Canon L Lens Buying Help

[jayhawk73]

I just recently purchased a Canon 50D with the 28-135 IS/USM kit lens. I have an old Sigma telephoto zoom lens that finally shot craps on me so I'm looking to upgrade to an L series lens.

Here's my situation/dilemna -- I'm sure it's one that's been posted before but I couldn't find it so here goes:

My main photo style is outdoor animals and sports. I have dabbled in portraits but not much. I very rarely shoot indoors where lighting is an issue.

My lens dilemna is should I go with IS/USM or "just" USM and save some money. The lenses I have in mind are the 70-200mm f/4L IS/USM or the 70-200mm f/2.8L USM.

They are within $90 of each other so I guess my question is will the difference between f/4 and f/2.8 be that noticeable? Also, if I went the 2.8 route would the lack of IS be that noticeable.

This is a great problem to have because they're both great lenses. Any feedback is appreciated.

[RolandAA]

I have the 70-200mm f4L IS and love it. For me it has a few advantages over the 70-200mm 2.8L. In low light the IS is amazingly effective on things that are not moving. It weighs 1.3lbs less and costs a bit less then the 2.8. It is weather sealed (For me outdoors often means wet or dusty.), uses smaller (less expensive) filters and takes up a bit less room in the bag.

The 70-200mm 2.8L on the other hand is better at stopping action for sports shooting, shares the 77mm filters many of the other L lenses use and comes with a nice zippered soft case.

[bombo]

Hi,

I have a 50D, and one of my lenses is the 70-200 f4 L IS USM. It's a perfect lens for shooting outside where there is more licht. The IS is a good compensation for the f4 instead of the f2,8, as in sports shots it will not only be the sporter that is moving, but also the photographer who is reacting with his camera to something that his eyes spotted just before.. .

This lens proved also a good choice under other circumstances. I love to use it f.i. on city trips where it proves to be usefull over the complete focal range, and where the f is also less important.

I would advise you to make your choice on the lens, and your use of it solely, and not toconsider the difference in accessory's at this point.

Greetings
bombo

[RichardTaylor]

If you are shooting in good light the 70-200 F4 (non IS) will be fine.

However if you are shooting outdoors in low light, like hand held in a forrest or when it is raining then get IS and or F2.8.

Keep in mind F2.8 will give you shallower DOF ... which maybe an advantage. As RolandAA says the F2.8 lenses are a lot heavier.

I own a 70-200 F4 L (non IS) and it is a great lens. However I also have a couple of fast (F2 at least) for those times I may be shooting in low light.