Sigma Lens choice?

[sniperp1]

Hello everyone,
First off, I would like to say HELLO.. this is my first post here in the forums.

I'm looking to purchase a new lens here in the near future for my "New" (have had the camera for a few months) Canon T1i/500D. I got the EF-S 18-55mm kit lens when I bought the setup, I'm wanting something w/a little more reach & better image quality.

SIDE NOTE: There are no camera stores/shops in my area (USA, Central Illinois) & if there were, they wouldn't carry ANYTHING I was looking for! lol

So, here is what I'm looking at.. the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 what ever version is best.. the EX APO DG, Macro, Macro II, or the new version w/OS (depending on price for the OS version!?) Or the Sigma 100-300 f4.0 EX DG.

I'll be shooting a little bit of everything.. Nature, Wildlife, Portraits, Sports (evening's & under lights outdoors & some indoor gym) & night photography.

I like the 70-200mm f2.8 for it's low light capability but, even w/the 1.6 APS-C crop factor it's only 112-320mm!?

The 100-300 F4.0 on the other hand give's me the 160-480mm equivalent reach I'd like to have but, I'm not sure how it would perform in low light.

Any help would be great!
Thanks, Phil B.

[CanonGuy]

Your best bet would be the 70-200mm f/2.8, for the purposes you described.

I'll be shooting a little bit of everything. Nature, Wildlife, Portraits, Sports (evening's & under lights outdoors & some indoor gym) & night photography.

Fred

[RTaylor]

I was thinking the same as Fred, the 70-200 F/2.8 because of the speed and of course the zoom. Fred does a lot of sports photography, so he knows what works best for him.
The other reason I was thinking the 70-200 would be better was because you mentioned you already have the 18-55mm. With the 100-300 F4.0, so that leave you 56-99mm you would not have with both those lenses. The other, as you mentioned, F4.0 wouldn't be as helpful in low light.

[CanonGuy]

I would also recommend that you buy Canon glass and not a third party lens. For sports, Canon glass is second to none in sharpness and auto focus speed. The autofocus of the 70-200mm f/2.8 L is lightning quick.

I have heard good things about Sigma glass and some people have been lucky and purchased a sharp lens while other have gone through two or more before they got a sharp one. Apparently, it depends on what plant the lens is made and what batch.

Finally, don't buy used glass unless the price is highly attractive and you know the lens is good.

Fred

[photolens]

Hello everyone,
First off, I would like to say HELLO.. this is my first post here in the forums.

Welcome!

SIDE NOTE: There are no camera stores/shops in my area (USA, Central Illinois) & if there were, they wouldn't carry ANYTHING I was looking for! lol

Some camera stores I've seen are very small & obscure, but if you cannot find them I guess they don't count. Fortunately you can find just about any Sigma camera lens or other product for your cannon online. If you choose to buy a used lens online it's not possible to inspect it first, but many reputable online businesses will sell used equipment with a guaranteed return if there's any problem online.

--Mr. Photo lens

[RTaylor]

@ Photolens ---- NO FREE ADVERTISING!!!!!!!!

You want to advertise, then you pay us a monthly fee.
Its obvious you are here just to post your links to boost your own sales

[RTaylor]

let me see if I can find it Fred. I thought it showed up.
Maybe its only me that can see it as admin

[RTaylor]

ok, I didnt notice the little icon on the far right saying it was in moderation.
not sure why that happened. I'll keep a look out.
as of right now, I approved your previous post