[Advice] Lens and Flash help

[jmckell]

I am in the market for a new flash and lens. I have really been eyeing the 70-200 F/4 L until I ran across the sigma 70-200 F 2.8 DG APO.

I am torn between the two. Can you give me some pros and cons of each?


Also I have been looking for a flash. I have checked out the Canon 430 and 580 EX and also the Sigma EF 500 DG Super.

The sigma is about $120 cheaper than the Canon 580. Is it worth it to spend the extra money?

I take a lot of outdoor soccer pics and some indoor shots as well.


Any advice would be much appreciated.


Thanks in advance.

[coldrain]

Biggest difference is the weight, With the 70-200 f4 you can do without tripod, with the 70-200 f2.8 you will need a tripod. Of course the f2.8 is more light sensitive, and as such a bit better with the indoor action shots.

[ktixx]

I have the 580ex and I absolutely love it. I don't have any experiance with the sigma, however other members on this forum who own that flash and upgraded to the 580 definitely say it is worth it. If you have the extra $120 I would definitely suggest it
Ken

[cdifoto]

I had the Sigma EF-500 and currently have the 580EX. I like the Sigma and highly recommend it because it's a great low cost alternative. It works nicely and the only real downside is the build quality (which isn't that bad). I upgraded to the 580EX because of the extra power (I wanted something that would recycle a bit faster) and the fact that the IR assist covers all 7 focus points on my XT rather than just the center the way the Sigma does.

If you can afford the 580EX, get it. The Sigma is no slouch either though.

[jmckell]

Thanks for the advice.

I only have about $900 to spend on both.


Any thoughts on the lens?

[cdifoto]

I haven't used it but the Sigma seems to get a lot of praise over on photography-on-the.net where I hang out a good bit. Some say it holds its own quite well against the L version of the same aperture.


You could start off with both Sigma flash and lens, then upgrade if you feel the need. Bear in mind the only upgrading would be to the 70-200 f/2.8L (might as well go with the IS if you're upgrading), and the Canon 580EX.

I favor wide apertures over lightweight lenses myself.

[timmciglobal]

430ex is quite an upgrade over the 420 in flash recharge time, it's a nice lens.

If your shooting soccer a flash is a non issue, if your shooting indoor non sports a 430 should cover that fine.

Of coruse the 580 has the bonus of being a master controller for remote flashes which is nice if you ever get into that.

Tim

[jmckell]

I have been doing some shopping around and have found that I can get Canon 70-200 F/4 L NEW for around $575.00 and I can get the Sigma 70-200 F 2.8 APO DG for around $725.00 NEW.

Is it worth spending a little more for the Sigma for the 2.8?


I am going to get the Sigma Flash for now.


I will be taking a lot of outdoor pics but I also want to take a number in indoor family shots.


Thanks for all the advice so far.

[cdifoto]

If you're shooting indoors, you'll need all the speed you can get. I see a LOT of people saying "Yeah I'll just go with the f/4. It's plenty for my needs." Couple weeks later they're selling it to get the f/2.8 because they need the wider aperture.