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Aug 22, 2016 14:50:32   #
PaulB Loc: Alabama
 
I am very interested in either the Canon 70-200 mm 2.8 II IS USM and the Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 EX APO DG IS HSM. I am an enthusiast (not a pro by any means). I know that the Canon model is the industry standard, used by many pf the pros. I have also heard very good things about the Sigma version. I own two Sigma lenses and have been satisfied with their build quality and the photos that I have taken with them. Since there is approximately $900.00 to $1000.00 difference in price, I am wondering if I would get that much more in performance with the Canon over the Sigma. Would like to hear from owners of each lens and/or anyone who can give me some insight that will help with my decision.

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Aug 22, 2016 15:13:55   #
digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan
 
PaulB wrote:
I am very interested in either the Canon 70-200 mm 2.8 II IS USM and the Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 EX APO DG IS HSM. I am an enthusiast (not a pro by any means). I know that the Canon model is the industry standard, used by many pf the pros. I have also heard very good things about the Sigma version. I own two Sigma lenses and have been satisfied with their build quality and the photos that I have taken with them. Since there is approximately $900.00 to $1000.00 difference in price, I am wondering if I would get that much more in performance with the Canon over the Sigma. Would like to hear from owners of each lens and/or anyone who can give me some insight that will help with my decision.
I am very interested in either the Canon 70-200 mm... (show quote)


I also have a few sigma lenses, that I bought, new, when they were still interested in making them with the K-mount, for pentax. I don't regret having bought them, they serve me well.. BUT!! if the canon is an "L" series, the differences will be notable. Whether you're novice or not, I would recommend saving for and getting the "L"-series Canon. The glass is always the issue... RJM

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Aug 22, 2016 15:56:04   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
Can't tell you anything about the Sigma. I have the EF 70-200 f/2.8 L II IS and find it to be an excellent lens in every respect. Here is a review you may find helpful:
http://www.canonrumors.com/reviews/canonef70200f28lisi/
Unless you really have a definite use for the 2.8 of the 70-200 I suggest you take a look at the EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L II IS. I have that lens also and find that I use it far more then the 70-200, unless I am shooting indoor sports. The 100-400's IQ, build quality, IS, price, and overall size are on a par with the 70-200, plus it has far more reach. If I could only have one, it would be the 100-400.

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Aug 22, 2016 15:57:43   #
PaulB Loc: Alabama
 
Thanks Digit-up!

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Aug 22, 2016 15:58:54   #
PaulB Loc: Alabama
 
Thanks Lfingar!

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Aug 22, 2016 16:12:55   #
TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC
 
digit-up wrote:
I also have a few sigma lenses, that I bought, new, when they were still interested in making them with the K-mount, for pentax. I don't regret having bought them, they serve me well.. BUT!! if the canon is an "L" series, the differences will be notable. Whether you're novice or not, I would recommend saving for and getting the "L"-series Canon. The glass is always the issue... RJM


👍👍 if I had to choose one of my lenses to keep, it would be the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L. At a recent seminar hosted by our local newspaper (who employs 11 photographers), every single presenter had this lens as one of their 3 or 4 go-to lenses. 'Nuff said.

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Aug 22, 2016 22:04:46   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
PaulB wrote:
I am very interested in either the Canon 70-200 mm 2.8 II IS USM and the Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 EX APO DG IS HSM. I am an enthusiast (not a pro by any means). I know that the Canon model is the industry standard, used by many pf the pros. I have also heard very good things about the Sigma version. I own two Sigma lenses and have been satisfied with their build quality and the photos that I have taken with them. Since there is approximately $900.00 to $1000.00 difference in price, I am wondering if I would get that much more in performance with the Canon over the Sigma. Would like to hear from owners of each lens and/or anyone who can give me some insight that will help with my decision.
I am very interested in either the Canon 70-200 mm... (show quote)


The sigma is the oldest design of any of the current 70-200mm lenses and will be upgraded very soon to be a USB Dock compatible Sport series lens. The current Sigma holds its own quite well and is a great buy for the price.

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Aug 22, 2016 22:43:14   #
TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC
 
A couple of links to tests. Other things to consider besides sharpness are autofocus speed, IS effectiveness, weather sealing, build quality and resale value in addition to the original price:

http://petapixel.com/2015/03/28/just-the-lenses-the-great-200mm-shoot-out/
http://www.dxomark.com/lenses/brand-canon-sigma/mounted_on-Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_III-795/mount_type-Canon_EF/focal-from-70-to-200/aperture_max-from-2.8-to-16/lens_use_case-lens_medium-lens_telephoto/lens_zoom-zoom/sensor_brand-Canon#hideAdvancedOptions=false&viewMode=list&yDataType=global

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Aug 23, 2016 07:06:10   #
sb Loc: Florida's East Coast
 
LFingar wrote:
Can't tell you anything about the Sigma. I have the EF 70-200 f/2.8 L II IS and find it to be an excellent lens in every respect. Here is a review you may find helpful:
http://www.canonrumors.com/reviews/canonef70200f28lisi/
Unless you really have a definite use for the 2.8 of the 70-200 I suggest you take a look at the EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L II IS. I have that lens also and find that I use it far more then the 70-200, unless I am shooting indoor sports. The 100-400's IQ, build quality, IS, price, and overall size are on a par with the 70-200, plus it has far more reach. If I could only have one, it would be the 100-400.
Can't tell you anything about the Sigma. I have th... (show quote)


This is what several reviewers are now saying - that the new version of the 100-400 is so good - and about the same weight as the 70-200 2.8 - that it makes more sense to buy that. I am watching this discussion and the reviews because I was thinking of getting the 70-200 but may now decide to trade in my version 1 100-400 for a new one!

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Aug 23, 2016 07:52:26   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
I'm not a Canon user, but will offer standard advice good for whatever camera someone owns. Purchase the best you can. You can't go wrong with Canon. Just because you're not a pro doesn't mean you need to short change your possibility of producing professional results.
--Bob


PaulB wrote:
I am very interested in either the Canon 70-200 mm 2.8 II IS USM and the Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 EX APO DG IS HSM. I am an enthusiast (not a pro by any means). I know that the Canon model is the industry standard, used by many pf the pros. I have also heard very good things about the Sigma version. I own two Sigma lenses and have been satisfied with their build quality and the photos that I have taken with them. Since there is approximately $900.00 to $1000.00 difference in price, I am wondering if I would get that much more in performance with the Canon over the Sigma. Would like to hear from owners of each lens and/or anyone who can give me some insight that will help with my decision.
I am very interested in either the Canon 70-200 mm... (show quote)

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Aug 23, 2016 09:03:15   #
PaulB Loc: Alabama
 
Thanks to all for your links and advice.

Pilotpaul

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Aug 23, 2016 09:04:27   #
wotsmith Loc: Nashville TN
 
get the Canon; don't forget it will bring much more on resale when you are done with it. Plus it is a better lens. It is one of my main lenses

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Aug 23, 2016 11:27:49   #
mdphelps Loc: Michigan
 
Pilotpaul
I owned the 70-200 Sigma but purchased the Canon 70-200 ii & it is an absolute great lens. Faster auto focus & tack sharp. Weighs more but we'll balanced with my bodies w/grips. If Sigma did sell a Sport version with metal housing & USB dock, then I would have considered it, but not available. My suggestion is to purchase the best lenses you can afford since most photographers keep lenses long than bodies. Good luck, Mike

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Aug 23, 2016 11:34:51   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
PaulB wrote:
I am very interested in either the Canon 70-200 mm 2.8 II IS USM and the Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 EX APO DG IS HSM. I am an enthusiast (not a pro by any means). I know that the Canon model is the industry standard, used by many pf the pros. I have also heard very good things about the Sigma version. I own two Sigma lenses and have been satisfied with their build quality and the photos that I have taken with them. Since there is approximately $900.00 to $1000.00 difference in price, I am wondering if I would get that much more in performance with the Canon over the Sigma. Would like to hear from owners of each lens and/or anyone who can give me some insight that will help with my decision.
I am very interested in either the Canon 70-200 mm... (show quote)

The IS is a lot better and the auto focus of the Canon put the Sigma to shame, also the IQ is much better! Well that can all be read in reviews!

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Aug 23, 2016 12:24:50   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
PaulB wrote:
I am very interested in either the Canon 70-200 mm 2.8 II IS USM and the Sigma 70-200 mm 2.8 EX APO DG IS HSM. I am an enthusiast (not a pro by any means). I know that the Canon model is the industry standard, used by many pf the pros. I have also heard very good things about the Sigma version. I own two Sigma lenses and have been satisfied with their build quality and the photos that I have taken with them. Since there is approximately $900.00 to $1000.00 difference in price, I am wondering if I would get that much more in performance with the Canon over the Sigma. Would like to hear from owners of each lens and/or anyone who can give me some insight that will help with my decision.
I am very interested in either the Canon 70-200 mm... (show quote)


IMO, If you do not mind a tiny tik less resolution or AF speed/accuracy for the $1000 difference, the Sigma will serve you well.

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