Product Description
One of the favorite lenses among news photographers, a 70-200mm f/2.8 or 80-200mm f/2.8 zoom also appeals to many serious photo enthusiasts. Although large and heavy, lenses of this type offer several benefits. Their very wide maximum aperture allows for faster shutter speeds than the more typical f/4.5-5.6 zooms, great for low-light or action photography at lower ISOs (film or digital) for images with less grain or noise.
S. Wallace @ 6:45 pm
I bought this lense for my new Canon 20D because I did not want to spend $1200 on the Canon equivalent and was not enthusiastic about walking around with the white “you must be a professional photographer” Canon lense. I could not be happier with its performance. I have used it indoors at volleyball tournaments and dance competitions (very low light), and outdoors at baseball games. I’ve even seen it on the official photographer’s camera at some events! I did end up buying a monopod because it is not the lightest lense, but what wonderful pictures it has produced. Some have even commented that my photos are better than the professional ones offered at the event.
I love Canon, so I don’t have anything against their L-Series lenses. I know they are worth the money for those that have it. But for those of us that are simple “weekend warriors”, this Sigma lense is a prince!
Tim Ament @ 8:38 pm
I have had this lens for 1 year and find it to be the one I use 90% of the time. I photograph a lot of high school and junior high, football, basketball, volleyball, football, band concerts etc., because my kids are in these. I have found that selling pictures of the other kids to their parents is a great fundraiser for the teams too. The parent’s of my 12 year old’s baseball team had never seen pictures of thier own child close up in action just like in Sports Illustrated. The mother of the second baseman photographed turning a double play at second literally cried when she saw it. Granted the baseball pictures were taken in full daylight and for the outfielders I used a 1.4x extender, but the shots came out great. I even took posed photos of each player and ordered online baseball cards – they were a big hit. The inside sports/events are a little harder because the gyms are often lit like dungeons. While the keeper rate for inside sports is less, the results are still stunning. The only time I don’t use this lens is when it is just too long, like opening presents on Christmas morning in a living room. Otherwise, it is the lens on my camera all the time. Works great in low light situations. My bottom line, if you need any kind of action shots or telephoto shots, this is the lens. While it still hurts the pocketbook a little, I can’t imagine the Canon being worth the difference given what it costs. If you buy this lens you will be a very happy photographer.
John Bots @ 10:34 pm
After 2 years of struggling to take nightime soccer pictures with an old Sony 5MB with 1.7x magnifier lens, I took the leap to get a new camera (Canon Rebel XTi) and this lens, based on significant research on internet. This lens was billed as being able to deliver good low-light sports pictures, without spending $1,600 on the Canon 70-200 F2.8 “white” lens.
I’m pleased to report that this lens performed outstanding. I was still learning on the camera/focusing, but I went with manual settings on the camera (1/125, ISO 1600, F2.8) and the pictures were awesome. Of course some were blurry as I swung the lens from side to side, but when I picked a spot and focused, waiting for the action to come into the spot, the pictures were great. My wife commented that I should have got this 2 years ago. I would highly recommend this lens.
Kam L. L. Lily @ 11:41 pm
I am a beginner in SLR photography.
I compared this lens (on 350D) with Nikon 80-200 f2.8 ultrasonic one on D70s and Canon 70-200 f2.8 (non-IS).
This lens seems to focus faster than the Nikon all thanks to Sigma’s HSM. I dont feel any difference between this HSM and the Canon’s USM. It focus faster than Canon 28-300mm IS USM L Lens on 1Ds Mk II when used with 350D. The images taken with this Sigma are sharp. I have shorter forelimbs than normal people and my hands are shaky when taking photos. However, thanks to the fast f2.8, I can use 1/1250 even in indoor exhibitions and there is no sign of hand shake seen from photos taken with my 350D (at 200mm).
This lens is well built. The exterior of the lens is of very high quality. The black surface of the lens body feels even better than Canon’s white lens body. There is nothing I can say about this lens. Some people complained that this lens do not have good resell value. But bear in mind, this lens is much cheaper than Canon’s when you buy it new! The only reason for you to choose Canon’s is Sigma is black. Most people think white lens looks more professional.
Jeffrey E. Fisher @ 11:58 pm
This lens if built like a tank: solid, smooth, with an excellent feel. I’ve had two Canon f/2.8 70-200 IS lenses (trying to upgrade to the IS) and this lens outshines them both.