Got the new camera, now looking for some decent glass.
I've found this which is at a great price,

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-...n-ef-70-200mm-f4-l-usm-lens/p12848

At present I can't run to the IS model. Is it worth biting the bullet now, or wait until the IS version is affordable ?

The lens is great, I used to have it as primary glass before I got my 100-400. It served me quite well, despite it not having IS. Ofcourse it's easier to have it, but still very much doable without. If you should wait or not I don't know, that's hard for me to say.

Hello again Phil.

This is my lens and pretty well all my images for the last couple of years on here are taken with it. Although I can imagine situations where IS would be handy, I can honestly say that in good lighting I have very rarely lost photos to camera shake. This lens has a reputation for excellent quality (though I know the newer IS also does). There is a significant price difference, so unless you are thinking you will use it a lot in lower light conditions, or want to focus on panning motives at lower speeds, I would have no hesitation at all in recommending it.

I remember before I bought it I compared images at 200mm from this with images at 300mm with my old lens, and even with significant crops of the 200mm images to get the same subect size as the 300mm images, the difference in overall quality was striking. Compared to what is on offer these days I think it offers excellent value.

Take good care.

Paul

I'd go for it. I bought one recently as well, but haven't had a lot of chance to let it see planes yet. I've been delighted with the photos it takes, though. And if you do want to upgrade to the IS you can always sell the other one. Second hand ones seem to have quite a reasonable price so you probably won't lose a lot.

IS isn't essential and in bright conditions you wont really need it, and not having IS will also reduce battery usage.
But the IS version of this lens has slightly better IQ. Your choice really, do you want it now or will make do till you save up enough.

IS is handy in low light situations when you are using really low shutter speeds (or any other condition where you've got those, or done something to force low shutter speeds).

Thanks for your help once again. It's being delivered Wednesday.

Dear Phil...

I bought the non IS version six moths ago... and, to be honest, I am very very satisfied with it!!!!  

Of course, IS is helpful, but not mandatory!  
In some cases you might think that with IS you would have got a better picture, but, for me, they've been a few.
As many of our fellows have stated above... it depends on what kind of photos you are going to take.
Without a doubt, it helps a lot when panning... but, to be honest, if you have a still hand, you can take good pictures also at 1/80s. If mounted on a monopod or on a tripod, you may use slower shutters, but actually, I can't tell you anything about this, because I have tried it only hand held...

I think you won't regret the purchase and you'll relize what I mean when you'll have some trials at different zoom ranges and apertures!  

Have fun!  

Quoting teopilot (Reply 7): Have fun!

Thanks Matteo, I will. Had a 100-400 before, bolted to a 20D, so a learning curve with new camera, new lens and new lap-top. Oh, that and being able to take 27L departures from LHR at 135 mm from our back garden.

Quoting 747438 (Reply 8): Oh, that and being able to take 27L departures from LHR at 135 mm from our back garden.

Given this... I think you'll have LOTS OF FUN!!!  

You n your back garden again!  
Spence

Hi

For a few years i used a Sigma 120-400 OS. Great lens,but a bit heavy.I now use a EF 70-200 L usm, and i find with the lightness and good balance i havent really missed the IS.

Andy

Can anyone give thier opinion on this lens? I am looking for something smaller than my 100-400L to get shots where the subject is too close for 100mm . Thanks.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830998812

Quoting United_fan (Reply 12): Can anyone give thier opinion on this lens? I am looking for something smaller than my 100-400L to get shots where the subject is too close for 100mm . Thanks.

What is your budget? If you're after something wider than a 100-400 L, I doubt a 55-250 will meet your quality expectations and isn't a 55-250 a bit too much of an overlap? The 24-105 F/4 L would probably be better for your needs or maybe a 18-135 if your budget is lower or the 17-85 for something in-between? The 55-250 isn't the best optically, certainly not when you're used to L glass.

Darren

Quoting dazbo5 (Reply 13): What is your budget?

Under $500 would be great.

The IS (mode 2) is helpful for panning shots though - at least with the limited experience I have I found it a bit useful.