Sigma 70-200 2.8 v Canon 70-200 II 2.8

Skorri

I have done quite a bit of research on both of these lenses. Some of the reviews have the Canon spanking the Sigma and some have the Sigma being very close in quality, color...

I aware there is a significant price difference between the two. So I am wondering if the Canon is really that much better than the Sigma or does Canon charge that much simply because they can.

Thanks in advance. :thumb

ziggy53

I really wanted the Sigma 70-200mm back when I was researching that range of zooms, but my testing and results of 2 - copies seem to match even the newer incarnation of the Sigma 70-200mm (You have to read several of my posts):

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=24116&page=3

Here is a comparison of the Canon version vs the better (very old) Sigma 70-210mm version (not the one you are discussing):

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=29773

To see a comparison of the latest Sigma vs Tamron at 200mm and wide open:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=469&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=0&LensComp=470&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=4&APIComp=0

In conclusion the Sigma has more color fringing and less resolution at 200mm and wide open than either the Tamron or Canon equivalents. My own testing bears that out as do at least 2 professional reviews. If you intend to use the lens at smaller apertures only the Canon 70-200mm, f4L versions are fairly economical and are an excellent quality and value.

Skorri

Thanks for the threads !

Skorri

I am going with the Canon 2.8 non IS.

ThatCanonGuy

Yes, the Canon 2.8 non-IS is a good option. Good copies of the Sigma can compete with the Canon 2.8 IS I and 2.8 non-IS. All three are excellent lenses, but as Ziggy mentioned, it's hard to get a good copy of the Sigma. The Canon 2.8 IS II, WRT sharpness, is in a totally different league IMHO.

Skorri

The 70-200 2.8 is fantastic. Nothing against my other lenses but the sharpness is incredible. I hope I haven't spoiled myself now

ziggy53

Skorri wrote: »

The 70-200 2.8 is fantastic. Nothing against my other lenses but the sharpness is incredible. I hope I haven't spoiled myself now

Congratulations.