IS anyone using a sigma 24-70 on the 7D. Really want the Canon 24-70L but its a bit too pricey at the moment. Wondering if the Sigma option is a good alternative.

I have the Tamaron version. Same spec. It's great! A little over $400 at BH. A good walk around lens.

I have the 24-70mm Sigma Macro, and to put it simply...

IT ROCKS:
Flickr: Sigma 24-70/2.8 EX DG MACRO (http://www.flickr.com/groups/86814846@N00/)

It works great on the 5D or 7D. It's very similar in quality to the Canon L-series 24-70mm, but less than half the price. It's parfocal, fast, sharp, and has great minimum focus distance.

I recently got the Canon L version finally, and to tell the truth it's not tremendously better. It has a smoother feel in the zoom/focus than the Sigma, and it's much quieter. But image quality - I can't see the difference.

That being said, the 24-70 focal length on the 7D is a shift towards normal-telephoto range. So if you love going wide, this lens will disappoint you on the 7D. On the 5D, this is about perfect for me. Hence why on the 7D, I prefer the 17-55mm range.

-steev

I have the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 as well and I use it on my 5D Mk2. I am happy with it. I have used the Canon version as well and while it's nice to have the L quality build, image wise they are similar enough that I'm not saving up for a Canon 24-70.

Thanks for everybodies responses. I think I am going to just sell the 18-135 and go with the sigma 24-70. Granted I will be loosing the low end wide, but I'll be gaining the speed, which is what I really want at this point. I think my try to supplement with a solid 20mm. I have borrowed the Canon EF 20mm and it does rather nice on the 7D. Really no distortion. Anyone tried the Sigma 20mm f1.8? Looks pretty awesome. :)

Amazon.com: Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX DG RF Aspherical Wide Angle Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-Aspherical-Angle-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00005RKSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1257984589&sr=8-1)

Used the 24-70 sigma on my 5Dmk2 90% of the time. Great lens for the costs. It has a warmer tone to the imaging that I've noticed.

Great macro ability also.

Anyone tried the Sigma 20mm f1.8? Looks pretty awesome. :)

Amazon.com: Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX DG RF Aspherical Wide Angle Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-Aspherical-Angle-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00005RKSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1257984589&sr=8-1)

Heh heh.. you're bringing up all these lenses I have. The Sigma 20mm f1.8.. yes very alluring and affordable... and it is a nice lens indeed. However, it was widely reported being "soft" at f1.8, and it most definitely is true. You should think of this lens as an f2.8 because that's when it gets useably sharp. However the case can be made for using the f1.8 softness for effect, but in my opinion, I'd rather soften up in post and have a sharp lens at f1.8. With all that said, I haven't sold the lens off - I still have it in the arsenal. But I have since tested and seen a lens that really smokes the performance of the Sigma - the Lumix 20mm f1.7. I know, I know.. that's for Lumix cameras, but it was eye opening to see how sharp a 20mm lens can be.

My recent tests here:

7D, 5DMkII, GH1 Lens Tests on Vimeo

-steev