I want to buy EF75-300 for my EOS-300, and found IS version is better, but EF75-300 IS USM version has been released since 1995, is there any new techonology used for the new release 300,400,500 IS, or they use the same electronic parts(because they are changing rapidly)? I don't know whether if I buy 75-300 IS now, will be a to-be-replaced model. Thanks your comment.

-- Charles Chao (charles_cc_chao@yahoo.com), August 26, 1999

Answers

The consumer versions (75-300, 28-135) of the IS lenses have the same modes, in other words, IS is on or off. The L lenses also have a panning mode that turns IS off for the panning axis. I have never had a problem panning with my 75-300 though. The newest L lenses with IS (300 f2.8, 400 f2.8, 500 f4, and 600 f4) also sense when they are on a tripod and adjust accordingly.

I wouldn't worry too much about new versions comming out. They will, but unless there is a significant improvement in optical quality or a new feature that you just must have it won't really matter that much. Waiting for new equipment is always a hit or miss proposition anyway. If you don't need it now, wait and see. If you need it now, buy what is available.

-- Brad (bhutcheson@iname.com), September 02, 1999.