Canon 70-200 F4L - IS OR NOT TO IS.

[minky_monkey]

I`ve made a decision to upgrade to one the above lenses. I can`t go to the 2.8 and to be honest I tried one on the front of my 350d and it`s too front heavy and unbalanced, as expected to be honest.

So, it`s basically a choice of the above. How much difference does the IS make? I`ve got one being sent down from another store so I can test them next to each other.

Would you say that it`s worth basically double the price? What I don`t want to do is buy the non IS and them regret it!:lol:

What do you reckon?

[Sisteron]

I have the IS version with the last few months.I use it for motorsports work and I love it.

If your using it on the 350d I would advice fitting a battery grip because it adds more balance.When it comes time to invest just get in touch with kerso

[oldgit]

Simple...
IS Rules!

It can't stop action, but it is a lifesaver.

[russdaz]

I got the f2.8 with IS.

Cant say it has much effect when panning fast. great for slower static targets

[CT]

IS is the most significant development in lenses since AF. I wish all my lenses were IS. Once you're accustomed to using IS lenses and pick up a non IS one you're really aware of just how much that viewfinder image is jittering about.

You don't buy this stuff every day... so stretch to the IS version if you can. If not f4 is still reasonably fast but with IS you can go 2 to 3 stops slower - more sometimes, but it's not guaranteed.

[minky_monkey]

Thanks for that, it looks like I`m going to have the IS one. They`re ordering it in for me so I can have a try.

I`ve already got a battery grip, so that should assist matters.

[Forbiddenbiker]

VR every time if i could. ;)

kinda makes the lens a fake 2.8+ ... if the conditions are right. ...gotta be worth it. :thumbs:

[pxl8]

I've often wondered about upgrading my 70-200 f/4 to the 2.8 IS but when I think about my uses I can't see how the IS would be a benefit to me as subject blur would become a real issue from the slower shutter speeds IS allows.

CT's comment about a stable viewfinder image is interesting and something I hadn't previously considered is how it could help AF and manual focus esp. in low light.

Hmmm....

[EOS_JD]

My main wedding lens. Even in dar churches with slow shutter speeds I can get sharp images at 1/30th (subjects not moving fast) at 200mm!!!

Even for panning IS is a help - Mode 2 works by stabalising the up/down motion of the lens so you can pan at slow shutter speeds and still get great sharp images with motion in them (like blurred wheels of a car or blurred propelor blades of an aircraft).

IS is amazing..... I now have 3 L lenses with IS.

[minky_monkey]

Well, your advice was taken and this morning I had the pleasure of unwrapping my new lens.:woot:

I`m sooooooooo glad I got the IS version, it`s the first one I`ve got and I`ll have to say it`s going to be a major consideration of any future purchase. Can`t wait to try it out properly.:D

[Grendel]

Congratulations on the purchase. You did the right thing going for the IS :thumbs:

[moomike]

Congratulations on the purchase. You did the right thing going for the IS :thumbs:

I agree with that one, not a necessity but you definately miss it when you're used to it & its gone! I use mine like Pxl8 stated & it certainly does make manual focusing easier in all conditions.
Looking forward to some pics from your new toy soon :thumbs:

[CT]

Congratulations on a decision I'm sure you wont regret. :)

[oldgit]

:agree: L and IS :thumbs:
Doesnt get any better than that.

Enjoy