70-200mm f/2.8L EF ZOOM USM LENS - IS or not

[J Douglas Moore]

I am ready to spend some money and really want to go the IS lens...... I would like some opinions on the IS. good or bad.... worth the extra money??

[Holloran Grade]

A similar model is my next lens.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=USA&A=details

This essentially the same lens with the IS feature.

I want this lens for use in low light, so the IS is worth the extra $1,000.00 to me - your mileage may vary.

If you are planning on using this in full sun to moderate light I think it will work well for you.

I already have a 100-400mm that is a very good lens, but I want the f2.8, whereas the 100-400mm is a f4.4 to 5.6.

It works good on hill tops such as:

PhotoID: 394164 Photograph © EL ROCO Photography

PhotoID: 396055 Photograph © EL ROCO Photography

[BUFFIE]

That second shot (PhotoID: 396055) is way cool

DB

[Holloran Grade]

Originally Posted by BUFFIE

That second shot (PhotoID: 396055) is way cool

DB

Thank you, they were both taken from the same spot with the same lens.

[jnohallman]

It depends. Do you often use a tripod when shooting, especially in low light? Keep in mind that they tell you to turn the IS off when shooting from a tripod.

Jon

[Dennis A. Livesey]

A vote for IS. I have the 70-200mm f/4 IS and the value of the IS has proven itself time and time again.
If the 2.8 IS is too much money, consider the f/4 version. It is the sharpest lens I have ever owned.

[JRMDC]

Originally Posted by jnohallman

It depends. Do you often use a tripod when shooting, especially in low light? Keep in mind that they tell you to turn the IS off when shooting from a tripod.

Jon

I believe "they" haven't "told you" to turn off IS when using a tripod, in a long long time. Here is an apparently old web page that says IS technology began to detect tripod presence back in 2000. And it says that IS can detect mirror shake and thus has a role to play even when on a tripod.

http://www.dlcphotography.net/TripodAndIS.htm

[Dennis A. Livesey]

Originally Posted by JRMDC

I believe "they" haven't "told you" to turn off IS when using a tripod, in a long long time. Here is an apparently old web page that says IS technology began to detect tripod presence back in 2000. And it says that IS can detect mirror shake and thus has a role to play even when on a tripod.

http://www.dlcphotography.net/TripodAndIS.htm

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II USM instruction manual says you may use it on a tripod but that under certain conditions you may want to turn image stabilization off. It is vague as to what those conditions are.

The manual does say you must turn off IS when using Blub or time exposure.

[Hatchetman]

you need to turn it off when panning, which could be done on a tripod. (?)

[Holloran Grade]

Originally Posted by Dennis A. Livesey

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II USM instruction manual says you may use it on a tripod but that under certain conditions you may want to turn image stabilization off. It is vague as to what those conditions are.

The manual does say you must turn off IS when using Blub or time exposure.

The IS runs the battery down and if you are on a tripod, you don't need it.

I want to use the 2.8 for hand held shots which is why I will end up paying for the expensive one.

[Dennis A. Livesey]

I hear you on the f/2.8. Many is the time the f/4 on my two L lenses is not enough to stop action.

On the other hand, the 70-200 f/4 is lighter to carry.

One thing I do not miss about my film Nikons; just how darn heavy they are!

[milwman]

Originally Posted by Dennis A. Livesey

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II USM instruction manual says you may use it on a tripod but that under certain conditions you may want to turn image stabilization off. It is vague as to what those conditions are.

The manual does say you must turn off IS when using Blub or time exposure.

With short exposers leave it on 1/500 with long ones 1/8 the IS may move the lenses inside more then the camera is moving, Find out with test shots before your train shows up.

[Hatchetman]

I have the 2.8 IS II and would highly recommend it. However, shooting trains I rarely need the extra speed. Indoors you have to have it.