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!!

[Waddizzle]

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@Waddizzle wrote:

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@PhotoBug7 wrote:

I want to thank everyone for answering my questions on what lens to buy.  I know I probabably drove you guys crazy.  I was asking which 70-200mm 2.8 lens to buy for sports photography and it was between the Tamron and Sigma.  The Canon was very expensive.  However, what an interesting turn of events!  I just found a used Canon 70-200mm, 2.8 lens with the Image Stabilization!!  The price isnt bad.  Same as a new Tamron.  But from what you all send, the Canon is bsolutely the best quality lens in many facets!!

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It sounds like it may be the original version of the f/2.8 with Image Stabilization.  Discussions have centered around the Mark 2 version of the lens.  Hopefully, the lens is in good shape, has the tripod foot, and a fair asking price.  Enjoy it.

[deleted]

[EDIT]  Download the manual from the following link.  Begin typing the model number, followed by a space, and a dropdown menu appears after a brief delay. Select your model number from the list.

https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/

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I assumed that for the price you cited that it was an original version of the lens.  Apparently, I am not the only one to share that opinion, or reach a similar conclusion.  Why?  Because no one would be selling a version 2 at that price, and if they were then there is something WRONG with the lens.

Personally, I avoid buying used gear.  I have purchased used gear [tripod head from B&H] before, though, but I bought it from a reputable dealer, who at least offered a 30 day warranty or return policy.  Perhaps another good source for used gear is the online retailer KEH, though their prices tend run a little on the high side. 

Perhaps the best place for "used" gear is the Refurbished Department of Canon's Online Store.  I have purchased a few lenses from tthere for myself and my sons.  We have been more than satisfied.  Lenses have had that new gear smell, too.

[PhotoBug7]

Wow, you guys give me some food for thought.  I thought I was doing well buying one of the "white" professional looking Canon lenses.  Now I see there was a version I and a version II of the 70-200mm 2.8 that I am looking for.  I didnt know that.  However, the sales rep told me the lens is only 6-7 years old and I think it is the version II.  It also had the red stripe around the end of the lens which may be the Version II.  I do know the red stripe is part of the L Series of Canon Lenses and the quote I read was, pertaining to the L Series, 'Expectations go up". 

I also want to be clear about something else.  I usually dont like to buy used either but I have bought several used lenses and have been very happy.  Also, someone pointed out that "at that price" it couldnt bethe version II and I should buy the Tamron.  let me clear on a couple things. I never said the price.  I can get this lens for $1,449.  Again I will confim whether its version I or II on Monday. 

Also, getting back to buying used lenses.  This is from a very highly repsected high end camera store in St. Louis that has beena round since the late 1800's.  They dont just take in anything.  They thoroughly inspect and test each peice of equipment they take in.  I have complete confidence in their reputation and they do give a warranty. 

[RobertTheFat]

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@PhotoBug7 wrote:

Wow, you guys give me some food for thought.  I thought I was doing well buying one of the "white" professional looking Canon lenses.  Now I see there was a version I and a version II of the 70-200mm 2.8 that I am looking for.  I didnt know that.  However, the sales rep told me the lens is only 6-7 years old and I think it is the version II.  It also had the red stripe around the end of the lens which may be the Version II.  I do know the red stripe is part of the L Series of Canon Lenses and the quote I read was, pertaining to the L Series, 'Expectations go up". 

I also want to be clear about something else.  I usually dont like to buy used either but I have bought several used lenses and have been very happy.  Also, someone pointed out that "at that price" it couldnt bethe version II and I should buy the Tamron.  let me clear on a couple things. I never said the price.  I can get this lens for $1,449.  Again I will confim whether its version I or II on Monday. 

Also, getting back to buying used lenses.  This is from a very highly repsected high end camera store in St. Louis that has beena round since the late 1800's.  They dont just take in anything.  They thoroughly inspect and test each peice of equipment they take in.  I have complete confidence in their reputation and they do give a warranty. 

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Within the recent past (certainly less than six years ago) Canon was advertising both versions of the 70-200mm f/2.8 on their Web site. So the fact that the lens you're considering buying is "only 6-7 years old" does not make it a version II. In a previous post I told you exactly how to tell whether the lens is a Version II. Did the sales rep actually tell you it's a Version II? If not, ask him to read you the legend etched around the front of the lens. Better yet, go see it for yourself. And if you don't, make sure the warranty says in plain English that the lens is or isn't a Version II.

Note that I'm not saying that you shouldn't buy the Version I lens. I'm saying that you shouldn't buy it thinking it's the Version II.

And as you say, all Canon "L" lenses have the red stripe.

[PhotoBug7]

You did tell me how to tell its a Canon version II.  That was after I saw the lens and had it put on hold.  After learning a lot from you guys, I called the camera store and asked.  Sure enough it is a Version I which came out in 2001.  So, in theory this lens can be as old as 15 years.

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 was recently hired to do some sports photography but let me be clear, its not like I'm shooting for Sports Illustrated, or ESPN which I mentioned in an earlier post.  In the end, Im not sure if I'm really going to tell a difference.  And I thinkm I've heard enough good things from all you on the Canon Forum that the latest tamron is a pretty darn good lens.

Thanks for the advice!!

Photobug 7

[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.

[Waddizzle]

"I never said the price.  I can get this lens for $1,449."

No, you just said that it was the same cost as the Tamron. 

But, that would be a price I would consider for a used version 2 in fair-to-good condition.  It's probably a little steep for a version one.  For that asking price, a version one should be in pretty good condition, and come with all of the standard Canon accessories: i.e.; hood, tripod foot, case, and, of course, lens covers, front and back.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/ef-70-200mm-f-28l-is-ii-usm-refurbished

A refurbished lens, which comes WITH a full one year warranty and complete accessories, costs just a little bit more than that at the Canon Online Store.  I have seen that model listed as "In Stock" only once over the last year, and that condition didn't last long at all. 

[PhotoBug7]

Hello Waddizzle,

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.

So you know what.  I think I'm going to switch gears and go back to the Tamron 70-200 2.8 Pi VC USD and buy brand new for the same price and get full warranty, latest technology, etc.  Most of you guys who have answered me suggested the Tamron. 

Photobug 7 

[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

[TTMartin]

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@PhotoBug7 wrote:

Also, someone pointed out that "at that price" it couldnt be the version II and I should buy the Tamron.  let me clear on a couple things. I never said the price. 

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For equal money you are still probably better off getting the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS even if it is the version I. The image quality between the Canon version 1 and the Tamron is very similar. If you buy the Tamron new, the minute you walk out the door it becomes a $1000 lens. That's simply what they sell for on the used market. If the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS (version I) is in like new condition, the price is about right. And, when you walk out the door, it will still be worth what you paid for it on the used market. A reputible camera store should give you some sort of warranty or return period on used gear (typically 90 day warranty and 30 day return if defective). If you get those, I would get the used Canon over the new Tamron.