Canon Lens - "normal" vs Image Stabilising
Discussion
IS? 
Firstly check out
www.photo.net/equipment/canon/300_compare/ that compares the IS to a fixed 300m lens. The normal "zoom lens" issues are there, but the comments at the bottom are useful.
Differences are
Con
Increase in weight is not *that* bad. 480g fro the 75-300mm USM, 650g for the IS version.
Pros
Smaller f-stop range on the IS - f22-45 on USM, f32-45 on IS
Same
Min focus range - 1.5 meters on USM and IS
The best thing about IS is that it seriously helps on tracking shots (motorsport etc), and it is also useful for those times that you don't have a tripod, or (as more normal) you see something that will have gone by the time the tripod is setup.
I've always bought IS if it's available as you can always turn it off if you don't need it, but on a non IS one you can't turn it on if you do....
J
Firstly check out
www.photo.net/equipment/canon/300_compare/ that compares the IS to a fixed 300m lens. The normal "zoom lens" issues are there, but the comments at the bottom are useful.
Differences are
Con
Increase in weight is not *that* bad. 480g fro the 75-300mm USM, 650g for the IS version.
Pros
Smaller f-stop range on the IS - f22-45 on USM, f32-45 on IS
Same
Min focus range - 1.5 meters on USM and IS
The best thing about IS is that it seriously helps on tracking shots (motorsport etc), and it is also useful for those times that you don't have a tripod, or (as more normal) you see something that will have gone by the time the tripod is setup.
I've always bought IS if it's available as you can always turn it off if you don't need it, but on a non IS one you can't turn it on if you do....
J
The best way of looking at it is:-
You're happily snapping away with the 400mm at 1/400th @ f5.6 when the light starts to fade. You're packing your gear up while the bloke next to you, the one with the IS, is taking pictures for another hour.
OR:-
You can only take pictures on some days when the sun comes out from behind a cloud, but old smartarse over there with his IS is still banging away.
OR:-
I can't take pictures today because there's no light (but you know a man who can!)
Martin.
You're happily snapping away with the 400mm at 1/400th @ f5.6 when the light starts to fade. You're packing your gear up while the bloke next to you, the one with the IS, is taking pictures for another hour.
OR:-
You can only take pictures on some days when the sun comes out from behind a cloud, but old smartarse over there with his IS is still banging away.
OR:-
I can't take pictures today because there's no light (but you know a man who can!)
Martin.
What a fantastic mental image! What's worth bearing in mind is that the price difference isn't for the IS alone (which in itself is an absolute Godsend and works as advertised - and then some); Canon only include IS on their high-end lenses, so typically along with the IS you will get USM, a larger maximum aperture opening, better build quality, less (and better) glass etc.
So, if not for the IS alone, an IS lens is always a worthwhile aim if you can shoot it financially.
So, if not for the IS alone, an IS lens is always a worthwhile aim if you can shoot it financially.
sihemm said:
....The only advantage (over the non I/S) was better tracking of moving subjects....
and
joust said:
The best thing about IS is that it seriously helps on tracking shots (motorsport etc)
No no NO! Ok, it's true on the 100-400IS and other lenses that have dual mode IS, but the 75-300IS doesn't and it should be switched off for panning. Slowly pan it (or the 28-135IS) with the shutter button half pressed and watch the horrid jumpy result.
That said, it’s well worth having. The extra stop or two it gives you definitely gets you low light shots you couldn’t have got before.
Podie said:
Podie said:
V6GTO said:
Rude Girl said:
PODIE...YOUR'E A PUSHOVER!
Podie,
Can I interest you in a nice little earner...
Martin.
I've invented this revolutionary, brand new concept called time-share......
Martin.
Cool. Is this in Spain where you live...!?!
Yep...I'm sure nobodys ever heard of it so it should be cushtie! Just send me £5k is used notes and I'll get you in at the begining!
Martin.
PS - TD, sorry to hijack your thread...I'll stop now.
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