Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX APO DG HSM

Excellent Build, Excellent Image Quality, great alternative to Canon. I am a professional wedding photographer, and my Canon 70-200 2.8L IS had pretty much run its course, and I was no longer happy with the image quality. I didn't want to spend over $2000 on a replacement, as I am primarily a prime lens shooter and my 135mm produces images just as sharp as the new Canon 70-200. I started doing research and reading reviews on third party options, and have used Sigma glass before, I found a practically new unit on e-bay for $935.00 and purchased it. I was pleasantly surprised when the lens arrived at my door. The build quality is excellent, and although not weather sealed, feels just as good as the Canon equivalent. Image quality is gorgeous, and sharper then anything my Canon 70-200 produced. For the price, you cannot go wrong with this lens! Focus is fast, the Optical Stabilization works great, and the black finish looks great with the camera and doesn't stand out as much as the big white lenses. Sharp at 2.8... super sharp at 4., great value!Read full review

Awesome Lens. Best bang for your buck. I shoot at a semi-pro level. This was a great lens to add to my bag. It did not break the bank like the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS. I have shot with both lenses side by side. I will say the Image Stabilization on the Canon is better just not 2x the price better. Also, I have noticed some slight chromatic aberration and soft edges with this lens. Nothing I cant fix in post, but its enough for me not to give picture quality a 5 star rating. The lens is heavy, but if it was light, I would be concerned. The build quality is great and feels awesome to hold . I LOVE the tripod ring on this camera. I think it is much more convenient than the Canon counterpart. This lens takes some practice as do most lenses with longer focal point. It is harder to hold and heavier so it can take some practice getting used to but so does the Canon in my opinion. I have always enjoyed Sigma lenses and for the digital race, I have not been impressed. There new line of lenses with OS have changed my opinion and I am even thinking of investing in a few others. The biggest downside to this lens is the black and gold color scheme make it look like you are shooting with a Nikon, and who really wants that kind of reputation.Read full review

Great lens, forget about the L I really enjoy this lens. Great bokeh, and decent at limiting the amount of CA. I've compared imagages shot with this lens and with the Canon 70-200mm f/4L and with a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS. At the same aperature, the f/4L has slightly less CA than the Sigma. The sharpness is pretty much the same. The canon f/2.8 is slightly sharper and has IS. The IS does come in handy, but I have learned to carry my monopod around, so to me this becomes a non-issue. Also if you can shoot at greater than 1/focal length, then camera shake is not an issue. Its got a great build quality and looks good too. The HSM is maybe a slight hair slower than USM, so I'd say its good enough for anyone. Final verdict: Save some money and go with this, and get another lens with your savings! If you liked my review, please click on the YES button below. TIA!Read full review