70-200 F4 L IS or non-IS?

[XC Pictorial]

xc pictorial: u said "I believe the F4L non IS has some issues, so may need to look out for a good copy.." care to elab?

Basically just lemons and jewels.. some copies produced in some batches are not as sharp and well performing as others.. Dont remember which are the codes with issue, you probly need to research online.. I am not too sure as i skipped the f4 and got f2.8 straight..

 

[XC Pictorial]

XC Pictorial : i agree with you. i would rather go for a 2.8 rather than a f4 IS. i already thought of this when it first came out but i really depends whether you really NEED it or just a buy and not really use case. if you don't see yourself using this lens during low low light situations. a f4 would be okay for you?

1. f2.8 is not really consider enough for low light shoot, ie indoors.. unless you are using with IS ans ISO1600.. IMO that is. I would consider the f2.8 for defocus more than low light. for serious low light shoot, probably only the 200mm f1.8L will suffice.

2. Most, if not all lens dont perform optimally at widest. I am talking about IQ, sharpness, contrast etc.. which the f2.8L alr outperforms the f4 right at f2.8, not to mention if you stop down to f4.

3. One day the TS might want to have the f2.8, then he probably will sell the f4, buy another f2.8 with money, time and possibly some missed shots in the process.. ( haven you look at some old pics that you have taken in the past with your older gear, possibly even a 2MP PnS, then start to think that if only you took in using your current gear, it would have been much better?

 

[XiaoMiaoWang]

Basically just lemons and jewels.. some copies produced in some batches are not as sharp and well performing as others.. Dont remember which are the codes with issue, you probly need to research online.. I am not too sure as i skipped the f4 and got f2.8 straight..

possible. for me, my f4 non IS is quite sharp.

ahh. couldn't find that same shot that was not taken with a dirty filter.

nvm.

 

[varf]

my copy of the f4 non-IS is also extremely sharp wide open.

 

[snapperBB]

I just bought the f4 IS when it first launched in SG because I want to travel with this lens and not keep as a white elephant like my Sigma F2.8 70-200. The IS feature is a plus point when shooting in low light conditions like many of you have said. Fyi, you still need sturdy hands and good technique to maximise the IS.

If price is no issue, go for it rather than buying the F4 version and knowing that the one with IS is more versatile. Try not to compare with the F2.8 IS - different league altogther. My 2 cents.

 

[with_brokenwings]

thanks guys for the tips! really appreciate it... hopefully i'll get my first L before the new year. *crosses fingers*

 

[user12343]

get it before the GST hike..... ;p

 

[with_brokenwings]

get it before the GST hike..... ;p

OH YAHHHH. haha. anyone knows where to get the best deal for the F4? apart from bns..

 

[DeSwitch]

I just sold my very sharp copy f4 non IS for $850 only cos i seldom use it ever since i have my 100-400L f4.5-5.6 IS. the IS really helps a lot. Now looking for a f2.8 IS. hee. Weight is not really an issue. Just my experience to share.

 

[with_brokenwings]

ive used the 2.8 IS and found it a lil tiring after a long day shooting out on the streets la.. haha. about the lens.. was thinking of getting a brand new copy.. heard CP has the best prices? thx for the suggestion thou

 

[Stoned]

Logical choice..
Have you used it for long hours ? (i.e 2-3 hours handhold?)
I've been using IS version of f/2.8 around 2 years and hold it more than 1 kg lens (exclude camera body weight) will cause micro-shake since your hand will not steady again. (Blurry image)

Canon is very smart to embedd IS module to create new model of IS version of 70-200 f/2.8L

Although the non-IS version of f/2.8L is sharper than IS one... on low light situation we need steady hand or at least monopod help..

2-3 hours is kinda short aint it? Normally, events stretch to around 5-6 hours or more. Actually IMO, the 70-200/2.8 is a light lens that can be easily hand held and thus while useful, IS is not necessary. You don't even feel a bit of ache even when you tote the 70-200/2.8 for a couple of hours, but you really do feel the strain when you start holding 300/2.8s and above, that's when you get handshake due to tired muscles and probably when you will need IS.

 

[djork]

IS is very helpful. really. there are situations where mounting on a tripod is too inconvenient. depending on your usage, u might not have a need for IS but it's always good to have it around.

 

[XC Pictorial]

2-3 hours is kinda short aint it? Normally, events stretch to around 5-6 hours or more. Actually IMO, the 70-200/2.8 is a light lens that can be easily hand held and thus while useful, IS is not necessary. You don't even feel a bit of ache even when you tote the 70-200/2.8 for a couple of hours, but you really do feel the strain when you start holding 300/2.8s and above, that's when you get handshake due to tired muscles and probably when you will need IS.

My sentiments exactly..
I would consider the 70-200 f2.8 reasonably light.
Well.. im used to a D200 with grip, 17-35 f2.8, SB800 with Lightsphere covering about 18hrs and above weddings..
But its subjective.. 70-200 should be pretty heavy to those used to kit lens i suppose..

 

[Netbaby]

hm... 70 -200 f2.8 sound like weight training lens. jkjk

 

[zuikoku]

possible. for me, my f4 non IS is quite sharp.

ahh. couldn't find that same shot that was not taken with a dirty filter.

nvm.

Agree.. f/4L non IS is a terrific lens on affordable price.
in term of IQ, all of the 70-200L type will give great results whatever situation is.
Juzz the matter of size, weight and price to be matched with all of our needs..

 

[XiaoMiaoWang]

You are right. In fact, the f4 L non IS is better on the MTF graphs than the f2.8 L IS USM. I read the MTF graphs from the lens workbook.

 

[phiflo]

Can U imagine running to catch a fantastic shot + you R out of breath? Zooming to 200mm 4 a clear shot + it turn out blurred. I think it is worth the investment for IS!!!

 

[denniskee]

if only canon come out with dslr with built in IS, than no need for such discussion.

 

[zuikoku]

Can U imagine running to catch a fantastic shot + you R out of breath? Zooming to 200mm 4 a clear shot + it turn out blurred. I think it is worth the investment for IS!!!

Why worried ? Raise the ISO selection and the camera do the rest..
Utilize the Canon EOS D-SLR low noise capabilities on hi-ISO..