk of front focusing etc.

Bigest issue for me was the weight, and figured that there was no point in me saving money on the sigma if I then wouldn't carry it with me because it weighs too much...

Have been delighted with the f4L, superb bit of glass !
 
Im looking at reviews for both these lenses at the moment and cant quite come to a decision if i need f2.8 or f4, I will tend to use the lens mostly for automotive/trackday stuff.

anyone care to give me a kick up the arse and help me out?
 
The thing you have to remeber is, you can always stop down to f4 on the 2.8, the f4 is just that f4.

If you buy second hand from the classifieds here you can make sure there are no issues with focusing or IQ by asking for shots wide open at 70 and 200mm, and even asking them to complete one of the focus charts you can download.

Unless you really struggle carrying the 70-200 2.8 (its heavy but its really nothing major) i would say get that as not only will it perform well in bad and fading light but you also get the DOF advantage
 
I haven't tried the Canon. I have the earlier non macro version of the Sigma and that is sharp even at f2.8. I'm very happy with the lens performance and don't find the weight a problem.
 
I have one of the these and it sounds like a rough old thing and has done from new. The front rotating is a pain too plus you don't get full time manual focus with the USM, but the IQ is good IMHO.

If I was buying again I think I'd look elsewhere, maybe towards a f2.8 but I suppose it depends upon what you shoot. IS doesn't get you f2.8 and if you buy a f2.8 you wont get IS.
 
Pixel-Snapper said:
Im looking at reviews for both these lenses at the moment and cant quite come to a decision if i need f2.8 or f4, I will tend to use the lens mostly for automotive/trackday stuff.

anyone care to give me a kick up the arse and help me out?
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If it's track day, then you might as well go for the canon. I'd be surprised if you ever used below f/4 for motorsport. However, if you're thinking there's a chance you'll be using it indoors, in low light etc, then seriously consider the f/2.8 to prevent buying twice.

Chris
 
woof woof said:
I have one of the these and it sounds like a rough old thing and has done from new. The front rotating is a pain too plus you don't get full time manual focus with the USM, but the IQ is good IMHO.

If I was buying again I think I'd look elsewhere, maybe towards a f2.8 but I suppose it depends upon what you shoot. IS doesn't get you f2.8 and if you buy a f2.8 you wont get IS.
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One of what?

Because everything you said after that doesn't bear any resembelence to the Canon 70-200 being discussed.
 
:plusone: for the Canon f4 L. Since getting this lens i have really started enjoying photography again.

Lots of pro's and con's listed above. The only real way to tell is having a play with both of them. Try and get to forum meets and see if anyone has one to try, or hire them.

Can't comment on the Sigma as not used one. I own the Canon and images are sharp as a sharp thing. Colours and contrast are great too. I don't think you can beat the consistancy of Canon.
 
chris321 said:
If it's track day, then you might as well go for the canon. I'd be surprised if you ever used below f/4 for motorsport. However, if you're thinking there's a chance you'll be using it indoors, in low light etc, then seriously consider the f/2.8 to prevent buying twice.

Chris
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Cheers Chris this has confirmed my thinking.

Doubt that I would use it indoors at all really or at least I cant think of a situation where I would need to.

Plus if indoor I have flashes to help out there.
 
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