Users and owners of the lenses Sigma 28-200, Sigma 70-200 F2.8 HSM EX, Canon 70-200 F4 L USM, Canon F2.8 L USM, Canon 75-300 IS III and Olympus 50-200 ED gathered at the Ljubljana ZOO (Slovenia). The purpose of this meeting was to test the differences between the lenses mentioned afore.

Our main interest was the comparison of Sigma 70-200 F2.8 HSM EX and two Canon Lenses: 70-200 F2.8 and F4, which are at the moment the most popular and searched on the market. For a comparison we added two interesting lenses: Sigma 28-200 which is valuated for many users, who can not afford more expensive L lenses; and Canon 75-300 IS USM III with a bit more zoom than the lenses mentioned above. This lens is interesting for its stabilizer that enables to make pictures with shorter exposure in conditions with poor light without making shaken picture.

As an object of the picture we have chosen a sign board and we have placed the tripod approximately 9 meters away. All the pictures were taken with the same body (Canon EOS 300D), so the test could be as impartial as possible.

When using the EOS 300D we used a wire trigger to achieve the results as best as possible. We used: ISO 200; whiteness and exposure were automatic; contrast, sharpness and saturation were normal; record - Fine; light measurement was central.

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III

Canon 70-200/4 L USM

For the test we used top equipment and, what we must have in mind, each one of them has its own aim. Lenses with permanent aperture setting 2,8 are more convenient for interior shots or for fast dynamic sports. In this case auto focus works faster and more precisely. It is worth reminding, that these lenses (logically) have extended diameter and need suitable, more or less expensive filters.
We can put Canon model with permanent aperture F4 somewhere in the middle as it offers good proportion between price and quality, but it is not for those who need more than F4.
We also need to mention the lenses with changeable aperture setting (from F3,5 - 70 mm upwards). The sharpness is comparable to more expensive lenses, but there is a slight difference in contrast proportions and in colour spectrum.
In the end we can evaluate lenses as follows:

 

Sigma 28-200/3.5-5.6: Very affordable but the sharpness is low when using bigger focal lengths (28-100) and the colours are pretty neutral.

 

Sigma 70-200/2,8 HSM EX: A very good lens that can challenge the quality of Canon (as a matter of production or picture); the only weakness is the lack of sharpness at 70mm and F2. Afterwards, when using focal lengths bigger than 70mm, the problem isn't so noticeable but the picture is always a bit softer than how it should be.

 

Canon 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM III : This lens is a real surprise. It offers good sharpness, although not as good as class L, but still close enough. It has bigger range - 300mm, multiplied by factor 1.6 (which is mandatory for Canon 300D), gives respectable 480mm. Lens has a built-in IS system (image stabiliser), which is more than useful at focal lenghts above 200mm.

 

Canon 70-200/4 L USM: The real Multi-purpose lens. Not too big, not too heavy, and it gives great images. This is also one of the least expensive L series lenses. It gave the best results in sharpness. The only not so great detail is maybe somewhat »strange« 67mm filter thread, which is not so easy to find.

 

Canon 70-200/2,8 L USM: The »technician«. Sharp already from F2,8 and through the whole range. Great production quality, tipycal for an L series. The only con is the same as with the previous lens, an unusual filter adapter thread.

 

 

So, you have read the conclusions. If you are planning to buy one of the tested lenses, it is worth deciding what do you need the lens for. It is true that more expensive lenses give technicaly better images (at least regarding sharpness etc.), but this is far from being the only difference from the less expensive ones, so it is essential to determine if the intended use compensates for the higher price. For general purpose weekend and tourist photography, cheaper models are also more than appropriate.

 

I wish to thank all the lens owners and the others that sacrifised their time and came to the zoo. Special thanks to Bojan Fatur, Aleksander Pecnik, Alan Orlic, Boštjan Pavle, Matjaž Kirn, Iztok Mrzljak and the company Sting, as they made testing possible by lending us their lenses.