I know I haven't posted about myself in "Check yo' self" (I will), but I am considering purchasing a new lens and wondering what people thought...

I am trying to decide between these lenses...

Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens - $550

Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS - approx $900

Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens - approx $1,100

Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens - approx $1,100

Canon Zoom Normal-Telephoto EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 USM II Autofocus Lens - $150


My main question is with the IS lens, can I drop my shutter speed down far enough to allow enough light in to be comparable to the 2.8 lenses. However, as I write this, the next issue is that any moving object will still be out of focus at speeds under 1/60ish...so dropping my shutter speed down won't be that helpful.

What are people's thoughts on these lenses. I am leaning toward the top one...

If money were no object, I would get the 70-200 f/2.8L IS...but I don't have $1,600 laying around...

Thanks in advance for your thoughts...

Depends on what you are shooting.

I've used the top one before and it was good for shooting by nephews baseball game because it was outside on a sunny day. The extra reach was a definite plus. It's my sis-n-law's lens and she is ok with it, but almost always has to use a flash indoors due to the aperture and the IS on it isn't the best. It's also a little soft wide open.

From your list, I'd go for the f/4 IS. It's sharp wide open and the IS should help. It's also a lot lighter for carrying around than the 2 f/2.8's listed.

Sometimes though the f/4 won't be wide enough (think indoor sports). That's something you give up when not going 2.8.

The bottom lens is crap.

Most people who buy less than the 70-200 2.8 IS, end up selling it to get the IS version. Save your $ until you can afford the 2.8 w/ IS. Rent in the meantime...

In short. Get the Canon 2.8 70-200. If you don't you'll want it later. Also pay the extra to get IS as well, as the same want will come about.

This is the most stunning lens I have ever used. Tack sharp rock solid, and wide open.

If you can hold off for a bit and save for the 70-200 2.8 IS, I would do so. Definitely a purchase you won't regret! I rented it a couple of times before I bought my own and from the very first moment I used it, I fell in love...lol!

Thank you all for your replies. I am pretty sure I am going to wait and save for the Canon 2.8 IS (maybe by Christmas!)...it is amazing how much lenses cost...but you get what you pay for.

Good choice.

When i first started I got the non-IS version and eventually upgraded.

It is my absolute favorite lens. The 50 1.4 is a close second.

Sean

Yes, it is definitely worth it. Get the IS. It was my very big purchase when I was getting serious about my photography. Some of the best money that I've spent. I had a 70-200 f/4 and sold that after 4 months.

Jan

I have learned that the way to save money is through buying the best equipment the first time instead of buying cheaper equipment, selling it at a big loss, then buying the best anyhow.

If there is no way to buy what you want, shop around and find the best deal you can on something used. If you get a good deal on a used lens, you can often sell it for close to what you paid. Sometimes, you get the used lens and find out you are happy with it and there is no need to upgrade.

I use a 70-200 f4L. I do mostly outdoor weddings, the 2.8s are too heavy to carry around all day, and the depth of field at 2.8 is too shallow for the kinds of candid closeups I use the lens for anyway. In a church, f4 is fine when used with a monopod.

There's only one shot I would really like the 2.8 IS for - and that's the kiss.

This IS is amazing. If you had to have one now, I'd go with the f/4 IS. However, if you're serious about photography you will one day wind up with the 2.8 IS. Resistance is futile.

Sidenote: I've bought lenses on ebay and sold them a year later for MORE than I originally paid for them, so that might be an option for you!

Cheers!
J

If you're going to shoot mostly outdoor, or you use a lot of flash indoors, then the Canon f/4L IS should be perfect. If you don't like flash, or you want a bit shallower DOF, then just save for the f/2.8.