Toronto Photography Meetup Group

http://www.henrys.com/715-SIGMA-70-200- ... CANON.aspx

I have been eyeing a 70-200 2.8 for a while but frankly speaking, I cannot afford the canon version. I saw this at Henry's for 799 and was wondering if I should pick one up. Would anyone be willing to share their personal experiences with this lens? Is it worth the price?

Definitely a great price at $800 but it all depends on if the difference in IQ is acceptable for you. Since Henrys has a very good return policy I would buy it and try it out for a few days to see if it meets your needs.

799 + tax = price of a used Canon.

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/pho/2770133917.html
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/pho/2765191620.html
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/pho/2763162880.html

I'm just a little uneasy when it comes to buying used. How can one tell if the mechanics in the lens are still good. I'm afraid that I may end up with a lens that was poorly taken care of.

The majority of my lenses have been used. Some things to focus on to reduce risk is: a more recent date code (manufacturer date); tightness of lens compared to one you know is good (try at store or a friend's for a point of reference); clean glass (check for mold, check front and back elements for scratches -- although some scratches don't affect focus or images); check lens gold contacts; take camera with you to test lens; try and buy off a non-smoker; and try not to buy off a pro (most people hardly use their physically heavy lenses). I bought my 70-200 F/2.8 non IS slightly used, and it was perfect, even smelled new. I sold it to get an IS version, and that one I bought was also used, about a 1.5 yrs old and it was in extremely great shape. The IS version has weather sealing.

Personally I would go for the Canon version(s). They are pricey but simply superb and a wise investment.

if you're looking for a bargain try pinpointing an older Canon 80-200 2.8L, don't pay more than 750 though