Same glass? Canon EF 70-200mm F/4L USM as the IS?

photojunky · Mar 21, 2011

I am going to break down and spend some money on a new lens. My question is, will image quality be the same with the Canon EF 70-200mm F/4L USM without the IS (image stabilizer) as it would be with the IS. Is it the same glass? The price difference is huge.

Robin Usagani · Mar 21, 2011

Probably. As long as you are not comparing handheld shot at 1/30 sec or slower.

photojunky · Mar 21, 2011

I'm thinking more like tripod shooting, although I know at some point the IS sure would come in handy, but it is so much more money. Thanks for your response.

Robin Usagani · Mar 21, 2011

IS really comes in handy when you do panning shots. If you just want to stop motion with fast shutter or tripod shots, non IS will be good. Probably a lot lighter too.

Stryker · Mar 22, 2011

The IS helps a lot when shooting moving subjects and hand held even at low light situation or at 1/50 shutter speed. I always use it as my walk around lens for candid street shots. I have friends who bought the USM then upgraded to the IS USM after a month of use. Go for the IS USM. You'll love it.

Derrel · Mar 22, 2011

Not the same at all: the older non-IS lens is optically inferior. The new f/4 IS model is optically outstanding, the older lens much less so.

bentcountershaft · Mar 22, 2011

Derrel said:
Not the same at all: the older non-IS lens is optically inferior. The new f/4 IS model is optically outstanding, the older lens much less so.

Plus 1. The F4-IS is supposed to be the second sharpest Canon zoom lens of any length. First being the 2.8-IS Mark II.

Stryker · Mar 22, 2011

bentcountershaft said:
Derrel said:

Not the same at all: the older non-IS lens is optically inferior. The new f/4 IS model is optically outstanding, the older lens much less so.

Click to expand...

Plus 1. The F4-IS is supposed to be the second sharpest Canon zoom lens of any length. First being the 2.8-IS Mark II.

For zoom glasses, I agree with you, bentcountershaft. the f/4 is end best....

photojunky · Mar 22, 2011

Thanks for all your answers. Of all the research I did I found the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 USM L IS had the best reviews. For about $1200 it may be worth the extra money.