Suggestions On A Lens

[Tarzanman]

OP: Nothing wrong with the 70-200 f/4, but at f/4 it will be too slow for most non-professional indoor sports/action (or even outdoors on overcast days). Everyone I know who has the f/4 lens wishes it was a f/2.8 when they take it indoors.

The Canon 70-200 f/2.8 is definitely overpriced. The Sigma is just as sharp (sharper at some apertures) for about $600-$800 less. the Sigma also comes stock with a tripod mounting ring and lens hood. A lens hood for the Canon will cost you an extra ~60-$70.

In the end its your money. $700 can go pretty far without being wasted on the brand name on the side of the lens. There are companies besides Canon that make excellent optics. Just make sure you ask around (and do research) before you buy something....even Canon makes some crap lenses. Also, try not to put too much stock in the musings of fan-boy brand-whores.

P.S. I own the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 and have tested it against the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8.

P.P.S. Sigma is coming out with a NEW 70-200mm f/2.8 and has discontinued the old one (having added image stabilization). You'd better hurry if you want to find a used one.

[Nemesis]

Nothing wrong with the 70-200 f/4, but at f/4 it will be too slow for most non-professional indoor sports/action. Everyone I know who has this lens wishes it was a f/2.8 when they take photos indoors.

The Canon 70-200 f/2.8 is definitely overpriced. The Sigma is just as sharp (sharper at some apertures) for about $600-$800 less. the Sigma also comes stock with a tripod mounting ring and lens hood.

1. Pricing is your opinion only. Someone asking for lens purchase advice needs facts, and not opinions. I had the Sigma 70-200 2.8 HSM version, and while it was a good lens since I was on a budget a while back ill tell you right now its not as sharp as my current 70-200 2.8 L (IS)

And as far as you saying the 70-200 f/4 would fail in most "non-pro indoor sports /action", I dont think that applies here as the OP stated: He plans on using it largely for motorsports, mostly to get decent pics @ Turner and Gresham and FD when it rolls around.

The 70-200 f/4 would be fine for that, considering his budget and wanting a good quality lens.