Advice on what lens I should choose

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nakedeye

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Hi all....

I am in a bit of a pickle which I'm sure most of you have been in yourselves at one stage or another as to what lens I should go for.
The choice is either the canon 50mm 1.4 or Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX.. I know the later is a wee bit more expensive and I've heard it has focus issues

The 2nd choice is either the canon 70-200 f/4 IS or the 70-200 f/2.8 without IS..
I have a 20D Body and I mainly shoot everyday pictures, ie people, landscapes, still life, travel & weddings.

I know there is a price difference between the 4 lenses but that is not an issue as its not a massive difference in price although the 70-200 f/2.8 IS is a bit out of my budget..
So I would like to get some advise from people who have had the pleasure of using these lenses and generally have a good idea for the lens of my requirements.. I've read reviews on all 4 lenses and they all seem very positive but they don't make the issue of choosing a lens easy for me..
Look forward to your comments.. :thinking:
 
Welcome to TP.

It's a strange question as they are such different lenses. I have not used all of them, but this is what I'd do.

Of the 50s, 1.2L is the choice, Sigma is better than the Canon f/1.4 wide open (and I'm not aware of any Sigma problems here) but since I'm not that fussed about big apertures I'd probably stay on brand and go Canon as it's smallest and cheapest. And very good of course.

I've just bought a 70-200L 4 IS in preference to any of the others, because of the substantial weight of the f/2.8. The f/4 is a sweet handling lens - I couldn't get on with the lumbering f/2.8, wonderful though it is.

I find shallow depth of field to be more of a hinderence most of the time, so when the light gets low I prefer the invaluable help of IS, or upping the ISO, in preference to lugging f/2.8 around all the time. But size and weight apart, I'd have the f/2.8 like a shot, and with IS. Please :)

I think you'll find opinions divided on that last one. And the first one ;)
 
Welcome to TP, nakedeye.

I agree pretty much with HoppyUK.

Of the two 50mm f/1.4 lenses, tests show that the Sigma is better wide open but the Canon is sharper at f/8. The Sigma is much bigger and has a 77mm front element, so if you like to use protective filters then that's going to amplify the cost difference.

Of the two 70-200s, both are as sharp as you'd ever need. I guess it comes down to whether f/2.8 or IS is more important to you. If you're shooting weddings then I'd suggest you might need both. Time to start saving!
 
Cheers guys..
Have decided to go for the canon 50mm and the f/4 IS.. I think the weight of the 2.8 swung me in the other direction in the end ;)
Goodluck.
 
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