Dilemma in the brain: Canon 70-200 f/4 IS or 70-200 2.8 non IS or Sigma 70-200 OS

[Vixen89]

Hi everyone, I've been having this issue in my head and can't seem to get over which one I want. I will have the funds for the L lens next week but someone mentioned the 70-200 OS from Sigma being better. Can anyone help me out here, does anyone here own the L series lens f/4 and moved to 2.8 non IS?

I've been scrambling on the forums for days and it's driving me insane on which to purchase. Whichever I choose I want to buy it new. I have a 60D and shoot portraits (outdoors and indoors), automotive work, models, and variety of everything else.

[KenJulio]

For a few hundred more, you could buy a USED canon 70-200 2.8 IS mk I for around 1400, just gotta shop for it.

[Vixen89]

Isn't the f/4 optically better though? I mean I don't know the differences on the 2.8 MKI vs. the MKII. I just know MKII costs like a car down payment. lol

[thumper]

Do you need the 2.8 aperture for low light or bokeh in your portraits? If not, the f/4 L will serve you well. When I was shooting sports for newspapers and web-zines, I used both the 2.8 non-IS and the 2.8 IS MKI. But, for extended periods of shooting, a monopod is a must.

A couple of years ago, my assignments became mostly daytime outdoors with lots of trekking. I switched to a f/4 L IS because of the lighter weight. That f/4 L remained by bread & butter lens until I acquired the new 70-300 L.

I used the f/4 L for everything from shooting animals to indoor product shoots. I think it is as sharp and contrasty as the f/2.8 non-IS L and more so than the f/2.8 IS L MKI lens i used. Can't speak for the MKII, but I have seen some incredible photos from that lens. I also can't speak for the new series of Sigmas, but on older Sigmas in this class of lens, I often need to micro-adjust for front or back focusing. That could be an issue, as I understand the 60D does not have AF micro adjustment.

Some say the Sigmas are slower focusing and not as sharp as the L lens, though that was not the case with me.

Why not rent the lenses in question and try them for a few days.

Unless you need the 2.8 aperture, I think you will find the f/4 L IS USM fast focusing, clear and sharp, and a lot easier to carry around.

[ptrd]

If you want to workout, carry the f2.8 IS :)

[ngoduyviet]

70-200L IS Mk1. The Sigma is very close to it in term of sharpness at both ends, but I prefer the bokeh of the Canon and the resale value, but that's just personal preference. I wouldn't get the F4 because you will eventually want to try the F2.8 anyway. Once you are comfortable with the F2.8, sell it and try the 135L