Sigma 70-200 2.8 - which one?

[JohnN]

lol, thanks I appreciate it

 

[twist]

Wonderful - its funny the other forum I asked this question on all say get the OS and this seems mostly for the HSM II, lol, thats the internet for you

I think people are giving advice according to the lens they personally own or have used. I dont think its a reflection of the preference, unless they own both of course.

Looking at used prices the Canons are the same sort of thing, its wether you need the OS or not. A used L non IS is around 700, a used L IS is around £950. A used non OS is around £450 for a tidy version and £750 for a OS version.

Best thing to do is decide whether you need OS or not for your style of photography, handholding a 70-200 is heavy and trying to achieve shutter speeds of over 1/200 at the longer end isnt always easy.

 

[JohnN]

Agreed, I think on the whole I would prefer the OS but could live without it if I had to - I'm used to using a 50-500 OS as a walk-around lens (just under 2kg) so weight is not an issue.

 

[twist]

Agreed, I think on the whole I would prefer the OS but could live without it if I had to - I'm used to using a 50-500 OS as a walk-around lens (just under 2kg) so weight is not an issue.

50-500 as a walkabout, heavy beast lol. If you can live without OS and find a good copy of the MK2 Id say go for it, these lenses are all excellent value in my opinion. When buying used make sure you see samples wide open at 70 & more importantly 200.

 

[JohnN]

It is, but I have it on a black rapid style strap which really helps alot.

Will keep an eye out, its a while till I'm officially allowed to get it but if I spotted a bargain I know I'd be able to go for it - great wife

 

[Toggerman]

How did you get a II that cheap - just good timing or is it a seller I missed?

It was a very poorly done advert. Only had the tech specs in the description and 1 picture of the side, so it was a risky bid. It came through a couple of days later and there were 3 small chips in the front element (which doesn't bother me as I had chips/scratches in a couple of my Canon lenses and they never showed up), but it was also covered in sand which did concern me a bit. After a few minutes of playing I posted positive feedback thanking the seller very much, I was that impressed with the quality of the lens.

I had my sigma and 7d out in the stormy weather no problems atall......

^^ likewise. Had mine attached to my 50d (and TC) last year at Silverstone during the practise downpour (ie deluge!) and it didn't miss a beat!

Cheers guys, that's good to know. I did look at it when I first got it and thought a little bit of tape around the mount should be enough as it doesn't extend so water can only get in through the zoom/focus ring gaps, which are very small. I did buy a couple of cheapish rain covers but TBH I don't like them, it feels too restrictive.

 

[JohnN]

Risky but well played

 

[JohnN]

Well choice made - I went with the HSM II, lets hope it was the right once - certainly the cheaper option

 

[coolcat]

Hope you enjoy your new lens.
I went with a 120-300 2.8 Sigma in the end.
Decided just not quite enough reach for Motorsport with the 200 and managed to get a secondhand one that had been serviced by Sigma recently.
'Tis the non os version and boy it's a heavy beast

 

[DizMatt]

interested too
just got a 70-200 OS from someone on here.
for a walk about I'd recommend the lens I've just sold, 50-150 on a cropped body, no OS
great fun lens to have, will really miss it.
the 70-200 OS is a beast! wonder if I'll break my back using it!?!?

 

[rcr-photography]

I have the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM and it was one of my favourite purchases to date on lenses, it is a tiny little bit softer at 2.8 but the rest of the range is perfectly pin sharpe, I was in a predicament weather to get the canon L 70-200 mk1 2.8 or the mark 2 for another 800 but the sigma was ther perfect compromise at just under a grand with OS 1/2. Brilliant lens get it you wont be disoppointed.