Quote Originally Posted by Cozen
But I think people have stated that the 150-200 range is hard to keep steady hand held without IS unless your shutter speed is very high.

Cozen,


It's simple. 1/focal length = min shutter speed. I shoot 1/200 at 200mm most of the time indoors. That's the fastest shutter speed I can sync with flash fill with my 5D. A 135mm is going to want at least 1/135 shutter speed. Can you handhold slower. Yes, but the keeper rate is reduced. That doesn't negate the versatility. IS is fantastic, but you can't stop human motion much below 1/60th. There are many exceptions but I wouldn't accept IS as the sole remedy. I've shot wedding vows with a Tamron 70-300 f3.5-5.6 on a Pentax K100 at 220mm plus @ 1/15th shutter speed that are fabulous. Of-course the camera was on a tripod. I had IS but still opted for the tripod. It's not as restrictive as you might think. Especially with the "Slick" pistol grip I have.


The value I enjoy from my older used Canon L glass is worth the little extra I give up. Don't count out a used 70-200 f2.8L (non Is) Man, I hate designating that. From now on it is what it is


70-200 f2.8L


70-200 f2.8L IS


70-200 f2.8L IS II


Fabulous zoom lenses. All of them.