sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 os hsm

[adriaan]

I need advice on this lens please. Is it a good lens for wildlife photography with a 2x converter to give it a little bit more lenght. I am looking for a 2.8 to help in taking some night photos with spotlight.
i have read reviews on the internet but not a lot of te reviews cover wildlife .

[Grant Atkinson]

What camera body will you be using it on? How close do you get to your subjects? Also, what lens are you currently using for the shooting that you do?
cheers
Grant

[adriaan]

Hi Grant

I currently have a Canon 40d with a 100-400 lens. I bought another 40d body for my wife, now i dont know what lens to buy for her. The options are to let her use my 100-400 and then to buy the 70-200 f2.8 for me. We have the opportunity to go to the sabi sands quiet often and most of my photos are taken there, so i get quite close to the subjects. The reason why i am looking at that sigma is because of its 2.8 . and if i buy a 2x converter i basically have the same as what i would have with the 100-400. And i would have the 70-200 f2.8.

Regards
Adriaan

[Grant Atkinson]

Hi Adriaan
Thanks for that..a bit more to throw into the equation. Good idea to have the two options then when it comes to lenses, and the 70-200f2.8 shot clean will open up low light shooting opportunities for you a whole lot. I have not used that latest Sigma but it seems to be quite highly regarded. I have shot with a well-used pre-OS Sigma 70-200 f2.8 on a 40D and results were okay.
Also an option to get a 1.4 converter for when the light is good, as 200mm is often a bit on the short side, even in the SSR...then you still have decently fast AF, plus you still have f4 max aperture, and image quality takes less of a hit than when using the 2x. Keep the 2x for subjects in bright light that aren't moving too quickly...
Sounds like a good idea. Will be interested to hear what others think. Also not sure how the Sigma compares to any of Canon's EF 70-200 f2.8 IS lenses in price..whether version 1 or 11...
cheers
Grant

[adriaan]

thank Grant for your advice. I can get a brand new Sigma for about R 17 000 where the canon is going for R 23 000. Would like to hear what you guys think..

Thanks
Adriaan

[Grant Atkinson]

Adriaan, is that the Canon f2.8 IS II? I would think about stretching for that...superior lens in all regards! Just my thoughts. Although there is a big cost difference think that it is a lens built to last a long time.
cheers
Grant

[adriaan]

yes i saw it on the outdoorphoto shop
http://www.outdoorphotoshop.co.za/Pr...tid=2751B005AA

My head is also leaning towards the Canon f2.8 IS II.

Thank a millions for your help