Which lens to keep an eye out for

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universalady

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sorry, it's another lens question :D

I have a 550d, and reguarly (about 90% of the time) use a 55-250 lens, great outdoors, but indoors it's not so good. I like to shoot dogs, esp movement pics. I hired a 70 - 200 2.8L lens IS USM over the weekend and it was much better and I was able to get the types of shots I get outdoors. However, I just can't afford one of these, so was wondering if there is a suitable alternative I should be keeping an eye out for which would be in my price range. I'm looking to spend no more than around £300 if possible.

I've seen a Sigma EX APO DG Macro HSM 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens, would this be the same thing, just by a different manufacturer? If so, would it be as good as the canon?

Basically I love the 55 - 250 range, just need a bigger aperture
 
I've seen a Sigma EX APO DG Macro HSM 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens, would this be the same thing, just by a different manufacturer? If so, would it be as good as the canon?
Click to expand...

I had one of these and in my opinion not as good as the Canon although I can only compare it to the 70-200 f/4 L IS. Think you would miss the stablisation and being honest you will struggle to get much in that range for 300 quid.

Do you really need that focal length indoors, if not maybe have a look at the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 VC. My daughter had one before she went FF, sold it here for £250 and they are only slightly more than your budget new.
 
When dogs are running round a ring, I can be as far as 30 meters or so from them, so I guess I could shorten the focal length, but not by much
 
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Universalady, what focal length have you been getting your favourite indoor shots at? If it's at the lower end of your zoom's range, I would suggest you got a 50mm prime. These are available in several speeds, f/1.2, f/1.4 and f/1.8 (maybe even slower too). New prices range from £1247 for the f/1.2 down to £87 for the f/1.8 with the f/1.4 coming in at (just under your budget) £289. (All prices from Mifsuds - other [and cheaper] retailers exist!) 2nd hand, the lenses will all be a bit cheaper - check the classifieds here if you have access.

As far as comparison between Sigmas and Canons, well, Canons will be better, especially the L series lenses. However, the Canon will be considerably more expensive.
 
Ah! Crossed posts. When you said indoor, I was thinking more of a lounge than an indoor arena/showring! It does sound like you need the longer end and the flexibility of a zoom, so I'm afraid it's time to start saving. Maybe santa could have a whip round his elves to see what they could contribute?
 
Same here I assumed in a home, same advice and keep saving although the non IS 70/200mm f/4 is available for about 400 quid if that's fast enough for your purposes
 
Thanks for your replies. I do also have a 50mm 1.8, which is lovely for up close indoor pics, but I think it's gonna be a case of saving up. I have also been looking at the Sigma 50 - 150 2.8, which I think I could get away with focal length wise. Hmmmm, decisions decisions
 
Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 for £349 (2nd hand) at Mifsuds. Might be worth a call - 01803 852400. I've had a couple of lenses from them 2nd hand (including my Sigma 70-200) and they have been exactly as described and good copies.
 
Really I don't think you will need stabilization if you intend to take photos of moving subjects where you will be using shutter speeds in excess of 1/250s

You could be considering a Canon 70-200 F2.8L (non IS but a good 2nd hand one will set you back £700-£800). The mki you used introduces IS but is no better than the non IS lens whilst the mkii is fantastically sharp even at F2.8 but expensive.

The Sigma 70-200 you mentioned is worth considering but I have no knowledge of them. In you place I would be considering a Sigma.
 
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