To IS or not to IS?

[Mitchell]

Hi all - have been quiet with exams over the last year but am heading to Borneo tomorrow and hope to share some snaps.

I've decided to get a new lens for the trip either-
70-200 2.8L or
70-200 2.8L IS

I can't decide whether I will get $800 extra benefit for the image stabilisation.

In a recent post oximax said he uses the lens but rarely uses the IS feature.

Any other comments?

Cheers

[zeddy]

i just went through the same thing and i ended up with the IS version ad it is great.alot depends on what you are using it for,if you are taking low light photos then yes.hope this helps
zsolt

[adam]

I think I've been spoilt by the IS feature, but glad I got it

[Antsl]

Given that you are prbobably going to be hiking about in the heat I would be opting to save some weight (and money) and get yourself the 70-200 f4L USM... it is half the money and the weight...

While I know there are advantages to having an IS lens... particularly when you are handholding it in low light situations, there are also disadvantages that many people over look. One of them is the fact that while it lets you handhold at lower speeds it does not freeze the movement of the subject. Another consideration is that the IS system weighs more and also requires more care... they cannot cope with the knocks so well.
Travel light and travel far is my consideration!

I would look at getting the 70-200 f4 and then I would be buying a second lens if you really needed it... probably a 100mm f2. This later lens will give you an extra stop of action freezing power in low ligth but it would also be less intimdating in portrait situations and a lot more compact when you are out to travel light.

[jdear]

my IS is always on when I shoot with this lense.
Ive forgotten how to turn it off

Jonathan

[surenj]

hey hey! How are you Mitchell? Hope ur exams went well...

Go for gold dude...u will love the IS on any canon lens... Hope you have been working out though this monster is heavy esp on long trips....

Looking forward to seeing your pics

[Mitchell]

Well I have gone with the democratic option based on the responses in this thread... I am now the proud owner of the 2.8L IS. Thanks for the tips everyone and I will heed your advice Antsl!

[benhoskin]

You will love the IS, it saves carrying the tripod everywhere!