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03/16/2005 11:52:56 PM · #1 |
Canon 70-200 F2.8 EF-L USM (Case, hood, & caps, no tripod collar?)
Sigma 70-200 F2.8 APO HSM (Case, hood, & caps, w/tripod collar)
Question: In your opinion, dollar for dollar, is the Canon worth the additional $400(prox.) that it would take to buy it over the similar Sigma. (Please, lets keep skin color out of this).
I haven't personally formed any allegiances to either brand and reviews seem solid for each. (I hope there are at least a few of you out there who have used both lenses to some extent, and therefore provide firsthand knowledge as to the 'value' difference).
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03/17/2005 12:00:04 AM · #2 |
In all likelihood I will be buying the Sigma version of this lens this summer. It has a reputation as one of the best lenses Sigma makes.
While the Canon version is optically superior, I have a hard time justifying the extra $400 for my needs. If I were using the lens for a commerical purpose, it might (MIGHT) be different.
-Terry
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03/17/2005 12:05:38 AM · #3 |
| I think that in terms of image qty, both are pretty similar, Canon is a little superior than sigma. The cuestion IMHO is: Does the compatibility guarantee for future cameras really worths 400 dlls? |
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03/17/2005 12:13:07 AM · #4 |
wolf camera has the lens for the same price, but NO tax, NO shipping, not sre if yo can get that through amazon
James |
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03/17/2005 12:22:47 AM · #5 |
I have had several sigma lenses and the image qualitie was great. The problem is that the auto focus was supper slow. The worst one was the 105 macro. wich did take great pictures but it was so slow that I wish I would have spent the extra money for the canon. I now have the canon 70-200 f2.8 L and it is the fastest best lense ever. I decided that if I was going to spend that much money on a lens that I wanted the best and I do believe that canon makes the best lenses. I know that I love them. Kevin
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03/17/2005 12:31:44 AM · #6 |
| Hands down Canon is the best and worth the extra. Buying the Sigma would be like wearing a pair of brown shows with a blue suit. It is more that the optics too. The canon lens is just made better. |
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03/17/2005 12:35:35 AM · #7 |
I own the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8, but have not used the Sigma.
It is the finest horse in anyone's stable, IMHO. As a matter of fact, I've shot with nothing else lately. I want to suggest you look at my recent Heron and Eagle shots, all of which were taken with this lens (plus a 1.4x converter), and see the samples.
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03/17/2005 12:58:54 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by gwphoto:
Hands down Canon is the best and worth the extra. Buying the Sigma would be like wearing a pair of brown shows with a blue suit. It is more that the optics too. The canon lens is just made better. |
Have you tried the Sigma? I'm curious since I'm considering buying it this summer.
-Terry
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03/17/2005 01:39:44 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by casualguy:
(I hope there are at least a few of you out there who have used both lenses to some extent, and therefore provide firsthand knowledge as to the 'value' difference). |
I think that's unlikely. The L glass purists would never buy the lowly Sigma, and the people who buy the Sigma are going to be satisified enough that they see no need to upgrade. Both lenses are so good that they will have many loyal users, but I'd hazard a guess that the Canon has more avid supporters among the vast majority that haven't used either.
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03/17/2005 01:48:41 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by ClubJuggle:
Originally posted by gwphoto:
Hands down Canon is the best and worth the extra. Buying the Sigma would be like wearing a pair of brown shows with a blue suit. It is more that the optics too. The canon lens is just made better. |
Have you tried the Sigma? I'm curious since I'm considering buying it this summer.
-Terry |
In the past I have, the glass was always good, but not as good as the canon L glass. And the mechanics go to Canon hands down. Try them both. I would be interested to see what you think. I have used all kinds of lenses in the past and now that I can afford it, It is L lenes for me, no question. I shoot professionaly though, and when 2 images are being compared side by side the sharpest and largest file winds hands down. |
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03/17/2005 01:56:49 AM · #11 |
I have used both of these lenses and you get what you pay for.
The sigma lens does not focus as fast as the canon and its not as quiet either, even though it is a HSM lens. It's optics/image quality is not as good as the canon.
If you don't plan to print larger than 8x10 of the images you shoot, the sigma lens would probably work out ok. |
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03/17/2005 01:57:20 AM · #12 |
My preference to to buy original Nikkor lenses rather than 3rd party cheaper versions. Where I can't afford the lens I want, I look to ebay and older versions.
That said I do have the new Sigma 10-20 on my wish list :)
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03/17/2005 02:58:15 AM · #13 |
I have the Canon 70-200 IS version and it´s by far superior to the sigma, I tested the sigma before I bought the canon just to see if spending almost $1000 more was acceptable the IS was at $1650 at the time.
Well I bought ti 70-200L f2.8 IS anw relly was OK with spending the $1000 extra :) |
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03/17/2005 06:33:28 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by gwphoto:
Originally posted by ClubJuggle:
Have you tried the Sigma? I'm curious since I'm considering buying it this summer.
-Terry |
In the past I have, the glass was always good, but not as good as the canon L glass. And the mechanics go to Canon hands down. Try them both. I would be interested to see what you think. I have used all kinds of lenses in the past and now that I can afford it, It is L lenes for me, no question. I shoot professionaly though, and when 2 images are being compared side by side the sharpest and largest file winds hands down. |
This particular Sigma?
-Terry
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03/19/2005 10:57:06 AM · #15 |
Is there such a thing as an impartial opinion?
The more I read, the more I become confused about the varied opinions regarding the aformentioned Sigma lens. This appears (to me) analogous of a FORD vs CHEVY argument. The loyalists to their respective brands find little fault, or choose to ignore them, and as human nature has it, continually recruit others thus further enforcing their own decision of choice.
Now that I have become comfortable with my camera decision (getting the Canon 20D soon), I am trying to weight the value between the various available lenses. I am for the most part impartial, as I am just now on the verge of entering the DSLR market and have used neither brand. While I consider myself a bit of a perfectionist, I need to temper that trait somewhat when it comes to my photography hobby, otherwise 'I be broke'.
This review site has many intermediate (some professional) 'user' comments on the Sigma lens that I am currently researching. They for the most part seem to be elated with the lens. Then you read comments (here and elsewhere) that make it sound like you would be better off duct-taping a coke bottle to your camera.
Color me confused!
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03/19/2005 12:11:18 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by casualguy:
.... This appears (to me) analogous of a FORD vs CHEVY argument..... |
It's more like a comparison between a Chevy and a BMW...
The Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 is probably one of the best zooms ever made...build quality, bokeh, sharpness, focussing speed are all amazing. The Sigma is a good bargain, if money is tight I'd wait some more to get the Canon. With the Canon you are SURE there won't be compatibilty issues with your 20D or future Canon bodies. With the Sigma you might need to have the lens rechipped. Another issue is that Sigma is notorious for having very inconsistent quality control.
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03/19/2005 12:50:34 PM · #17 |
True enough...
As with most products, there are good-better-best choices. What kind of buyer are you?
Whether it's a hammer, a sweatshirt or a car, you will always be able to choose between different qualities. When you ask others who have bought before you, you can begin to narrow down those choices with the best value (most 'bang for your buck', if you will).
Personally, I will never buy a BMW. My priorities just don't lie in automobiles...that being said, my second cousin owns a BMW (he's in Germany, everyone owns a Merc or a BMW) and it saved his life a few weeks ago. He got into an accident that, had he had a Suzuki hatchback like I do, he would have been killed instantly. Whereas now, he is in intensive care but should pull through because he had a high quality car.
What's my point? Once you've narrowed down your choices to those 'peak-value' lenses, remember that 'you get what you pay for'.
Assume, by default, the purchase of the Sigma. What will you spend the other $400 on? Would you buy another lens with that money, perhaps a tripod or other accessory? Would you just chalk it up as 'savings'? Where would those $400 be best invested? When I buy my lens, I'll decide that those $400 are best invested in getting the Canon lens instead, but you will have to decide for yourself.
*I have no idea why I'm rambling with such self-importance...I guess it's Saturday morning and I'm bored...*
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03/19/2005 01:24:14 PM · #18 |
Pretty good prices on Canon Lenses.
If you go to this website //www.edealinfo.com/Coupons/ they have coupons for various websites. Dell carries Canon lenses and often has coupons like $50 off $500+ or $75 off $750+
Just FYI for you Canon folks... Now if they only sold Nikon. :-( |
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03/19/2005 05:24:25 PM · #19 |
| I used the Sigma 70-200 EX f2.8 a year ago for two weeks extensivley and was not that impressed, I bought A Canon 200mm f2.8(prime) a little over week ago and I am amazed at the build quality,focus,image sharpness and am very happy with this lens it is a keeper!I would go for Canon! |
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03/19/2005 06:40:47 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by casualguy:
Is there such a thing as an impartial opinion?... |
By intent, yes. There are more qualified and less qualified opinions. I say, collect 'em all. Many here speak from experience, even better if that experience is restricted to what they know.
There is much consensus, actually, with regards to the exceptional quality of the Canon EF 70-200 mm (any version of it). Whether or not it is worth the additional money, well, this question will garner quite a bit of partiality, won't it?
I'd pay considerably more for it, if I had to. But that's because I've used it, handled it under all kinds of conditions and I have seen and taken images myself which are distinctive of this particular lens.
Posting questions like this in the forums, at least, will provide a rough sense of how much a piece of equipment is appreciated -or not. I suggest, you rent some of the glass you're considering and see for yourself. Some stores are willing to apply the rental fee toward purchase.
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03/19/2005 07:24:50 PM · #21 |
As zeus suggests, rent the Canon if you can. Most good shops will apply at least 50% of the rental to purchase. Shoot with it for a weekend and see what you think. It is nearly impossible NOT to be impressed with the 70-200/2.8, either version.
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03/19/2005 07:29:38 PM · #22 |
Or keep saving $500 more and get the 70-200L IS Canon for $1650. THAT beats them both hands down. :)
M
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03/30/2005 02:23:46 AM · #23 |
I'm in a very similar boat.
I'm looking for a nice 70-200 lens.
The Canon 70-200L F4 is a great lens at a great price and it's light too, but I'd prefer f2/8.
Sigma 70-200 F2.8 is medium priced for me (mid 700's) but appears to focus slightly slower and many claim not as durable as the Canon 70-200L f2.8.
The Canon 70-200L f2.8 (non IS) is most expensive(over $1100) but is probably the best lens of the three in my opinion.
However, I'm leaning toward the upcoming DG coated version of the Sigma, especially if the price is the same (mid 700's). I'm really looking to have the f2.8 but would rather not spend over a grand. Both of the Canon's I hear focuses a bit faster and I believe that they are made of metal as well, while Sigma's lens barrel is made of plastic.
I'm not a pro and don't need lens built like a tank at a $400 premium over the Sigma. Optically I hear they are about the same and UK's practical phtography rated the Sigma's optics superior to the Canon 2.8f. Go figure... I think optically they are fairly similar.
Also, if you want to add a TC, as I'll probably end up doing, a Sigma's version for the APO lens is cheaper than a Canon's version, further increasing the price difference.
For me, it's the extra cost and my preference for black lens that pushes my decision toward the Sigma. I think I can live with a slightly noisier/slower HSM vs the USM.
You just gotta set your priorities and make your decisions accordingly.
BTW, I e-mailed Sigma to find out when the DG version is coming out and how much it would cost and their response was a polite version of "we don't know."
Does anyone have any idea when the DG version will be out? If they jack up the price close to $900, I might fork out a bit more and get the Canon 70-200L f2.8 instead.
Personally, I think all these lenses will out perform my photographic skills, for now.... ha ha
Message edited by author 2005-03-30 02:48:24.
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03/30/2005 02:36:17 AM · #24 |
Originally posted by ClubJuggle:
In all likelihood I will be buying the Sigma version of this lens this summer. It has a reputation as one of the best lenses Sigma makes.
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I have owned both. The Sigma is a fine, fast, sharp lens. I enjoyed using it very much and got some great images with it. I did not like the EX finish of the lens barrel as the wrinkle coating holds dirt.
I now use the 70-200/2.8L non-IS. This lens has faster AF and is smoother and quieter. It has the feel of better workmanship and it connects to the camera with a tighter tolerance. I have not done a comparison of the image quality from both lenses.
I think the difference in price is justified.
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