Best third-party 70-200 lens for Canon?
 

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To get almost-as-perfect images, in that optics range (70-200, with an f/2.8), consider the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM II. This is what Sigma considers to be its "professional line" of lenses. While Sigma has had a love/hate relationship with photographers in years past, these newer digital-age "EX" lenses are very impressive, and for about half the price of the name-brand competition. Unless you're shooting images that get hyper-scrutinized in a professional setting, this lens should work quite nicely for you.

We're not currently impressed by the Tokina or Tamron equivalents in this range. Tokina opted for a system based on 18-50, 50-150, instead of the more mainstream 12-24,24-70,70-200. Tamron just can't see to get their anti-glare coatings as good as their competitors, leaving you with soft and fuzzy images wide open at f/2.8.

You can get the best deal on the Sigma at Amazon.com, for $704 shipped (buy from Amazon, not a third-party vendor):

• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B001046ES2

I would also highly suggest a Hoya HMC (good) or S-HMC (better) UV filter for this (77mm thread size):

• HMC, $44.95 via Cameta (free shipping): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B00009R9EO
• S-HMC, $51.45 via Adorama (free shipping): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B00009R9EQ

Good luck on all your photo-taking. :)

Although Amazon.com does not say "EX" specifically, it's the same lens. See the Sigma site: http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/len...16&navigator=3

Camera manufacturers have become addicted to letters in recent years. This lens alone has all of the designations:

• EX = professional-series
• DG = digital coatings
• II = second lens, version II, with better digital optical coatings
• HSM = silent focus motor
• IF = internal focus
• ELD = low dispersion glass
• SLD = low dispersion glass

These are further explained on the Sigma site at http://www.sigmaphoto.com/popup.asp