Canon IS lenses

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Are Canon IS lenses really that much better than others without this feature? Thanks for any help!

Robert

-- Robert Greer (jeep_88@hotmail.com), January 07, 2002

Answers

The IS feature is quite incredible when you see it. Single-mode IS is of less usefulness (28-135 IS, 75-300IS) to me, because I tend to do a lot of fairly fast-moving work, and need the pan capability that the second IS mode brings. However, since this is typically the work of a longer lens, the lack of mode 2 on the 28-135 IS is not critical.

Depends how you mean better really. If you're going to mount the lens on a tripod, and disable IS, obviously the lenses are no better, and slightly more prone to flare, due to the extra elements. If you're actually wanting to push the envelope of hand-holding (or even not push hard), then they are amazing. I have taken sharp shots at 1/60th with my 300 F4L IS, which is great for low-light work, such as winter light:

http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=173974

Both of the photographs there are taken in low light, hand-held, using the IS function. Shutter speeds were around 1/60th-1/90th.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), January 07, 2002.


IS only helps when you need it. But when you need it, it's worth every penny.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), January 07, 2002.

IS lenses are great for still pictures, especially when its far away. But for low light sports photography, it won't be much help.

IF you wish to buy a great lense for still pictures I suggest 28mm - 70mm L USM....using KODAK SUPRA or FUJI SUPERIA films...you wont regret it

-- kerwinchan (kerwinchan828@yahoo.com), January 08, 2002.


I find that my 28-135 IS is very useful for indoor candid photography, like weddings for example. The focal length allows me to maintain a comfortable distance to the subject, and the IS lets me hand hold. When coupled with a fast film such as Neopan 1600, you won't need to use a flash, which really helps you capture the moods accurately, not to mention that you won't draw attention to yourself.

-- Jim Ngo (jimngo@yahoo.com), January 21, 2002.

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