sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA

Hi LondonStu, I understand your predicament. I have a Canon T3i, soon to have the 6D. So I wanted great glass with bells an whistles too. I went with the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM OS; the OS is Canons vers of IS. It is half the price and just as good, some consider better.

@ 200 mm; ISO 800, f/3.5, SS 1250, Daddy Blue Bird

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Huh?? That statement makes little sense. I bought the f2.8 version so I can shoot in lower light and with a higher shutter speed. When walking in the woods shooting wildlife and BIF I normally shoot hand held. My lens also has the IS feature but I do not use it that often, but when needed it is worth it.

Jim D

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Don't be afraid of buying used also. B&H and Adorama get them in at times, just be sure to check their rating on the lens. If it is high go for it.

Jim D

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

And I agree 100% - If you are SERIOUS about IQ and shot selection/ergonomics you will want to be on at least a well articulated monopod -IS or no IS ! The non-IS lens you speak of is not as sharp as the IS II ! I would suggest you save for the II version - not for the IS, but because it is a so much better lens - especially if you want to put a TC behind it !

deanc2006 Loc: lancaster ohio

rent the one with IS and see what you think. I love my 70-200 is

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Stu, Boy can I relate to you. I believe that GOD meant for me to have L glass. It's always about the dam dollar or pound isn't it. I believe in using pods. I also believe in getting the shot. Get what you can and then work the opportunity. I love IS. OK here is some stuff I would be thing about. To can translate it to your market. Most of my equipment has been used. Friends have gifted me as they went up the latter. I have bought a few pieces of REFURBISHED lenses. Get on Canons e-mail news letter and you will be first to see sales. One thing that I have observed in my market is the amount of used items that have popped up. Some with really great pricing. You just have to set realistic max budget for yourself and be disciplined. I ran into a Nikon 800 the three biggy lenses and Sig 50-150. great back pack. One hundred activation, it was too much stuff too complicated and the gal was upset. She went to a pawn shop. They of course thought it was stolen and made her mad. A mutual friend contacted me I could have bought it at pawn price. I did not feel right about it and contacted the store. They are going to restock and get her a point and shoot. The point there are so many opportunites out there. Some times the hunt is as much fun as the image that we capture! Let us know what you find.

renomike Loc: Reno, Nevada

No but it will sure help stopping yours.....;0)

Mike

sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA

So all of you canon glass shooters are saying my photos with the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 are dung because no one commented about it of the Blue Bird I posted hmmmmmm, I saved a $1,000.00 and got a 4yr warranty with the lens fro Sigma and it has image stabilization with it. I shoot free hand, w/tripod, and w/mono-pod. If someone wants a great lens then I suggest the Sigma lenses for the money it is fantastic. or I guess some people have too much BLOODY money.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I was going to comment on the Blue Bird image as it is very good... I buy a lot of 3rd party & used gear myself. I got a Nikkor 80-200 F2.8 D ED lens used for $425...Lots of great images with it too...

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Another option would be to rent or purchase the non-IS version. A good thing about Canon L lens is they have great resale value. If you purchase a used one in good condition, you will probably be able to resell it for about the same as what you paid a year down the road.

FredB Loc: A little below the Mason-Dixon line.

Have you considered that maybe it's the weight of the IS mechanism that makes it hard to hold steady? :) I have the non-IS model and find it performs just fine, at much less weight.

jim charron Loc: Ontario Canada

Your photo is great!! really, but the sigma is not grey colour?
So I guess it's not Kool, I guess they're insecure, and need labels.
Your right, they have too much money, that they don't know what to
do with it all! IMHO :shock: :mrgreen: :thumbdown:

jim charron Loc: Ontario Canada

resale? I hear alot about resale?
why not do some research and make sure what lens
you want to use and use it.
Do you buys lenses with the thought of resaling?
I never do.
When I get a new baby its just to use, selling is the last thing on my mind.
Lenses are supposed to be for life,??? camera bodies change
frequently though. IMHO

sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA

No Sigma is not a Grey Color, it comes with a 4 yr us warranty. This is a DG lens which can fit a full frame camera such as the 6D which is my next upgrade. The DC is for Crop-sensor cameras only.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

The IS isn't really that necessary for sports or wildlife unless you are doing stills in low light condition with no tripod. The 70-200 zoom is used by many for fashion and wedding photography in low light so the IS does come in handy in certain conditions.