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EF 70-200mm 1:4L USM with or without IS

Started May 16, 2013 | Questions thread
24Peter
24Peter Veteran Member • Posts: 4,969
Re: EF 70-200mm 1:4L USM with or without IS

MysticX wrote:

I choose the 135mm f/2.8 SF most of the time over the 70-200 f/4 IS which generally stays home.

The 135mm prime is much smaller, much lighter, faster by 1 stop, as sharp and focuses quite fast and with precision.

I had three different copies of the 135 SF 2.8 over the years (as well as two copies of the 135 L 2.0) and used those copies on three different Canon DSLR's and they were not as sharp, but more importantly, didn't focus nearly as well, as my 70-200 F4 L IS.

As between the 70-200 F4 L IS v. non-IS, I have also owned both. As others have said, get the IS version. It is much more useful. Differences in IQ are negligible and the IS is definitely worth the price (find a used copy on CL if you want to save some $).

The only issue I have with the 70-200 F4 L IS (and I don't believe this was true of the non-IS version) is the MFD. I find the MFD on the IS version to be quite constricting at times and often have to resort to using extension tubes so I can get closer to my subjects.

On the flip side, the 70-200 F4 L's (both IS & non-IS) both work well with 1.4X TC. (I have an old Kenko Pro that is great with this lens.)

The rare occasions when I choose the 70-200mm is for events but I don't generally take photos at events.

The rest of the time, for family and travelling I always use the 135 prime.

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