My next lens????

[boBQuincy]

This is all very helpful. I've been checking out the specs on those lenses and do have to admit I was shocked by the weight of the 70-200 f2.8. Is this a lens you guys just get out for specialized circumstances, or do you get used to the weight and use it for all your long range shooting?

I try to keep the camera bag light, one reason I carry a Rebel instead of a higher end model. I will probably get a long f/2.8 some day but it will not be carried often, the f/4 is much lighter and gives up nothing in sharpness. The extra stop would only be useful in certain lighting conditions and I would never get used to the extra weight.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

If you are looking for a walkaround 2.8, then I would invite you to look at the Sigma 28-70 mm f2.8 ex dg. This is a discontinued lens that I just purchased (new) from B & H for $349. They are still carrying it in the Canon mount. I received it on Wednesday and have put it through its paces the last two days because I will be using it at a church camera shoot tomorrow. I have found it to be an excellent lens. It is slightly heavier than the kit lens, but not so that it makes a difference. Originally, I was going to purchase the 24-70 ex dg hsm model ($899), there was a financial setback and I had to cancel that order. The non-hsm version is $569. After using it, I consider the $349 to be a steal compared to the other versions. I don't miss the 4mm on the short end.

 

[Brad M]

I think I saw a 50 -150 from one of the companies. Anyone have one of those? I'm not sure though that 150 will be long enough for the soccer games, but it would get pretty close.

I have the Nikon 70-200 and, for me, I like just a little more reach for soccer. I use it with a 1.4 teleconverter which gets me out to 280. It changes my max aperture from f/2.8 to f/4, but that's plenty wide enough for outdoor, daytime sports. ...and when it gets too dark, you can take off the teleconverter.

Looks like Canon has a version also:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/220456-USA/Canon_6845A004AA_1_4x_EF_Extender_II.html

Edit: Sigma's version:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/390164-USA/Sigma_824101_1_4x_DG_EX_APO.html

If this interests you, you'll need to check lens compatibility. Teleconverters work with only a select set of lenses.

 

[mom2rtk]

If you are looking for a walkaround 2.8, then I would invite you to look at the Sigma 28-70 mm f2.8 ex dg. This is a discontinued lens that I just purchased (new) from B & H for $349. They are still carrying it in the Canon mount. I received it on Wednesday and have put it through its paces the last two days because I will be using it at a church camera shoot tomorrow. I have found it to be an excellent lens. It is slightly heavier than the kit lens, but not so that it makes a difference. Originally, I was going to purchase the 24-70 ex dg hsm model ($899), there was a financial setback and I had to cancel that order. The non-hsm version is $569. After using it, I consider the $349 to be a steal compared to the other versions. I don't miss the 4mm on the short end.

As I said, I AM considering options for both the wider and longer lenses this year. And to be honest, I think I'm going to be a while before I can commit on the long long lens....

So you have me really thinking about this one.

Would you mind posting some photos here when you can?

Does anyone else have experience with this lens?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Unfortunately, I just deleted all my test images in preparation of this church shoot today (its a mother/son bowling event). I have attached the reviews from slrgear.com. I didn't understand review #2, but review #3 has attached photos. I'll see what I can do over the next few days for some test shots.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

It might help that I actually attached it!!

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/207/cat/31

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Here are three shots from last night's snowfall. There has been no PP on these images. They are straight out of the camera.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45097427@N02/