Alright, I think I made an ignorant decision...

Well, last summer, I bought myself a t2i. A few weeks later, I went to Utah but before I went I bought the 70-200mm f/4L w/out IS. I felt this was a good decision at the time, as I definitely needed the longer range for my trip. Also, I saw the "L" so I jumped all over that.

After periodic uses throughout the year, I have suffered from the lack of Image Stabilization.

I am thinking about selling this lens (they're going for about the same price I bought it for) and purchasing a new lens.

Does anyone have any tips for a replacement? I don't want to spend more than $700 and remember this is for a t2i. The ranges I would like to have covered are around 70-200. Something a bit wider or a bit zoomier would be looked at too. And I am welcome to all brands such as Canon, Tamron, Sigma, etc.

Thanks,

Zach

55-250 IS
70-300 IS

You are getting blurry images? Are you trying to shoot at night?

FredM wrote in post #12171807
You are getting blurry images? Are you trying to shoot at night?

Not all are blurry. But when I'm zoomed in all the way, I definitely notice the lack of IS. I don't use this lens too often so whenever I need to, I make sure to take 3 or 4 shots of whatever I'm shooting just to make sure I get a crisp one. This is obviously most apparent in the shade.

Don't get me wrong, this is a very nice lens. I just think I would make the most out of something else.

twoshadows, that 55-250 looks interesting. I could use the wider end and even the longer one. How is image quality on those two?

used 70-300 on several occasion.
dont like it..
But that is an opinion from someone who got a 70-200 f2.8 IS II

maybe you are better served by 150-500?
i have been trying to get my hands on the Bigma.
Sounds good on paper. and the added range and OS sounds nice

if i do get it, ill let you know.

slapshot36227 wrote in post #12171789
After periodic uses throughout the year, I have suffered from the lack of Image Stabilization.

What shutter speeds are you using when you feel that you need IS (Image Stabilization)?

slapshot36227 wrote in post #12171789
Does anyone have any tips for a replacement? I don't want to spend more than $700 and remember this is for a t2i. The ranges I would like to have covered are around 70-200. Something a bit wider or a bit zoomier would be looked at too.

What do you mean by "zoomier"? It could mean that you want a zoom lens with more total range (minimum to maximum focal length) or you may just be using the term to mean "longer focal length".

The term "zoom" actually has nothing to do with focal length values, per se. "Zoom" only means that a lens' focal length is adjustable.


I don't think you could do any better than the 70-200 that you have unless you're willing to spend a bit of money to get the IS version or even the f/2.8 IS version. Of course, learning how to hold the camera/lens steadily would help. Many photographers that I see have never learned how to hold a camera steady by using their body geometry appropriately.

How about saving up $200-300 more and getting the one with IS?

It is even optically better then the non-IS supposedly... Although honestly, I did not see a difference when I used both.

Used IS models go for $900-1000.

Consider what you may possibly be doing wrong before you buy or sell. Try a monopod too

The 70-200mm lens is very nice. Might want to try a monopod?

slapshot36227 wrote in post #12171828
twoshadows, that 55-250 looks interesting. I could use the wider end and even the longer one. How is image quality on those two?

Dunno. I haven't owned either of them. If I had to choose, I'd save my money and get the 55-250 IS - OR - try to find a 70-200 f/4 IS used (after saving another $300, of course).

Good luck.

Do you have any sample images? What shutter speeds were you using? What ISO?

I would suggest saving the cash for the IS version, and selling the 70-200 to make up the difference when you need it.

The lens is great. You are obviously not using it correctly. IS, is totally for noobs. If you shoot fast enough SS you wont ever need IS.

Daship wrote in post #12172003
IS, is totally for noobs. If you shoot fast enough SS you wont ever need IS.

Let me introduce you to my friend indoor lighting.

Daship wrote in post #12172003
The lens is great. You are obviously not using it correctly. IS, is totally for noobs. If you shoot fast enough SS you wont ever need IS.

AH-HA HA HA HA!!!!

Tommydigi wrote in post #12171953
Consider what you may possibly be doing wrong before you buy or sell. Try a monopod too

Tommy is exactly right as i recently turned the IS off on my 100-400L and at 400mm on a monopod i had no problem at all providing i kept the SS up around 1/400 and higher.

I have been considering selling or trading my UY 100-400L for the 400/f5.6 Prime since i have the 70-200MKII and it takes a 1.4 TC so well.

Regards,