topic Re: Which EF 70-200 Would you get? in Gear Guide

Which EF 70-200 Would you get?

taulaba7 — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:21:58 GMT

So I’m in the market for a 70-200 and have narrowed down to 3 options because my budget isn’t the biggest

So far my options are the Tamaron 70-200 F2.8 G1 for $600, Canon 70-200 f4 First Generation Non-IS for $500 or the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 II APO DG Macro HSM for $550.

I would be using it for car photography, Motorsport and action which would almost all be outside.

Which ones would you pick and why?

Re: Which EF 70-200 Would you get?

shadowsports — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:38:37 GMT

Greetings,

My vote would be for the Tamron G1. No reason to buy a 70-200 without IS. The first gen is quite dated now. The APO lens is also older and not user upgradable.

The G1 is your best bet.

Re: Which EF 70-200 Would you get?

ebiggs1 — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:02:16 GMT

I have to disagree with my friend Rick. I would prefer and can say from personal experience with all three of the options the Siggy is your best go. The Tamron G1 version is not as good. However if you could swing the G2 model it is fantastic.
And personally I see nothing wrong with the original Canon even with out IS as it is a very good and well built lens. Think about how many years we did photography and did not have IS. We got along just fine thank you.

Re: Which EF 70-200 Would you get?

normadel — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:21:08 GMT

Look at used Canon. All the 70-200s are L series. You can get IS models for the $500-600 area. Go to mpb.com and search for "ef 70-200".

Re: Which EF 70-200 Would you get?

ebiggs1 — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 19:19:10 GMT

"Which ones would you pick and why?"

Yes, I have to agree with the above reply. Always stick with Canon brand if possible. But of the three you listed you asked "my pick" and that one is the Siggy.

If you want to know the best lens made bar none in the 70-200mm FL it is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens. However, it is way out of your budget even used.

A word about IS or OS or VC, remember if your SS are always over 1/250 even a bit slower say 1/100 image stabilization doesn't help much and at higher SS it doesn't work at all. You said motorsport so I assume that means race cars racing. Your SS will probably be above image stabilization levels most of the time.