New Canon 70-200 vs 10yo Sigma 70-210

ziggy53

Last week I finally got a Canon 70-200mm, f2.8 (non IS), from Sigma4Less. I had tried two copies of the Sigma equivalent, with the newer DG coatings, and they just didn't perform.

I was anxious to try the new Canon against the two other lenses I have in that category:

A ten year old Sigma 70-210mm, f2.8, that will not work properly with any Canon digital body, but still pretty good glass.

A Tokina 80-200mm, f2.8, AT-X Pro, not bad glass, but not in the same class.

The Tokina didn't fare too well in this test, so I won't show the results here. The main problems are just too soft at infinity, internal reflections from high-contrast subjects and lack of contrast. Note: that I am being very picky and the lens is still not that bad, especially used under more controlled lighting and closer focus. More about this later.

---

Canon, scaled for the web, original: http://ziggy53.smugmug.com/photos/59578773-O.jpg



Sigma, scaled for the web, original: http://ziggy53.smugmug.com/photos/59578792-O.jpg



Canon 100% crop showing turn sign



Sigma 100% crop showing turn sign





Canon 100% crop showing stop sign




Sigma 100% crop showing stop sign



Observations:

The Sigma is very good glass. The Canon is spectacular, simply amazing.

ziggy53

aporia

Thanks for the comparisons, Z. I'm also in the middle of a long decision process about the Canon 70-200 and other alternatives (IS, non-IS, Sigma equivalent, or save a whole whack of money and buy the 70-300). This is such a tough decision. Your examples are very helpful.

DoctorIt

Very nice. This was quite the saga for you - glad it ended well!