Lens Question

elsaspet · Jan 18, 2005

http://www.lifeatf8.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=2379#2379Rental (Sorry, copied this from another forum because I couldn't remember the dadgum lenses and can't get rid of the word "rental" so just ignore that K?)http://www.lifeatf8.com/phpBB/posting.php?mode=quote&p=2379 http://www.lifeatf8.com/phpBB/posting.php?mode=editpost&p=2379 Mr Pet has been researching lenses and is wanting to buy one but is torn between the Canon 70-200 f4L or the Sigma 70-200 f2.8EX IF APO HSM. It's a big investment for newbies like us, so we really want to be happy with whichever lense we decide to purchase.
_________________We had a question as to why we would be interested or even needed an F2.8.
Well, we don't really know. There is a money issue, so it's either/or. Our future goal is to turn this into a business-hopefully in the next few years so that we can transfer over to a semi retirement. (Yes, we are old folk) Mr. Pet isn't quite sure what his photographic interest are yet, but I have this idea to do Pet Portrait photography. You know, cute old ladies with all her kitties. Could be inside, could be outside as far as where the photo would be taken, but I think that's an untapped market, and I am a critter nut, so it should be right up my alley. ****whew! That was one heck of a run-on sentence, eh????***

So, what would be the benefit? The cons. Anyone?

photobug · Jan 19, 2005

I have the Sigma (in Pentax mount) and I love it. I bought it for it's high rating of user satisfaction. There really wa sno other option for a fixed max aperture lens in Pentax mount.

The Canon 70-200 f/4 is a super lens. It's smaller and lighter than the Sigma and is equally adept at taking stunning pics. I believe it's also less expensive.

The Sigma will work better in those situations where the light is less than optimal and flash isn't an option. It can be the difference between a very nice shot & a useable shot with a lot of noise in it.

Personally, I don't object to the weight. I find heavy lenses easier to handhold & I've hand held the Sigma @ 1/90 sec, f/2.8 & 200mm for shots that turned out way better than I deserved. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

YMMV