Canon 70-200mm f/2.8

I have narrowed down my choice for my next lens and I want to get the 70-200mm f2/8. My question is do you think it is worth the extra money to get the IS version? Im thinking of not and using the money on the 100mm lens which would then give me four lenses for my XSi. Im looking to shoot mostly family and kids, including sports such as cheerleading, competivie cheer (inside), swimming and baseball.


Im new to digital SLR so here is what my lenses would be;


kit lens - 18-55mm


50mm lens from my old canon film camera


new - 100mm & 70-200mm f2/8


or 70-200mm f2.8 IS


Your thoughts? Sorry to post similar questions but I value all of your opinions.

IN a way no and in another yes. I got the non-IS and love it as an upgrade but if your shooting in low light often then you will want it to handhold slower shutter speeds. If your like me who shoots more sports and nature you should be fine. Its preference. Try to get one used.

If you mostly shoot 1/500 (e.g. for sports), you will probably find the I.S. of little use. If you do a lot of 1/60 or slower, then it will be invaluable.

If you plan to use a monopod/tripod go with non-is, but if you plan to hand hold shots at 200mm, it might be a bit difficult.


I'm going back to the gym to workout my arms for my 2.8 IS.

Lifting the 2.8IS IS like being in a gym :P

It may help you a bit inside. I use the IS version for weddings and it lets me get the shutter down to 1/60 sometimes a tad slower. You won't be disappointed, the EF70-200mm f/2.8 is a great lens.

i think if its between IS and another lens, i'd go with abother lens 11 times out of 10. i'm not knocking IS, its great and if you could afford both it'd be good. but i don't think it fits your needs to much, which 100mm are looking at getting?

Im thinking about the Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM Lens.

I personally have a 70-200mm f4 non-IS lens and the 70-200mm f2.8 IS lens and shoot a lot of sports and dance and I can state categorically that the 2.8 IS is the way to go. Reason is you will definitely need the speed of the 2.8 for low light conditions, yes 1 f-stop can be critical and you need to the IS not for the competitors but for you. If your shooting just football it wouldn't make a difference but dance, basketball, volleyball, cheer frequently require a lot of movement and this does not lend itself well to using a monopod. That said I got a lot of good shots with my 70-200mm f4 lens and even a few published so the capability is there. If you go with the non-IS f2.8 don't ever upgrade to the IS version or you'll kick yourself in the behind for years.

as long as your fairly close (never been to a cheer competition) it seems like the 100mm f/2 would be be perfect for that, IS wont help you at all in that regard, so you've got my two cents, enjoy your new lens(es) i'm more than a little jealous :)