Canon 24-70 2.8 II or Sigma 24-70 f/2???

[canon23]

Ok ok, so the Sigma 24-70 f/2 doesn't exist, yet. But it's rumored to be in the works and might be available next year. So this begs the question...

would you buy the Canon for $1700 or wait for the Sigma (f2!!)?
I'm starting out as an events photog, mainly weddings and currently have:

5D Mark II & III w/
Canon 24-105 (will sell this once 24-70 is purchased)
Canon 70-200 2.8 II
Sigma 35 1.4
Canon 50 1.8

Your input is much appreciated!!!

 

[sunnyVan]

I think you have little to lose if you get the Canon right now. Use it and see if you like it. If the sigma zoom does come out you wait for review and for the price to come down. At least that's why I decided to buy mine.

 

[Ruined]

If you have cash to burn why not buy an EF 16-35mm f/2.8 II USM (amazon/bh has a double dip deal on it), and wait til next year to see what is coming w/24-70. After all, you already have a 24-105, AND a 35mm, AND a 50mm, AND a 70-200 so its not like you are missing the 24-70 range. But if you need an ultrawide shot, you can't do it with what you have.

Sigma has something big in 24-70 apparently for 2014, and Canon might bring the patented and much desired 24-70 IS. In fact, Canon might be required to do so if Sigma brings a 24-70/2, and Tamron already having out a 24-70 w/ image stabilization.

ALSO, keep in mind there appears to be a design/manufacturing problem with the 24-70 II. A large amount of them click or squeak when zooming either right out of the box, or over time; there are two active threads on the forum about this now. Not good for a $2200 lens.

 

[Drizzt321]

If you've got the money and inclination, buy the Canon right now. Until Sigma officially announces whatever they're working on, assume they don't have it. And when they finally do announce it, wait until reviewers you trust and produce good, real reviews to get their hands on retail versions and give it a whirl.

 

[BozillaNZ]

24-70 II is the most satisfying lens to use after the 70-200 II. Every time I look at the photos taken by it I am amazed by the color rendition and smooth bokeh it gives (no need to mention sharpness, it is the sharpest lens I've used), at the same time offers good mobility. No IS might be a shame but it depends on your intended use.

Tripod landscape? This lens has it. f2.8 portait? Yes can be done. General workaround in day time? No problem.

Only ultra low light no flash situation and no moving people calls for IS.

Also regards to sigma F2 zoom, I don't think it would be feasible. Look at their 24-105 F4, it's already 880g. Their 18-35 F1.8 cropper is 810g. Canon's 24-70 II is lighter than both at 800g. Even if they somehow manages to come up a 24-70 F2, the weight alone would be a show stopper. Just look at how much weight gain a lens gets when it is merely 1 stop faster. And 1.5kg for a standard zoom? no thanks!