Yet another lens dilema

[photostar_1]

Just when I had decided I was definately, definately going to get the 70-200mm f2.8 L USM....I discovered it comes in IS or non-IS flavours!! Now what do I do?

It's a heavy lens, and I flutter about like a (heavyweight) reed in a breeze, so IS sounds good to me....but are there any downsides to IS? :shrug:

 

[oldgit]

Basically No.

IS cant stop action, you need a fast shutter speed for that, but that is where f2.8 comes in
IS means you can hand hold 2-3 stops (or more) slower and still get pin sharp results. 200mm @ 1/50th (on a 1.6x body) is Ok.

Some say the non IS version is sharper, but it is very marginal .. its not possible to be much sharper (and you can turn it off ).

Cost is the other factor, but if you dont get IS you'll probably wish you had.

... my advice go get the full monty.

 

[oldgit]

If weight is a serious factor AND you can live without the f2.8 then the 70-200 f4 IS is a real winner. As sharp as the f2.8, lighter, has 3 stop IS and costs stacks less.

 

[Witch]

I don't think you'll find many downsides to the IS Carole. I'm guessing it adds a little to the weight of the lens, but then the IS kicking in should make up for that so....:shrug:

Remember also that you can turn the IS off when you don't want/need it.

70-200mm f2.8 L IS - go on, you know you want to!

 

[Witch]

If weight is a serious factor AND you can live without the f2.8 then the 70-200 f4 IS is a real winner. As sharp as the f2.8, lighter, has 3 stop IS and costs stacks less.

This is a seriously good point. Are you likely to be particularlyneeding the f2.8 do you think? Of course, if you're considering adding a TC to it to increase total reach then you might decide that you'd be compromising too much with loss of light at that stage.....

 

[photostar_1]

Thanks Oldgit (I really don't like calling you that!) and Witch.......now, off to Kerso......where's me cheque book......anyone know where I put it?

 

[chewyuk]

Oh I'm jealous, I want a 70-200 F4 it's a solid buy, if I could stretch to that I would, but I can't right now... Not with a wedding and all

 

[Joe T]

Chewy getting married??? You found a female Wookie then??? Is she as hairy as you????

 

[SDK^]

If weight is a serious factor AND you can live without the f2.8 then the 70-200 f4 IS is a real winner. As sharp as the f2.8, lighter, has 3 stop IS and costs stacks less.

The 70-200 F4 IS has 4 stop IS

 

[sonny]

Are you going to be using it on your 400D? The 2.8L IS is a big lens and the 400D can handle the big white zoom, but give it a lil more support than you normally would!