70-200L 2.8 - IS OR NOT??? (i could use some help)

hey all, hows it going?

I have a Rebel XT, and the 17-85 IS lens, and i am looking to get the 70-200 2.8.
Spending $1000 on a lens is quite a bit, but i am willing to do it, because i know it is a good piece of glass. I CAN NOT decide wether or not to get the IS or not. For almost $600 dollars more is it worth it?

I have the 17-85 IS, and i absolutely love the IS feature. BUT, since i already have it on that one, is it needed on the 70-200 too? I want it, but cant make up my mind to spend the 600 extra bones.
I am the type of person that down the road will wish i had gotten it, if i didnt make the purchase in the beginning, but do you all suggest it?
And you that did not get the IS, do you wish you did?
I really am not up for the f/4 IS, because i think i could use the f2.8 a whole lot more.
Then again, when shooting inside, will a f/4 work? or should i stick with the 2.8?

Really, i guess my decision is: "f/2.8" or "f/4 IS" ---- OR! is it best to just go all out: "f/2.8 IS"
I have been waiting for the f/4 IS for a while, but lately been thinking that 2.8 would be a better decision. But then, what do i know?
Guys and gals... please help me.

thanks

It's a hard decision for many folks. With the new f4IS coming, the decision is even harder. You should note that the f2.8 lenses are quite a bit heftier than the f4 lenses, so if weight is any issue for you, stick to the f4 IS. But the ultimate is, without a doubt, the f2.8IS.

IS is MUCH more useful on telephoto lenses. I went with the 70-200 nonIS but im kicking myself in the face now, because im getting a 1series body and the nonIS isnt weather sealed, whereas the IS is. so thats one thing to keep in mind. If you can handle the wieght, and the price, the 70-200 2.8 IS is one of canon's finest with no doubt.

I would go for the IS if you can.

Well, thanks guys, i will probably try to get the 2.8 IS then, i just wanted to get more opinions on it.

malla1962, you say a camera, lens "left eye" and right finger in your signature. You use your left eye? What does everyone elso use? I use my right eye for some reason.

First i can say that i am so happy with my IS version and i never look back.
second, i use my right eye, and i feel that it is more accurate than my left eye, but that could be only me.

I posted a "right eye, left eye" poll in the general chat section.... lets see where this goes... lolololol
(i am auctually excited about this)

I think my right eye is more accutate as well, but i am going out tonight, and i am going to try my left eye and see what happens...lol

Get it

he doesnt have anything under 2.8 so im not sure he knows the true value of something faster. dont settle for the 4 and if you think you might want IS why not save the extra cash.

The question has been asked before.

Anyway ... I would get the f4 IS if it gets good reviews from respected independant individuals. If not then I would get the Sigma 70-200mm 2.8. I only think it's worth spending out for the Canon 2.8 IS if you really can afford it and you need the IS feature. I wouldn't bother with the Canon non IS myself. The extra cash isn't worth it over the Sigma in my opinion.

I have the 70-200 f2.8L non-IS, but only because I bought mine before they made the IS version. If I were to buy the lens today, I'd get the IS.

Mark

I would say if you get the 2.8 get the IS. As far as the f/4, I have this lens (obviously non IS) for my shooting style I can manage with out it. It would probably be helpful for slower non panning shutter speeds. But personally if I were to let the IS be the decicing factor I would choose the f/2.8.

the eye thing..............

eveyone had a different "dominanat" eye.

People who shot guns that are right handed that are left eye dominant will often try to "train" their right eye.

Photogs, not a big of deal..............

f/2.8 IS

Save up and get it..........U mentioned yourself about "down" the road.

I was amazed at the IS when I got mine. The "L" versions IS are so much faster then the ones that are non-L's

Good Luck!

Surfologist,

I just went through the same dilemma as you and ended purchasing the 2.8 IS.
The price has dropped and dropped over the last year.
The extra light over the 4 is worth the weight penalty to me when I need fast shutter speeds. This lens as many reviews out there, virtually all favorable. This is the second day out with this lens. I even had to take it to work !

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