sigma 70-210 /2.8 for my canon XT ? ?

[gdt]

I'm considering the above lens for my XT. I've never tried a lens other than a Canon, and am wondering if I found one at a really good price if it would be ALMOST as good as a Canon lens?

anyone ?;)

[DonSchap]

Well, just for argument's sake ... you are comparing the SIGMA 70-200mm f/2.8 against the premeire lens in the Canon line-up. Uh ... tough call?

I personally have the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM and I have yet to see another lens in this class deliver the IQ at such a low light level. Basically, I am building everything else around this lens. It is a workhorse outdoors and because of its IS-capability ... a dream to shoot in gymnasiums and other indoor venues, where you need reach.

Without stabilization, it gets a bit tougher to shoot indoor, low light. You are opting for a tripod, which is often hard to pull off in the "stands". People tend to get annoyed with you very quickly when you shove a tripod leg into their popcorn. :eek: or bump their cola all over the next guy :eek:

I guess what I am saying is to consider your subject matter and know the limitations you are about to commit to. If you can live without IS with this lens ... it should do the trick and save you a few bucks, besides. :cool:

Relatively few (if any) people have kicked down the door raving about this lens, that I call recall, since its release last Fall. The Canon (with or without IS) usually is the "weapon" of choice.

[RebelRat]

I'm assuming you meant this lens? It doesn't seem like many people are using it.

http://www.pbase.com/cameras/sigma/70_210_28_apo

[some guy]

careful that older Sigma lens do not work with newer Canon dSLRs. You may need to have it rechipped from Sigma. I'm not sure if the lens in question is one of them. Just a heads-up.

[coldrain]

As far as I know, ALL older Sigma lenses, unless they have been upgraded by Sigma, will be problematic on a DSLR.

I do not think Sigma is still uypdating lenses... so first make sure it still works. And whether or not it is an attractive offer can hardly be determined if the price is unknown... new Sigma 70-200 f2.8 macro lenses are a bit above $700, are they not?

[MT Stringer]

Works great for me. I bought it used for $675. Add a Sigma 1.4x TC and you have 98-280 f/4.0. Add a Sigma 2x TC and you have a 140-400 f/5.6.
Good luck.
Mike