Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Canon Zoom or Sigma ?

After a careful examination of my Google Analytics Data, it comes to my attention that there is a strong correlation between high page views and the word Canon, Canon Camera, Canon lens etc... used in the Blog Post Title. This leaves me with no other choice but to include those three words in various ways in every Blog Title. How about these ideas as Blog Post Banners.

  • Happy Birthday to me... and Canon Camera
  • 10 things every Photographer should know... about Canon Lenses
  • Software to improve workflow...with your Canon Camera
  • 15 Photographers killed in tragic tour bus accident...all Canon shooters
  • Tokina's latest super zoom... it's not a Canon!
or how about the Ultimate Blog Post Title :
  • Canon Releases New Canon Camera with Canon Lens...it's a Canon!
Take that you evil Googlebots!

Now to the real subject of this post as described in the title " Canon Zoom Or Sigma?"

I really and truly intended to discuss my dilemma over picking a zoom lens for my new 12 mega pixel Canon 40D ( That one alone should guarantee at least 1000 page hits tomorrow morning! ) but the whole Google Analytics thing really got me thinking...about Canon Cameras and Canon Lenses, especially the Canon Zooms!

Now that I have assured myself a page in Photo Blog Page Hit History I can ask my friends and readers to help me with a decision on my next big lens purchase. Canon or Sigma? To IS or not to IS?

Here are the contenders:
  1. Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS / No IS ( Image Stabilization ) $889.00@B&H Photo
  2. Sigma Zoom Normal-Telephoto 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon Digital EOS /No IS $679.00@B&H Photo
  3. Sigma Zoom Telephoto 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS
  4. Sigma Zoom Telephoto 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG APO OS (Optical Stabilizer) Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Price: $ 999.00@B&H Photo
  5. Sigma Telephoto 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS
    No IS /USA Price: $ 399.00@B&H Photo
  6. Sigma Zoom Telephoto 120-300mm f/2.8 EX APO DG IF HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS Price: $ 2,699.00
  7. Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens / No IS
    USA Price: $ 1,140.00@B&H Photo
  8. Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens
    USA Price: $ 1,699.00@B&H Photo (SHA-WING!!)
*Cost is a consideration, f2.8 is the Maximum Aperture of choice and I love Sigma Zoom lenses for the cost versus usefulness factor. But you can't beat a Canon.

All donations will be accepted... comments or cash!

4 comments:
Anonymous said...

re: Canon or Sigma
I think it's time Dr. Pimento weighed in on this question. Research is what I do best and in this case the results are clear. The Canon 70-200 f4 L is the best of the bunch. The Sigma 100-300 f4 is another standout performer, with an extra 100mm at the long end and HSM focusing.

Dr. P

Edwin Morgan said...

Thanks again Dr. P, but there is one lens that I have left off the list and I am surprised that you did not mention it as a viable option.That's right... you know I am alluding to the Quantaray 10 - 800mm Catadioptric f 11.0 fixed aperture lens. Available thru select retailers for Under $125.00 US.What real Pro doesn't have one of these in there bag?

Ed

Anonymous said...

re: Quatnaray 10-800:

The Quantaray never gained traction in the marketplace. I used mine primarily for focusing sunlight on dead leaves to burn little holes in them.

Dr.P

Unknown said...

Of the lenses you list as contenders the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 seems the offer the most bang for the proverbial buck. Though I was surprised to see the Canon 70-200mm f/4 L IS omitted from your list. I'd take it over the f/2.8 L IS simply due to the size and weight savings. The reviews for the f/4 L IS are all very positive.