Lens Choice.. Canon or Sigma tele zoom?

[DiskoJoe]

You cant really go wrong with either lens. Both are really great quality and IQ is good for both. Canon might have a slightly better build.

[Killjoy]

Here's an interesting article about third party lenses.

[kenw]

Since you already have the 70-200, won't the 100-400 make it largely redundant? If your camera body will allow, a 1.4 teleconverter will allow you to get 280mm from your 70-200 for a lot less $$. It isn't 400mm, but to me it is a better solution that costs less and weighs less. Your 70-200 is a jewel of a lens, I just can't see it taking a backseat....

[henderson2238881]

Since you've already bought the Sigma, I suppose my recommendation is a little belated, but for a couple of reasons, I would go with the Canon if finances permit. I own the 120-400mm version of the Sigma (identical optics except for the different front element), and I've found it works best at f/7.1 onward - being noticeably soft at f/5.6. In your case, f/6.3 should be noticeably softer than at f/8 - f/11. The Sigmas also lack focus limiters (which can come in quite handy under demanding circumstances). The weight might also become a drag -- the Canon being the lightest of all at about 3 pounds. For what it is, the Canon is a bargain (I just couldn't afford it!), and it's quite possible that Canon may kill off this lens completely when it introduces it's new 200-400mm f/4 with built in 1.4x extender (for thousands more, of course) later this or next year.

[Stargazer77517]

Well, after much debate I decided to go ahead and order the Sigma. I liked the price and the extra reach, and after all, if I didn't like it I could return it. Well, it came today, and so far I am VERY impressed. This is just a SOC image of roses in my yard. From about 25 feet away, I shot this at 500mm, f 6.3, iso 800, 1/800 sec. Nothing calculated, hand held, and one of the first 1/2 dozen I took with this lens. What do you think?? I'm liking it so far! The test will be this weekend, when I'm going out to get some more bluebonnet shots.

Oh, BTW the little white lines in the photo are pieces of grass, stuck in a spider web! I actually had to walk out there to see what that was when I saw the photo on my computer.

Its a good lens, I use it myself, but besure and check front/back focusing. A majority exhibit it. Its a simple micro adjustment to correct it tho. Mine took +5, but its right on now.

[parrotmomma]

So far I'm really happy with this lens. I've not seen any focus issues. Even cropped photos are very sharp. I just couldn't see spending the extra $500 for 100mm less reach. I took it out on WC Loop over Easter weekend, LOL at some of the head turning looks I got! I think it even intimidates my husband.. I do think I'll be looking at monopods, that thing gets heavy after awhile.

[parrotmomma]

I just took this one. f6.3, 1/800, 500mm, 2000 ISO. Hand held. Also on a T2i that I just got for video. What do you think?