Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy that lense, but I'm not sure if it worth spending sooo much money, or should I go with a similar Sigma for less $$ (and of course less quality)..
any opinions?

Thanks.

Why dont you rent both the lenses and experiment ......I am not sure if sigmas are available for renting ..but Canons you can get it...
yea that lens is awesome.....

oh yeah, that's a good idea.

I'm new here in Toronto and I'm not sure where to check out prices.
Is Henry's princing good? any other place that I should check?

Thanks.

I have the Canon version and it is my favorite lens on my 5D.
This web site has a review of both lens's.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/reviews/

I have not tried the Sigma version but have had good luck with other Sigma lens's.

Tim

In Toronto, check out Aden and Downtown Camera...
...also check B&H online...
...Henrys and Vistek are pretty much the most expensive places (but Henrys does have a superior exchange/return policy)

Thanks for the replies guys.

can someone tell me about buying stuff from the states?
how much taxes do I pay if I buy things from B&H?

Thanks

^ bookmark that URL, it's the best!

Great website.
thanks!

good link. But the cheapest way is to buy on Ebay with some good reputation seller. You can save the exchange loss, the tax(13%), the import tax (send the item to a mail box at us border and bring it back with you) and mailing cost (usually free within US). Totally, it may save you a tripod.

I have the Sigma HSM Version and the lens is great. Sharp and a good IQ. I bought it used and the original owner had to get it adjusted at gentec. Do not buy this lens in the US as Gentec will not support it.

Also consider the Tamron 28-75 2.8 - it's my daily workhorse and I don't feel I'm missing again from the Canon 24-70 except the weight:)

One lens rental is worth more than all the reviews ever written.

HST when it crosses the boarder. I normally pick UPS Worldwide Expedited and don't get dinged the dreaded UPS brokerage fees. You can pick International Post (USP) and Canada Post will charge you $5 service fees on top of your HST.

No customs or duty on most photography gear.

My opinion is that, compared to the other 1st party 24-70 lenses (nikon, Sony) the Canon is the oldest design, and due for an update. However, it is already cheaper than the comparible nikon and Sony lenses.

The update is imminent, it has been for a while . Regardless of age, a sharp copy outperforms the 3rd party releases.

just go with whatever fits within your budget and if you find a great deal on either. I've used both and love both.

It has been said before on this thread about the 24-70 having a pending update - here is a link that talks a little about it:
http://www.canonrumors.com/2010/09/ef-2 ... ement-cr2/

Usually the upgrade happens a few AFTER I buy it

You might want to have a look at the 24-105

Here is a comparison http://www.luminous-landscape.com/revie ... -105.shtml

unless you plan to shoot mostly outdoors, indoors with flash, with higher ISO, are on a tighter budget, or need the range, the 24-70mm is hands down better than the 24-105mm.

I have the Nikon 24-70 and yeah, the money is a big issue, but consider that once you do it, every single time you shoot, you wont have the nagging wonder about "what if i had the better lens instead?" in your head. Over time, the money becomes a non-issue (an extra $1000 over a year of shooting with a top grade lens, doesn't seem like much). Just watch out for upgrades, which can bring the nagging feeling back into your brain! lol

I disagree except for maybe model shooting (neither is a sports lens) where I would prefer to shoot primes anyway the 24-105 is far more useful for general photography and trumps the 24-70 in important categories: range, IS, colour, micro contrast, anti-glare and travel weight. In some areas of the range it is sharper. They are both excellent lens but for my use the 24-105 is hands down better than the 24-70mm.

It really comes down to what you are going to use the lens for. Now if they brought out a IS version I might change my mind.

I'd qualify that further in that f2.8 gives you a very different shallow depth of field than f4. If you are mainly shooting outdoors where the items are far away, then the difference in look and feel of the DOF is negligible. However, if you are shooting objects that are closer to you, then f2.8 gives you a very different effect that you just can't get otherwise.
Also, if you are shooting in low-light situations (without a flash) and/or if things are moving, then there is no substitute for fast glass.

Agreed (except for the without a flash bit) thats why I like fast primes as one stop faster does not rock my world specially considering I shoot medium format where a 180mm f4 is comparable to a 100mm f1.4 for DOF. For other types of shooting the one stop faster for things like macros and low light non flash static shots (like inside buildings) doesn't compare to the use of the 3 stop IS on the 24-105mm.

I have used both lens and choose to buy the 24-105mm so to repeat for my type of shooting the 24-105mm is hands down better.