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07/30/2009 04:05:20 PM · #1 |
Well I know that Canon would win in an all-out battle between these two, except that the Canon is about $500 more expensive. Does anyone have experience with the Tamron version? The reviews I've seen say that slower focus can be an issue, and it doesn't have full-time manual focus nor the build quality. But it's still $500 less expensive.
My situation is that I'm starting to make money off of my photography. I've shot one wedding as well as several portrait sessions, and hope to keep at it. I don't want to have to turn down a shoot because it's indoors where flash isn't allowed (or just won't suit the occasion). So far, I've been lucky to have outdoor lighting and my 50 1.4 has saved me when the light's not great, but I'd like a fast zoom as well. I don't exactly have tons of money to spend, but I don't want to spend $700+ on the Tammy and then regret that I didn't cough up the extra for the Canon.
I looked at who owns the Tamron 70-200 on DPC. If I'm not mistaken, DPC has only 20 owners of this lens? |
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07/30/2009 05:44:23 PM · #2 |
I have owned one for about two months. It does indeed "hunt" all the way from max focus to min focus and back on occasion in low light. I have never really found it to be a problem, but I not earning a living taking photos. The lens works well on Sony A350K, making nice sharp photos. It is heavier than I would really like, but I expect any of the available f2.8s weigh in about the same. Sigma also makes a 70-200, which is supposed to not have the slow focus issue, but has less sharpness on the IQ. Check out the review where thay compare them both.
//www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1090/cat/all |
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07/30/2009 05:48:01 PM · #3 |
I have the Sigma 70-200mm, and I couldn't be happier. Mine is fast and sharp, and is my go-to lens for wildlife, as well as commercial work, where I need to shoot from across the room, etc. For around $800, I feel it's a good deal.
The only thing I wish it had was IS. Laying out $1600 for Canon's IS version is something I just won't bring myself to do. But if Sigma came out with an OS version, I'd probably upgrade then. But otherwise, no complaints!
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08/01/2009 05:40:05 PM · #4 |
| Thanks for the replies. I think I've decided to keep my eyes open for a used Canon 70-200. If I'm spending that much money for the extra f stops, I would be annoyed if it has trouble focusing in low light situations. I tried on the Canon at my local photography shop and just about married it right then and there. I can't really afford a new one at the moment, but I occasionally see them on craigslist. Unfortunately, the IS is way out of my range for now, but a tripod resolves that issue. |
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08/01/2009 05:43:08 PM · #5 |
I'm going to be upgrading my 70-200 non-IS for an IS model in the very near future. If you are interested in a used one let me know, once I get a new IS model it will be going in the Buy/Sell forum here.
Matt |
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08/02/2009 04:38:41 PM · #6 |
They have reviews of both these lenses on The Digital Picture, to cut a long story short. The reviewer had to go through 3 or 4 copies of both the Tamron and the Sigma 70-200 2.8 models, mianly because he found them to be severely defective in autofocus (front or back) and were practically useless because of it.
He does go on to say that if you manually focus, they're actually not bad in terms of sharpness etc but you can't depend on them due to the abysmal autofocus performance.
Granted, he may have had an earlier model but going through 4 copies and still being disappointed is pretty loud and clear to me.
If you can afford it, get the Canon. |
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08/03/2009 04:23:09 PM · #7 |
Thanks Tez, that helps me make my mind up.
I can't afford it, but I'm going to get the Canon anyhow ;) Maybe MattO's if I happen to have money when he decides to part with his. |
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08/03/2009 05:10:55 PM · #8 |
I own the Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS and I can vouch for it's "weather-proofness". I've been in the rain with it and it "keeps on going". From what I read, the Tamron has a plastic housing and may not be as durable. Oh, and just so you won't be surprised, the Canon lens is quite heavy.
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08/06/2009 10:25:43 AM · #9 |
I went through the same decision process and got the Sigma HSM II 70-200. Never had a problem with it, even in the rainforest. Focuses fast and sharp. The reported focus speed issue was why I didn't go for the Tamron which had just come out.
Taken in Borneo with this lens. 200mm, f7, 1/60sec |
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