Bit Of Lens Help?

[Plotloss]

Hi all,

Question for you experienced types.

Mate of mine is looking for a 70-200 lens for his digital SLR.

He has seen one that he very much fancies and has a couple of questions that I thought would be well asked here.

Its a Canon EF 70-200 IS USM

Apparently there are two versions, one with 'image stabilising' and one without.

So, is the image stabilised version worth the doubling in cost and whats the best (see cheapest) place to score such an item?

Many thanks in advance.

[luca brazzi]

I got the IS one, and the difference in performance is staggering. Whether its worth the price, only the buyer can decide. I'm glad I got the IS one, as it helps you get sharp pictures at incredibly low shutter speeds (at 200mm) that you'd otherwise stuggle with.

LB

As for where, there's Ebay or warehouse express, or 7dayshop. Or get jessops to price match


>> Edited by luca brazzi on Tuesday 9th August 15:24

[Plotloss]

Did you compare them back to back Steve?

[GetCarter]

Hi Matt

I don't do Canon, but would suggest that the deciding factor would be how much low light - non tripod work the chap is doing. On sunny days he'll be fine - but at 200 in low light (effective 300 for a DSLR) he'll be getting some fairly serious wobble. I just bought a Nikon VR lens (similar) which makes hand held telephoto stuff BANG in focus.

Also to be considered is how much of a cut you are taking for giving him the advice

Steve

PS... BANG in focus handheld stuff here: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=109&t=199367

>> Edited by GetCarter on Tuesday 9th August 16:15

[luca brazzi]

Plotloss said:

Did you compare them back to back Steve?

Yes. At Park Cameras in Sussex. Also tried the Sigma equivalent - too noisy and hunting around for focus.

Big difference in money though, so think long and hard, then get the IS one

LB

[Bee_Jay]

The 70-200L 2.8 IS one is outstanding - a dream lens and a workhorse (along with the 24-70L 2.8) for most pros.

For some comparisons, read www.fredmiranda.com - however if it were my choice and my money, I would go with the IS.

>> Edited by Bee_Jay on Tuesday 9th August 16:18

[monkeyhanger]

If he has the cash to spend then the 70-200 IS is probably the best zoom lens in the Canon range...i was tempted but common sense dictated that i went for the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and it's plenty good enough for me...


www.digitalrev.com/ebay had the 70-200 IS for around the £1K mark last time i looked. I got my 20D from them and will be using them again in future

>> Edited by monkeyhanger on Tuesday 9th August 18:31

[dcw@pr]

Bee_Jay said:

The 70-200L 2.8 IS one is outstanding - a dream lens and a workhorse (along with the 24-70L 2.8) for most pros.

i would agree with everyone here, the 70-200mm L IS f/2.8 is probably the best lens I have ever used, a real monster. however, I really don't understand this obsession people have with the 24-70, as one of the local forum members will tell you (I had a rant at him about it the other day)

if you are in the market for lenses get a 70-200, 17-40 and a 50mm f/1.8 (or 1.4 if you are feeling flash). the 50mm is cheaper, faster, smaller and allows more creative freedom with DOF control. The only thing you lose is the 30mm zoom range, but (here's the secret!) you can just walk back or forward a few meters to get the same effect!!! please stop the 24-70 myth!

sorry to go off topic, but it's a pet peeve of mine. back to the main subject...

[ehasler]

Each to their own I guess... I've got the 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8 IS and the 24-70 is fitted to the camera 80% of the time. I've only actually used the 70-200 a handful of times. In fact, mine doesn't work properly, and it took me about 3 months to find out

It is a lovely lens though, and the IS is amazing - well worth the money. I got mine through DigitalRev who were the cheapest I could find at the time (wouldn't recommend them though), but 7dayshop seem to be pretty cheap and in my experience give good service.

[rude girl]

I've got the normal 70-300 lens and Herr Rude has the IS 70-300. There's no comparison, his is way better both on the 300D body and the 350D body. If I was buying again, I'd get the IS.

[Plotloss]

Wow!

Thank you so much fellas for all the advice and opinions.

I've passed it all on and he now seems dead set for the IS version as DigitalRev have it for £920 odd which seems very competetive compared to most other prices.

PH to the rescue once more, brilliant.