Which Lens To Buy for my Canon 70D?

[PhotoBug7]

Hello Canon Community,

I am new to the forum and already had my question answered regarding Image Stabilization.  So after getting some feedback on that here is my dillema.  I am in need of a 70-200 2.8 lens with image stabilzation.  As much as I'd love to buy the Canon IS II USM for $2000, I just cant spend that much right now.  So, I am looking at reccomendations for these 2 other alternatives:

The Tamron 70-200 2.8 Di VC USD for $1,500 or

The Sigma APO 70-200 2.8 EX DG OS HSM for $1,150

Someone on the forum said that the Sigma was not weather sealed and vulnerable to dust and moisture.  I dont know??? I'm usually very protective of my lenses.  If its raining, I shut it down and cover my stuff up. 

Is it worth it to spend $350 more for the Tamron.  Or, is that weather seal a big deal, or was this just some person being picky or biased.

THANKS for the help!!

[ebiggs1]

OK if you have made up yor mind and decided on a new Tamron make sure it is this one. Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Zoom Lens for Canon (Model A009).  There have been several.

[Waddizzle]

"You know, as much as I've learned from all the banter back and forth, I think I should do the safe thing and buy a brand new Tamron 70-200mm 2.8 Pi VC USD.  Its brand new, I get full warranty, has the stabilization I want, and the latest tamron technology."

I think you will be amazed by the images that one can capture with a high quality lens.  Explore the idea of a 1.4x extender, with that focal range.

[TTMartin]

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@PhotoBug7 wrote:

I am learning so much by bantering back and forth with you guys.  I called the camera store to see if it was a version I or a version II.  I'm glad I did and I'm glad I learned from you guys.  it is a version I and that came out in 2001, so in theory, this lens can be as old as 15 years.

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Or it could only be 6 years old like they said. The Version II of the lens was introduced in 2010.

Determining the Age of a Canon Lens Using Serial Numbers and Date Codes