Stuck in a dilemma for a new lenses

ChrisD. · 22 Jul 2013 at 14:47

Long story short, my Canon 55-250 needs replacing, and I am wondering if the £1000 or so difference between the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 and the Canon 70-200 L II f/2.8 is really worth it?

Don't get me wrong, I know the Canon is a beauty of a lens, but with an extra £1000 in my pocket to spend on something else such Canon 24-105 L or a Canon 24-70 L it makes an interesting alternate.

Body is a 60D and current lenses are the 17-85 Kit lens, nifty and the 55-250 which has a broken filter/hood mount point.

ChrisD. · 22 Jul 2013 at 19:12

Motorsports mainly, other than that walks with the dog etc.

ChrisD. · 23 Jul 2013 at 09:26

Is the 17-55 f2.8 IS that good then?

ChrisD. · 23 Jul 2013 at 09:54

But is it that much better than my 17-85? I don't find it that bad.

ChrisD. · 23 Jul 2013 at 10:03

Yeah, I get that, just is it worth upgrading a lens, which lets be honest, is a pretty decent all rounder, when most of my effort goes into motorsport. Saying that, the f2/8 would be lovely for when I go on holiday soon.

ChrisD. · 23 Jul 2013 at 20:15

Cheers for the latest posts, food for thought.

ChrisD. · 23 Jul 2013 at 20:24

Well, I've just ordered the Canon 70-200 F2.8 II IS

I figure I will make more use of it than a crop lens. Maybe I'll treat myself to a crop lens in a month or so.

ChrisD. · 23 Jul 2013 at 20:35

I went into the London Camera Exchange after work. I had a play with the Sigma and the Mk1 70-200 f2.8 and I much preferred the look and the feel of the Canon. I also felt it took sharper pictures towards the top end of the zoom range. I can only imagine that the MkII is another step up. Granted the Sigma isn't bad but most things I will shoot will be with the Canon so oh well.

ChrisD. · 23 Jul 2013 at 20:51

Yes this is all stuff I am now looking into.

I know it's an insane amount of money, but, I really fancied treating myself, and I will get more use/satisfaction out of it than say a watch or other item of big value.

ChrisD. · 23 Jul 2013 at 20:56

I got it interest free as well (less a 20% deposit) so it lessons the hurt a little. I am otherwise debt free, even my car insurance is paid in a oner. I may consider getting the 17-55 IS though in a few weeks.

ChrisD. · 24 Jul 2013 at 09:09

I am very excited now. Hoping to pick it up from the shop on Friday as it is only 20 minutes from my house, rather than faffing around with postage etc.

ChrisD. · 24 Jul 2013 at 18:35

RM are delivering it, so it will be waiting at home for me on Friday.

ChrisD. · 25 Jul 2013 at 16:17

It's arrived.

Cannot wait to get home now.

ChrisD. · 25 Jul 2013 at 17:11

My GF is even impressed with the quality, she says it feels like a professional bit of kit.

ChrisD. · 25 Jul 2013 at 18:37

ChrisD. · 25 Jul 2013 at 19:27

I'd rather she didn't touch it again.

ChrisD. · 7 Aug 2013 at 23:46

So yeah, I bought the 17-55 f2.8 IS the other night.

The 18-85 will now be pretty much redundant. With it being the kit lens for my 60D, should I keep it or sell it? I'd much rather sell it and use the cash on a grip/filters/cards etc but would I lose resale value of the body come sale time?

ChrisD. · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:45

Clown said:
Did London Camera Exchange give you the interest free finance?

No, I bought the 70-200 on IFC from Clifton Cameras, and I bought the 17-55 f2.8 from them with debit card. I chose them as the prices are competitive, they are local to me and guaranteed UK stock.