canon 70 200mm f/4l or wait for IS?

I have spent years taking photos of my friends' and family's children and have recently started a small business doing the same for others. I will be doing some family portraits, and some indoor infant photos...but mostly will be following toddlers around outside to try to capture a great moment.

I have the Canon 10D and am researching new lenses. I think that the 70-200 f/2.8l is too large and heavy. I think the 70-200 f/4l is the right lense, but don't know whether I should wait for the new IS to come out in November. I've heard conflicting reports about how helpful it is.

I currently am using an EF 28-105 1:3.5-4.5 that I have from my old film SLR. Obviously, I am having a very difficult time capturing photos even in the shade on a very sunny day. I just haven't felt able to justify such a large purchase until now.

Either lense will be a HUGE improvement over what I have, but want to try to get the best lense for my needs. I don't mind spending the extra on the IS, but don't want to do so if I don't need it. Also, does the IS make it heavier?

Thanks!

Welcome to the forums!

IS model is 780g vs the Non-IS's weight of 705g according to Canon USA's website. I don't understand why you said you're having problems capturing photos in the shade on a sunny day, though.

tsm wrote in post #2109338
I will be doing some family portraits, and some indoor infant photos...but mostly will be following toddlers around outside to try to capture a great moment.

The 7-2f4 isn't ideal for indoor photos, but it's stellar outdoors. For your outside shots of toddlers in action, if you've ruled out the f2.8 lenses, then the 7-2f4 will do very well, and IS isn't going to do a whole lot for you if you're trying to capture action. If money and time aren't issues, then by all means, wait for the IS version, but otherwise, in terms of what you want to do and bang for buck, the non-IS is spectacular. IMO, it's the sharpest and most contrasty of all the 7-2 lenses.

IS is only worthwhile if you're shooting in low light.

Consider price too...IIRC the IS version is projected to be priced around $1k...whereas you can get the non-IS for $550 shipped already...and once the IS is released it will go even further down.

try this one, its a lot lighter than those big white 200s and its more compact as well (this is the next baby i am saving up for):

Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens

The 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens is an ultra compact telephoto zoom lens that offers superior performance and incorporates DO (Diffractive Optics) and IS (Image Stabilizing) technology.

Use of Diffraction Optics allows lenses to be designed so that they are shorter and lighter than comparable refractive optical systems.

The lens' AF is super-fast and silent with a ring-type USM, focuses down to 4.6 feet, and features a new zoom lock button that keeps the lens safe and secure when not in use or used at the wide angle setting. The ideal lens for sports, portraiture, animals etc.

Key Features

•
3 UD elements eliminate secondary spectrum chromatic aberration

•
Three-layer type DO (Diffractive Optics) lens is optimised for zoom lens optics and provides class-leading low size and weight

•
Optimised lens coating to minimise ghosting and flare

•
Zoom ring locking mechanism that locks the lens at its shortest total length

•
Image Stabilizer gives equivalent effect of a shutter speed three stops faster during hand-held shooting

•
Circular aperture producing attractive background defocus

•
Manual focusing enabled even during the AF mode

I just received an 70-200 IS and I am glad I waited and, in my opinion, worth the extra $$$.

positive :
- shoots well in low light!
- On the IS there are 2 modes (when on)
1 - corrects all vibrations
2 - pan setting - corrects vibrations and shaking only in the direction at right angles to the camrea's panning movement.

negative:
- weighs 3.2 lbs
- I understand that it wont take the 2x converter very well.

If you choose the EF 1.4X extender it will put you at the 98-280mm range.

There are many threads on this .... do a search.

-D

Where were you able to purchase the 70-200 IS? I didn't think it was available yet...

It could be that there may be some 70-200/4's for sale in great condition soon as people go for the IS version.

Dumale wrote in post #2110550
negative:
- weighs 3.2 lbs

believe it or not, i actually like the extra weight. besides feeling sturdy, it helps keep hand shake lower (at least for first 30 seconds or so of panning... i'm not a strong guy).

there's always the sigma 2.8, it's far smaller than canon version, and it does have hsm.

I own the 70-200 f/4 and totally love it. It's a fantastic lens, truly superb.

i have also been lucky enough to handle the new IS version - and the IS is great!

It also doubles the cost of the lens, at least here in the UK ( not that they are shipping yet). IMO that is way too much money, it's only a few hundred more for a 70-200 f/2.8 IS !

But if you don't mind the price, IS is well worth having.

tsm wrote in post #2111888
Where were you able to purchase the 70-200 IS? I didn't think it was available yet...

If i'm not mistaken, he's talking about the f/2.8L IS not the f/4L IS which isn't out yet.

steved110 wrote in post #2112234
I own the 70-200 f/4 and totally love it. It's a fantastic lens, truly superb.

i have also been lucky enough to handle the new IS version - and the IS is great!

It also doubles the cost of the lens, at least here in the UK ( not that they are shipping yet). IMO that is way too much money, it's only a few hundred more for a 70-200 f/2.8 IS !

But if you don't mind the price, IS is well worth having.

Seriously. What the hell were they thinking about when they priced it. $150-200 USD more sounds much more fair for the IS version.

basroil wrote in post #2112156
believe it or not, i actually like the extra weight. besides feeling sturdy, it helps keep hand shake lower (at least for first 30 seconds or so of panning... i'm not a strong guy).

there's always the sigma 2.8, it's far smaller than canon version, and it does have hsm.

Yes, I was speaking about the EF 70-200mm 2.8 L IS.

I don't think the weight is a problem at all either.
Some people have to factor in the weight when carring two or three cameras while running here and there during a game/event.

In the end its your decision, if helps if you can about how your going to use it.

My two pixels,
-D