Which Lens?

[Tighearnach]

Hi.

I am currently looking to invest in a new lense but cant make my mind up on which one. It is between the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 USM and the 70-200mm f/4 IS USM.

Because of the focal range I am hoping to use this lense for a range of things but especially for portraits and surfing photography. I live in Ireland and the surfing season takes place in the winter so it can be overcast and dark frequently. Also because I need as much length as possible I am also considering purchasing either the 1.4X or 2X extender and I know these bring the lens down by 1 or 2 stops which has me leaning towards the faster 2.8 lens.

What I don’t know very much about is this Image Stabilisation. Is it worth buying the slower lense for image quality and will it offer better pics in low light situations when fast shutter speeds are necessary.

Any help, advice on either lens, the multipliers or any lens I might not have thought of would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Tighearnach

 

[Big Mike]

No need to double post