Do I need the IS?

[ERI]

I'm planning on getting a 70-200 2.8L and I'm wondering - do I need to save for the IS?

I do a lot of shooting at night, most without flash however a 580EX will soon be part of my kit.

Most of the subject matter is 'news' type shots, accidents, fires etc

I'm quite happy with my tripod however with the addition of the 580EX do I need IS?

[condyk]

You could get a nice carbon fibre monopod. I'd always recommend Feisol. I found a decent ballhead like the Manfrotto 488 RC2 added some flexibility. You can sling the whole mono/body/lens combo over your shoulder as it's nice and secure.

[dandan]

YES, for what you do you NEED the IS.. its like having a 3stop faster lens of nothing on your shot is moving

[Mitcon]

I've not found a NEED for it but I would say it's handy, but it's no replacement for a decent tripod/monopod then either for that matter. Heck I've been playing with a 500mm f6.3 lens in the dark handheld with the 580EX on the camera. I'd also say IS gives you maybe 2 stops, 3 is a bit keen for my liking, but each to their own.

I guess it depends alot on your abilities/skills maybe, but I'd sooner splash the cash on the flash than IS for my own needs.

[Sean-Mcr]

I'd have to question how useful IS would be shooting such scenes if emergency crews were still on the scene its only the shutter that will freeze them. News type shots? Its fast shutter or flash all the way, unless you're on the scene after the event of course, and your subjects are static.

[SkipD]

I fought over the same decision last year and opted to go for the IS. After having used it, I could never go back. The IS allows you to do things that would be impossible - the grab shot in dimmer light, for example. It is true that IS won't do a thing to stop motion withing the subject material, but so often it's just holding the camera/lens steady that is a problem (such as no tripod or no time to set one up) and IS helps to resolve that problem.

I once took a shot at a couple of deer which were in my yard - and on their way out - with the 70-200 IS (at 200mm) connected to the camera via a 1.4X extender. This combination was a true 280mm lens, equivalent to a 448mm lens on a 35mm film camera. I had time for one quick grab shot and didn't even look at the camera settings. It was on an automatic exposure mode. When I took the image off the camera, I noticed that the deers' legs were quite blurry. The surrounding stuff - trees, etc. - were not super sharp, but acceptable. I then looked at the EXIF data and found that I had taken the shot with a shutter speed of only 1/15 second. IS is ASTOUNDING.....

[Sean-Mcr]

If i was going to have one it would be the IS version, if costs an issue for you then for what you're shooting flash and the shutter could be enough.

If its a live scene i'd rely less on a tripod, you need to move fast both with your feet and lens.

[pturton]

Sean has said it right! A tripod or monopod is not desirable in locations where you may need to change your shooting position quickly or where others may trip over your equipment.

IS will not stop subject movement but practice allows you to anticipate the proper moment to shoot catching the human subject that has paused briefly.

The 70-200 f/2.8 L IS also has weather proofing that is not included with other 70-200 models. This is a big plus for news coverage since news seems to happen whether the weather is dry or teaming rain.

When shooting using flash as the main light, I usually turn off the IS.