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12/08/2005 10:48:23 AM · #1 |
Alright, I'm sure there are a lot of people thinking, "Is this guy crazy? How could he be making such a comparison!" Yeah, I realize this is somewhat of a stupid question...but I'm still going to ask.
I would like to purchase a Canon 24-70 F/2.8L USM. I've read a lot of good reviews...but my biggest reason for wanting to buy it is that it's a Canon. Here's my question...should that matter? DOES that matter? I need to clear my conscience about spending $1000+ on a lens. I currently have a couple cheap Sigma lenses...is Canon SO much better that it's worth the price? What is going to be the difference between the Sigma ($200 lens) and the Canon?
Don't get me wrong, I really want to buy the Canon, I just need to get some positive reinforcement to make me feel a little better about the decision (i.e. pre-buyers remorse). Thanks!
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12/08/2005 10:57:44 AM · #2 |
Originally posted by chafer:
Alright, I'm sure there are a lot of people thinking, "Is this guy crazy? How could he be making such a comparison!" Yeah, I realize this is somewhat of a stupid question...but I'm still going to ask.
I would like to purchase a Canon 24-70 F/2.8L USM. I've read a lot of good reviews...but my biggest reason for wanting to buy it is that it's a Canon. Here's my question...should that matter? DOES that matter? I need to clear my conscience about spending $1000+ on a lens. I currently have a couple cheap Sigma lenses...is Canon SO much better that it's worth the price? What is going to be the difference between the Sigma ($200 lens) and the Canon?
Don't get me wrong, I really want to buy the Canon, I just need to get some positive reinforcement to make me feel a little better about the decision (i.e. pre-buyers remorse). Thanks! |
My only advice would be to buy a lens, not a name. The Canon lens you are talking about is an excellent lens, no question. The Tamron that is frequently uttered in the same breath (The 28-75 F/2.8) and is a fraction of the cost is also a fine lens. The Sigma I am unfamiliar with.
Deciding whether you want to pay that large margin of cost for a potentially small margin in image quality is something that has to be decided on at the individual level.
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12/08/2005 10:58:58 AM · #3 |
The lens you are looking at is L glass and is in the professional line of Canon lenses. If you're comparing that lens to cheap consumer lenses then the answer is yes, it is better.
This isn't to say that Sigma can't compete. They have their own professional grade lenses as do the other third party manufacturers. Comparing the L lens to those would be a much better comparison.
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12/08/2005 09:39:30 PM · #4 |
| Make sure you compare the Canon to the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG, not the 24-70 f3.5-5.6. |
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12/08/2005 09:52:56 PM · #5 |
| I had more or less the same problem, and ended up going with the Tamron 2.8 - I haven't got the Canon to compare it to, but it's much more awesome than any other lens I own. I'm happy with it. I may end up buying the Canon later, but at this stage I am totally content with it. The price was a deciding factor, because I wanted to have a good lens in this range for December (weddings, Christmas, and some family portraits that I may be getting paid for). Particularly at the price I am rapt with this lens. |
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12/08/2005 10:33:03 PM · #6 |
there are many ways to look at and justify things...
For fun and hobby, if you can afford it, do it.
As a pro - is the more robustness, weather sealing, or better image (if it is so) worth it for some reason (like making LARGE prints)?
As a pro - if a less expensive lens works, then buy it as that is the proper business decision regarding capital expenditure. Don't spend more than needed to get the job don.
Investment - L glass holds it's value better than third part glass, even third party Pro glass.
Ego - white lenses are for SPS*, right?
I can't affor or justify the extra cost of L glass at this time, so i am working at getting thrid part pro lenses (Sigma's EX, Tamron's SP, Tonina's PRO). So far I am more impressed with the SP stuff than the EX stuff. used is also an option for me. I've saved well over $1000 going with third party items, ebay vs b&h on some stuff, used on some stuff.
The biggest pluses for the L glass - investment, weather sealing are tangible. Ego is personal. Image quality or focus speed are somewhat subjective and can be affected alot by the user in use or in PP.
*SPS - small penis syndrome
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12/08/2005 11:19:16 PM · #7 |
| I just made that same decision a couple of months ago. Go to a camera store with your camera, try both lenses using same settings, both inside and outside, near and far. I did that and after looking closely at the photos, Canon won about 35% of the time and Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG won about 65% on clarity, brightness, focus and contrast. I own mostly Canon Lenses including the "L" but in this case saved a lot of money and I'm very happy with this descision. It's great to ask the question but you need to compare to really know. Good luck. |
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12/09/2005 12:00:29 AM · #8 |
I had to make that decision also. I went with the Tamron 28-75mm (based on third-party recommendations) so I could also afford the extreme WA Canon 10-22mm, a simply exceptional lens. I was able to test-shoot a Canon 24-70L a few weeks after I got the Tamron, and as far as I'm concerned there's no real difference between them in terms of image quality. A plus for the Tamron is that it's not as heavy and bulky as the Canon. I have not regretted the decision; the Tamron is my workhorse lens and it has not disappointed in any way at all.
Robt. |
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12/09/2005 12:39:53 AM · #9 |
| Now who's copying Bear? Just kidding, your words are wise anyway. Can save for the other lenses I want that much quicker. Bring on the 70-200 2.8 IS! |
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