70-200 L -v- 70-200 L IS

[enigmatic]

Help.

I've read loads of postings in the forums here and at photo.net and I'm still undecided.

I've hankered after a Canon EF 70-200 lens for some time and I am now in a position to buy. I have managed to save enough to buy the 70-200L IS lens plus some other bits and pieces.

The question is, do I really need the IS? If I don't get the IS, I can get other equipment (Manfrotto tripod).

I would normally say get the top of the range otherwise I will always wish I had. But seeing a saving of over $1000AUS on the non-IS model I could buy another lens (100mm Macro) or an extender.

Long term, I hope to get into Motorsport photography and perhaps some nature work. For now, I'd use the lens for some nature/landscape shots and maybe some people photos.

Portability is another consideration as at the moment I'm often out photographing with an 8 month baby in tow. We have enough weight to carry around ;-)

Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

[Pekka]

I'm very happy with the non-IS version. I do use a monopod for stability if I shoot in concert halls and for me the only reason to get IS would to be able to work without a monopod for while. As the monopod is mainly for carrying weight and not a tripod substitute having IS would mean there is slightly longer shooting time without monopod but in the end you'd need it anyway when you tire too much.

IS is a cool thing. One day I'll most likely get IS version, but one mental "obstacle" is apparent quality difference - IS version is not as sharp (small difference but in MTF). I'll have to check about that and do some comparisons, don't want to loose any quality as my 70-200 is flawless. But there is also the fact that IS version has much better bokeh, and that is also very important. IS version has also faster AF motor. Tempting.

Check out 135/2, too (+ 1.4X Mark II extender). Good for people shots and easier to carry. Or 85/1.8.

For motorsports you'd need 100-400 more than 70-200 (motorsports shooters correct me if I'm wrong).

[Beech2]

I have both lens and I use the IS for weddings when flash cannot be used and a tripod is not possible. I use the non IS on tripods. I don't notice much difference in picture quality between the two lens, however there may be.

[tofuboy]

Besides IS and subtle differences in image quality, I think (and I may be wrong) that the IS version is dust and weather proof when used with a compatible camera.

[djtowle]

I have both right now. Have used the non-is for some years and really like it and the focal length. I held off on the IS for quite some time (until this week in fact) wondering if it was necessary. I finally decided that I really use this lens handheld most of the time, and often with the 1.4x converter. so IS it is.

I've only just taken a few shots with it so I can't say much for quality comparison, But some flying bird snaps, handheld with 1.4 tc were quite sharp, and I feel a much higher percentage were sharp then with the non-IS.

Also note the IS is Heavier then the non.

I don't think you'll go wrong with either, just think about how you would like to use it. Shots of oppurtunity go IS, set up with tripod or brightlight/high iso, non-iso.

Hope this helps a little.

[MarkH]

I shoot motorsports including some rally action on gravel, sometimes there is a lot of dust in the air. I have decided to save for the 70-200 f2.8L IS because I can use IS at times and it is weather sealed. When you combine the weather sealing with the lens not changing length when focusing or zooming this lens should be a much better choice for shooting in dust or rain than most.


Here is an example:
http://www.gigatech.co.nz/RallySprint04/IMG_1909.htm

[enigmatic]

Thanks all for your comments - this really is an excellent forum!

Thinking about it some more, I reckon I'll probably go with the non IS model and I'll use the the balance to get other stuff for now.

I'm still only getting back into my photography and trying to work out exactly what I want/need.

I think l'll start saving for the 100-400 IS USM model if I'm going to get into the Motorsport stuff. May be able to have it in time for Bathurst next year ;-)

Cheers,

Chris