Buying 70-200 2.8L IS or no IS?

cheezweezl

cheezweezl

Veteran
Anybody have one of these lenses? I'm wondering how the IS is for shooting video. My only other IS lens is the kit lens. It works pretty well for more static handheld shots but tends to stick and skip during pans.

Just wondering if ponying up the extra $600 for IS is worth it with this lens. The only reason I would want it is to make shooting handheld video possible. Any insight?
 
I have Canon 70-200 F4 with IS and it's well worth the extra for the uses I have for this lens (both video and stills). IS is a bit noisy on my F4 IS lens - but much quieter on a mates Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS that I had on extended loan/I borrow when needed. For video use you'll need double system sound anyway. I bought the F4 version simply because the F2.8 is too big and heavy for walk around stuff and the F4 IS is a better match to the 7D - razor sharp for stills - but if you need/want F2.8 it's THE lens in this class of zoom.

Only you can decide if the IS is really worth it - for me, if it means I can get a few usable shots (still or video) handheld that I might otherwise have not got then it's paid for - it's as simple as that (since I now earn my living from this stuff). I think the extra for the IS is well worth it for reducing microjitters (switching it off on a long shot sure shows just how good it is) but others will say only use your DSLR on a tripod all the time and save your cash. My subjects aren't always as static as that would need!

All these Canon 70-200 lenses keep their second hand value well. Also, note that a NEW Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS has just been launched - even more effective IS than the version you're considering but horrifically priced to match.

EDIT: Adding a link that might help you

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-eos-7d-hd/472204-70-200mm-f2-8-l-usm-without.html
 
Last edited:
Consider that it is a bonus to have IS, but more often than not, you will want to be on a tripod to get usable shots with most of the range of the lens. When using a tripod you would turn off IS anyways so ... for me it makes more sense to save the money and use a tripod with a non-IS but it really depends on what type of shooting you will be doing (if using a tripod works for you) and if you have the extra money to spend on an IS lens.
 
I have a EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L non-IS model that I picked up on Ebay for around $900 used. Lens was in mint condition, so I would highly recommend checking that out first. With this particular lens, the only benefit you will see with the IS model is if you are shooting stills in a dimly lit church.

I love using this lens for video, but wouldn't consider using it without a tripod. Shooting at the far end of the focal length handheld for video would be really pushing it, even with IS. I don't like shooting handheld with my EF 50mm f/1.4 on my 7D, so I certainly wouldn't like the look from the 70-200mm.

One lens I highly recommend for handheld work is the new EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6. It has the newest class of IS with tripod detection and works really well for all-around video work.
 
i tried out the IS version at samy's yesterday on a 7d. handheld is very much workable even at 200mm on this lens. i turned off the IS and it was microjitter hell. of course on sticks it doesn't matter but i think it's worth the extra dough to have a long handholdable lens.

thanks for the advise.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top