Canon 70-200 f/4L or Sigma 70-200 f/2.8II?
Hi, I've been saving up for a DSLR for a while now. I'm torn between the Canon 7D and the Nikon D7000. I'm kind of edging toward the 7D, but now I'm trying to figure out my daily lens. I'm on a VERY tight budget, and I have less than 2, 000 to spend on body and lens, however, I'd like a nice lens. Which brings me to this question:
Should I get a Canon 70-200 f/4L or the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8II?
The Sigma's price has been dropped and it is now around the price where I can get the 70-200 f/4L for.
I DO realize that the 70-200 f/2.8 would dominate but take into consideration that I'm on a tight budget. If I go Canon route, I would need to get the 70-200 f/4L, no IS.
The Sigma is really attractive at this point, with it's low price. I've been trying to read up on it, but I'm getting mixed feelings. I'm beginning to wonder if I should even use a 70-200 as a daily driver. I've never owned one, and I do want to try it out in person, but I can't seem to find a decent camera store near me. I'm still considering the Nikon at this point, but I'm kind of biased toward Canon. I've used both before, and both feel pretty nice in hand.
So this is what I'm asking:
Canon 7D or Nikon D7000?
Canon 70-200 f/4L or Sigma 70-200 f/2.8II?
Am I stupid for wanting to carry a 70-200mm as a daily driver, and should I just consider a more wide telephoto?
If a 70-200 isn't the right first lens to buy, which is? (Please consider my budget)
Your suggestions, please. Thanks to all of you.
Added (1). EDIT:
I'm just a casual shooter, and I will probably take pictures of a wide range of stuff, such as sports, portraits, landscape, etc.
What do you shoot? A 70-200 is a terrible primary lens for most people, especially since it's essentially a 105-200 on your camera. Unless the only thing you're shooting is sports and wildlife, I'd start with a much, much wider lens first.
Which Camera?
When you are buying a DSLR, you are also buying into a system and in your case you have to choose between the Canons or the Nikons. Both are equally competent and for casual shooters, the differences between the 2 aren't that great. Physically the D7000 has a smaller body which is both a plus (lighter, easier for small hands) or a minus (clumsy if you have big hands). The D7000 is a higher entry level camera compared to the 7D which is pitched for upgraders so the D7000 would be cheaper.
Between the 2 cameras, the Nikon will be more suitable for someone starting out in photography. The D7000 should be compared to the Canon 550D (or t2i).In this comparison, the Nikon D7000 has a slight edge as been a newer model.
Which Lens?
If you have not used a DSLR before, I would suggest you defer getting the 70-200mm lens. It is a telephoto zoom and it is not suitable for indoors and some landscape where a wide-angle preferable. The kit lens that comes with the camera is suitable for general purpose shooting and would not cost as much.
If you still want to get a 70-200mm, I would go for the Canon (or the Nikon if you are getting a Nikon body). If you are going to pay $$$ for a lens, you should go for the best you can afford. The Canon f/4 L is a very sharp lens. Note that without IS you will need lots of light to shoot at a high shutter speed to avoid camera shake which will blur your images.