IS vs Non IS lenses

[Mark Elberson]

peety,


I have the XSi not the XS. Not sure if that would make a big difference in your thoughts. Just wanted to point that out though
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The XSi also tops out at 1600 ISO so his remarks still apply.

[donnman]

Thanks Chuck,


You have pretty much stated what I was feeling. That the IS may not be worth money for what Im going to be shooting. I think that I will pocket the money saved and buy a 2nd lens, which I think will be the Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM.


Thanks everyone for your help, I appreciate everyones opinion.

[Dallasphotog]

(edit) In response to the two photos by Dallasphotog:


I would like to point out that IS was not necessary for either shot. When shooting sports, 1/250 or faster shutter speeds are needed to freeze motion. At 200mm the IS would not be necessary until 1/200 or less.


The second image could have been taken at ISO 3200, f4.0, 1/800 or ISO 1600, f4.0, 1/400 or ISO 1600, f5.6, 1/200 (with IS) At that shutter speed the action begins to blur. This can add drama to an otherwise standard sports shot and that's where IS becomes a tool rather than a crutch.


So the point was......? [img]/emoticons/emotion-2.gif[/img]


Dallas, you provedin that particular scenerioIS was not necessary and graciously illustrated how high ISO DSLRs should be reducing the demand for IS rather than bolstering it. Thank you!


I own the original 70-200 f2.8L. It works great for me. Are there times when I wish it had IS? Yes, the 5D has a 1/200 flash sync speed and when trying to blend flash and ambient at 120 - 200mm I have to be very careful whenshooting handheld. I would also like to be able to do artistic motion blur shutter drags. That would be fun. I would say that 99% of the time thoughthe non-IS gives me everything I need. I bought it used at a local camera store for 900 USD. It had just come back from the Canon repair shop and still had warranty time. It is my go to portrait lens.


IMHO, it is hard to justify IS for any lens less than 200mm. I will hold my opinion on the new 100 Macro until there's more evidence collected for how the IS made the shot "more possible". I know I'm in the minority on that view but it's my money and my right to be stingy with it.......[img]/emoticons/emotion-2.gif[/img]



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Sure.What I was trying to show was the results you can get with the lens shooting football. Now, if you want to see the miracles of IS, check this out. I can't come close to holding a non-IS lens this cleanly at 1/30.





Canon XTi, Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM, Av, 135mm, F/2.8, ISO-400, 1/30

[Ehcalum]

Sure.What I was trying to show was the results you can get with the lens shooting football. Now, if you want to see the miracles of IS, check this out. I can't come close to holding a non-IS lens this cleanly at 1/30.
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Sure you can. The flash, namely if you use read curtain sync will help to sharpen the subject. Its also a matter of proper holding and bracing techniques.

[Chuck Lee]

I can't come close to holding a non-IS lens this cleanly at 1/30.

Then why do it? All it would take would be for her move a little and that picture would be ruined. I certainly would not try this during a wedding unless I was absolutely maxed out on the highest ISO I could trust. In very difficult situations, it would be awesome to have. But that's not the point. It's awesome to have and if I were making a living as a photographer I wouldn't hesitate but I don't think that is donnman's interest. I believe Dallas that you are making a living and for you the best of the best is exactly what you need. For donnman, I think many of us here believe that it is an unecessary expenditure.


I can't tell if the catch light is a window or flash with modifyer, but if this is flash all bets are off on the 1/30th handheld. I would then agree with with Ehcalum, it could be done at 1/135 on non IS, no prob.


If I were shooting that, I'd have my 5D set to ISO 800, f2.8, 1/160 135mm on 70-200 with bounce flash and get the similar results.


That is a beautiful shot and I do not want to take away from that.


Good Discussion.......[]

[donnman]

I just want to say thanks to all who commented and offered their opinions. This is why I love this site...I still havent made my final decision but I think Im going with the non IS 70-200mm f/2.8


On a side note, one of the pictures I posted was purchased by our local newspaper. So, I guess that I am officially a freelance sports photographer now. They have asked me to take some more shots and have issued me a press badge....pretty exciting for me. I was hoping to make a few bucks on the side and now it appears that I may have that opportunity.


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The picture above is the one that they published along with a story about the game. It is so cool to see your work in the paper. My wife and daughter want to start a scrapbook for me...lol