Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 vs. Canon 70-200 f/4.0L

[ks04]

Hi Guys,
After using my Canon 30D for a few months now i've decided to purchase a telephoto lens and was hoping for a bit of advice.
Currently I'm considering a second hand Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 and the canon 70-200 f/4.0L (as this is all my budget allows for).
The lens will predominately be used for Sports events - Tennis, running, swimming and netball - so I’m presuming getting enough light in won't be an issue? What are they both like in terms of AF speed, typically a 2.8 lens is faster from what I’ve heard but is the canon a superior breed and therefore allow faster focusing?
Has anyone had any experiences with these lenses and able to provide some input?
Also considering the Sigma 120-400mm which seems to be around the same price point - would the extra range here be more of an advantage? I can't wrap my head around ‘picturing’ the zoom difference between the two. Does anyone know what the focus speed is like on this model? (can't seem to find somewhere local to have a play with one)
Cheers,
Kyle

P.S - Anyone looking to sell any of these lenses mentioned (or similar) feel free to drop us a PM!

[Pa]

I dont think the 120-400mm is in the same boat as the 70-200s...I wouldn't buy it

[aim54x]

I dont think the 120-400mm is in the same boat as the 70-200s...I wouldn't buy it

I would vote the Canon unless you really need the f/2.8.

[gstark]

I dont think the 120-400mm is in the same boat as the 70-200s...I wouldn't buy it

Pa is right. The boat that the Sigma 120-400 is in is that Chinese ship that's run aground on the Great Barrier Reef. If you want a paperweight, I would commend this one to you. The oil leakage will only help to improve its optics.

The Sigma 70-200 can help you produce some good work, but my choice would be to just save yourself some money and angst and get the Canon.

[ks04]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the help - looks like i'll be crossing the 120-400mm off my list then .... shame the canon 100-400 is so damn expensive!
By the sounds of things i'm going to be best going for the Canon f/4.0 - my only concern is am i going to be able to get the shutter speeds i require to get some decent photos out... looking back at my other photos they all seem to be shot at f/5 or higher so I'm presuming i'll be alright... thoughts?
Thanks again for the help, very handy to get a second opinion.

[gstark]

my only concern is am i going to be able to get the shutter speeds i require to get some decent photos out... looking back at my other photos they all seem to be shot at f/5 or higher so I'm presuming i'll be alright... thoughts?

The issue here is neither aperture nor shutter speed. Sure, having a fast lens helps, and helps a whole lot.

But there's no substitute for technique.

Let's go back in time a little, perhaps to the 1970s and 1980s. Think about this: They did not have the high ISOs that we have today, nor did they always have access to glass that was as optically fast as what we can use, and the maximum shutter speed available was, until the late 1970s, 1/1000. AF was but a distant, future dream.

Yet the photographers of the time turned in some great work. Ask yourself "why?"

Learn how to use different techniques: trap focus and zone focus, for instance. Learn how to correctly hold your equipment, and how to breathe while shooting. These are but a small part of the different niceties of technique and skills that you should consider acquiring. When you can master these, then you'll really be shooting some great stuff.

[ks04]

very wise points you raise there, thankyou Gary. I think i shall be going for the Canon 70-200mm f/4L... now just to find one before next Wednesday at a decent price!

[photomarcs]

My mate is selling his 70-200 f4L for $1000. Comes with filter (Pro 1),bag,hood,lens caps. Also has ~3years genuine canon warranty on it as it's an Australian Stock.

let me know if you are interested. I'm sure he can post it down to you if you require.

[ks04]

Ended up purchasing the canon 70-200mm f/4.0. I must say - this is a ripper of a lens! Blows my sigma 24-70mm out of the water (guess what's getting changed next!). Took it out to a swimming carnival last wednesday (bloody hard to shoot i'll tell you!) and was astonished - even at f/4 this lens produces amazing results! Thanks for all the advice guys (Y), much appreciated.