70-200 f2.8 - IS or non IS ?
70-200 f2.8 - IS or non IS ?
Author
Discussion

nickd01

Original Poster:

639 posts

246 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
I'm upgrading my Canon 70-200 f4 L lens and am after the 70-200 f2.8 L lens.

I'm stuck as to whether to go the extra cash for the Image Stabilised version. I'm tempted not to, as it's a shed load extra - I've never had IS before and don't think I'll miss it. But does anyone have any experience with either or both of the lenses or with IS in general?

Oh, and is anyone after a well cared for 70-200 f4 L lens?!

bramley

1,692 posts

239 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
I've got the IS version. Never used the non-IS version but I would certainly recommend IS and encourage you to spend the extra. In six months time you'll have forgotten about the extra cost. I'd always be thinking "Should I have got the IS version? - probably yes!". If you gonna spend a fair chunk, may as well futureproof it by spending a bit more imo.

Altrezia

8,742 posts

242 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
IS is great, my photos would ALL be blurry without it!

Andy M

3,755 posts

290 months

Friday 16th November 2007
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The f2.8 IS is excellent - highly recommended smile

Gemm

1,833 posts

246 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
Definitely go for IS if you can afford it.

nickd01

Original Poster:

639 posts

246 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
Gemm said:
Definitely go for IS if you can afford it.
Thats the thing - I cant actually afford it at the moment and I'd have to wait a while to get the IS one. Whereas, the non-IS is affordable now!
And obviously now is good as I have a holiday coming up I'd want to use it on....

But, if the IS is really worth hanging out for then I will.

VxDuncan

2,850 posts

265 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
Depends what sort of photography you're into as well. If you're ever gunna find yourself trying to take an image of a monk in temple lit by shafts of light and incense sticks or shooting gorillas in lush vegetation half way up a volcano in Rwanda you'll kick yourself. Trust me.

Do the job properly first time.

Scoobydougie

677 posts

235 months

Friday 16th November 2007
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Another vote here for the IS version, I wouldn't have believed how good it was until I used it.

Podie

46,649 posts

306 months

Friday 16th November 2007
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Heard a rumour they were stopping making the non-IS version.

If you’re going to spend that sort of money, you might as well just go the whole hog and do it properly.

350Wedge

2,364 posts

304 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
I've never used the IS version but have used the non IS lens on a number of occasions. It really is a super sharp lens and I believe marginally sharper than the IS version, although us mere mortals would be hard pressed to tell.

I used it handheld at low shutter speeds and havent had too many blurry shots, though i do have quite a steady hand. Id say unless you are going to be continually shooting in dull indoor situations then the non IS will be more than adequate in most situations. I would certainly recommend buying one, in fact i'm going to see what i can find now..!!

Scho

2,479 posts

234 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
I've just sold my 70-200 non is F4.

i found the image quality to be very good BUT barrel distortion can be a problem, look at the walls in this shot:


i've got the 135L instead now.

DH2

311 posts

295 months

Friday 16th November 2007
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I don't have particularly steady hands, so have found IS to be very helpful, I can take sharp pictures now (without having to pfaff around with a 'pod). I've also had a little play with the 70-200 f4 L (non-IS), and sure it's a great lens, and good value, but I hope to be bagging the 70-200 f2.8 IS L myself in the near future - I like IS and a big hole now biggrin

DH2

nickd01

Original Poster:

639 posts

246 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
350Wedge said:
I've never used the IS version but have used the non IS lens on a number of occasions. It really is a super sharp lens and I believe marginally sharper than the IS version, although us mere mortals would be hard pressed to tell.

I used it handheld at low shutter speeds and havent had too many blurry shots, though i do have quite a steady hand. Id say unless you are going to be continually shooting in dull indoor situations then the non IS will be more than adequate in most situations. I would certainly recommend buying one, in fact i'm going to see what i can find now..!!
One Stop Digital have the non-IS version for £629.99 delivered. Am sorely tempted - I could get a flash + tripod for the price difference to the IS lens...

JD

3,149 posts

259 months

Friday 16th November 2007
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nickd01 said:
Oh, and is anyone after a well cared for 70-200 f4 L lens?!
How much £££ you wanting?

Podie

46,649 posts

306 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
Nick - YHM smile

350Wedge

2,364 posts

304 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
nickd01 said:
350Wedge said:
I've never used the IS version but have used the non IS lens on a number of occasions. It really is a super sharp lens and I believe marginally sharper than the IS version, although us mere mortals would be hard pressed to tell.

I used it handheld at low shutter speeds and havent had too many blurry shots, though i do have quite a steady hand. Id say unless you are going to be continually shooting in dull indoor situations then the non IS will be more than adequate in most situations. I would certainly recommend buying one, in fact i'm going to see what i can find now..!!
One Stop Digital have the non-IS version for £629.99 delivered. Am sorely tempted - I could get a flash + tripod for the price difference to the IS lens...
Bugger thats done it!!! Have just placed an order for one! At that sort of price cant go too far wrong. Will report back on delivery times. Free delivery very good too!!

niki265

74 posts

263 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
350Wedge said:
nickd01 said:
One Stop Digital have the non-IS version for £629.99 delivered. Am sorely tempted - I could get a flash + tripod for the price difference to the IS lens...
Bugger thats done it!!! Have just placed an order for one! At that sort of price cant go too far wrong. Will report back on delivery times. Free delivery very good too!!
Congrats smile Don't forget to claim your cashback from Canon too (as you may already know). I think there's £100 off the non-IS 70-200 f2.8L until end December.

Edited by niki265 on Friday 16th November 15:38

nickd01

Original Poster:

639 posts

246 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
Cashback?! Aargh, that changes things! I might be following you to OneStopDigital in a few minutes!

Can you let me know what they say about delivery?


Podie

46,649 posts

306 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
Cashback offers Cashback amount
EOS 400D body £ 50
EOS 40D body £ 50
EOS 5D body £135
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM £135
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM £100
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM £100
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM £ 90
EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM £ 70
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM £ 70
EF 17-40mm f/4L USM £ 70
EF 70-200mm f/4L USM £ 70
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM £ 55
EF 50mm f/1.2L USM £ 50
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM £ 40
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM £ 40
Speedlite 580EX II £ 35
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM £ 35
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM £ 20
Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX £ 20
EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM £ 13
EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM £ 20
EF-A Standard Focusing Screen (EOS 40D) £ 5
EF-D Grid Precision Focusing Screen (EOS40D) £ 5
EF-S Manual Precision Focusing Screen (EOS 40D) £ 5

350Wedge

2,364 posts

304 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
Slightly better linky to UK page..

http://canon2007promotions.onlinerebates.com/intro...

It doesnt give a definate date of delivery but judging by some of the comments I've seem they are fairly quick. Will post back once delivered...

£100 cashback is even better woohoo I'd seen it on the bodies but managed to forget it was being offered on lenses as well !

Edited by 350Wedge on Friday 16th November 16:01