hj Loc: Florida

I would be interested in user experience or opinions comparing the Canon, Sigma and Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 lenses. I need to pick one up for night-time soccer under the lights. I have been shooting the Canon 200mm L prime which restricts shooting on the near side of the field.

Strongly considering the Sigma at half the price of Canon, but also curious about the Tamron. Cost is crucial, otherwise I would go Canon.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The Sigma has the HSM (High Speed Motor) for very fast focusing on moving subjects, it works great! The Tamron focuses much slower. I shoot Nikon so cannot comment on the Canon version but others have stated on this forum that the Sigma is sharper.

ronz Loc: Florida

I just sold my Canon 70-200 f2.8..Very sharp lens but was non IS, been playing with the Sigma with IS and love it. Buying it next week, I shoot sports and portraits mostly. Sigma is sharp and fast focusing.....I think maybe even faster than the Canon....

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Since I have very little knowledge of the thousands of photo products available, I always look for online reviews. I like dpreview.com and kenrockwell.com. Just Google the product are considering. There are lots of reviews online. Beware of self-appointed experts.

It's good to get opinions from people who own the equipment, but they probably don't own several brands of the same lens. I have several lenses, and I like them all, so my reviews would be positive, but I don't own four different 18-200mm lenses, so I can't compare them.

That's where the testers come in. They have experience evaluating different brands of similar items and can tell you what's good and bad about them. Brand name alone is not enough.

When you decide on a lens, consider a non-new item - used or refurbished. Don't skimp on lenses. Bodies come and go, but lenses are forever.

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

I haven't used the Sigma or Tamron but I own the Canon. I have no complaints other than initial price. It is very fast to focus and very sharp as well. It is a little heavy but i got used to that quickly. It in one of those lenses that I don't use very often but when I need it, it performs flawlessly.

SteveH Loc: Putnam Valley NY & Boynton Beach, Fla

I love my Cannon 70-200 is 2.8. Very sharp. A little pricey and heavy but the lens is wonderful. Haven't used the other lenses. I am fortunate that I am able to buy all Canon L lenses. I have tried other Sigma and Tamron lenses in the past and never been totally happy.

sidney Loc: London.Eng.

Love my Sigma 200-400.a little cheaper than Canon too.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Everybody is going to tell you what they own, and that they like it. Maybe the question should be "has anyone ever experienced a problem with or have any dislikes on these lenses?" Or, maybe ask for pros and cons. You can go to a lot of sites like B&H or Amazon and read pros and cons on most stuff like this.

Photo-Al Loc: Sonoma County, CA

MT Shooter likes Sigma ... I like Tamron. I have the 70-200 f/2.8 and shoot nighttime outdoor rodeo, high shutter speed and I am happy as a clam with how the Tamron performs. Freezes action very well, good clarity. I bought two other Tamrons, and if I had it to do again, I'd buy again. MT Shooter has also posted good pics, so I can't say anything bad about his choice ... just different than mine, but I think we're both happy. Rent one, then the other ... see which you feel most comfy with.