70-200mm Sigma f2.8 vs Canon f4

[tombartlett]

I want to get a good quality telephoto zoom and I would like to know

how the Sigma 70-200mm f2,8 compares to canon's 70-200mm f4 L series

lens. Thanks.

[mawz]

It's a stop faster, but the Canon is otherwise a better performer (Sharper, faster focusing,

lighter)

[sheldonnalos]

It's a frequently asked question. Search the archives on the Canon EOS forum in the lens archive. I've answered this question (as have others) at least 5-10 times.

 

Not to be short with you, but the info's already out there.

[yakim_peled1]

<p> It's a FAQ. If you search you'll see hundreds of threads with the exact same question. </p>

<p> I vote for the Canon. I think that the future proof compatibility, the better build, the lower weight, the lower cost (about 100-150$ difference) and the higher re-sale value are more important than the added stop. Naturally, YMMV. </p>

<p> Disclaimer: I never had a Sigma lens and probably never will. Their prices are too high to lure me to risk any future incompatibility problems. In the past, when I had to choose between the Sigma 70-200/2.8 HSM and the Canon 70-200/4 USM L, I bought the Canon. I gave the Sigma about one second thought and dismissed it, mainly due to the fear of having to face the incompatibility problem in the future. </p>

<p> P.S. Also consider the new Canon 70-300/4-5.6. If you don't mind the poor build quality, it's optically excellent. Have a look at <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-300mm-f-4-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx">TDP</a>, <a href="http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/canon_70300_456is/index.htm">PZ</a> and follow the links in <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00EBP8">this post</a>. <b></b> </p>

 

 

<p>Happy shooting, <br>

Yakim.</p>

[gdenyer]

They're right, as with most Canon vs '3rd party alternative' questions, this one has been pounded. Many people are pretty zealous about their choice of Canon products, and they have a point - the L series lenses are beautiful bits of glass (I own a 17-40 f4/L).

<br><br>

That said, don't discount the Sigma - I debated long and hard about exactly the choice you are making and in the end went for the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 as I was trying to make every dollar count. I'm very happy with my choice. It's a great piece of very high quality glass and I've been getting superb results over the last few months down here in Antarctica where I am currently stationed for a year.

<br><br>

See my comments at the bottom of <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00CF3O">this thread</a>.

<br><br>

Whichever choice you make I'm confident you'll be happy - they are both fine lenses. The 70-200 f/4L does have the advantage that for the sake of one less stop it's significantly smaller than the Canon or Sigma f/2.8 equivalents - in my opinion this is the biggest practical choice to be made here. If you want/need the extra stop go for the Sigma or Canon f/2.8, otherwise save you back and get the Canon f/4L.

[ifeito]

I just bought the Canon 70-200 f4L to replace a Sigma 70-300APO that stopped autofocusing on my camera. Already cleaned the contact pins and will probably have to find a service center in Mexico before selling it.

 

My 2 cents.