Canon 70-200 f/4 IS image stabilisation quality

Hi all,

I've owned the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II so I'm aware of its capabilities. I'm just wondering - is the IS on the f/4 as good and/or quiet as that of its bigger brother?

I know the f/4 IS is 5 years older than the 2.8 IS II so I presume that the 2.8's IS is a newer design(?), but my interest is to use it for video, not photos.

Those of you who own the f/4 IS, have you had any problems using it for video? I know that the 2.8 IS II was super smooth - and especially useful when on a tripod to cancel out any tiny shakes due to small tripod movement in windy conditions etc. Is the f/4 IS good for this too?

Thanks for your help,

Mark.

It is an honest four stops, but it is noisy. You can hear it wizz on and off.

markodarko wrote:

Thank you J A C S and Abu for your quick replies. When you say that it's noisy, is it significantly noisier than the 2.8 II's IS?

Yes. Mu guess would be that you will hear it in a video.

Also, I notice that the f/4 doesn't come with a tripod collar as it's quite light compared to the 2.8 IS II, comparatively speaking, however, weight aside, it is still a long lens. Do you feel that it needs the (ridiculously priced) tripod collar to counter the length and improve stability (and lessen the strain on the camera mount) or is it fine as is for mounting on a tripod via the camera?

I bought that lens when I was shooting with a Rebel. Then I was convinced that I needed the collar and bought a less expensive version for another Canon lens but physically the same. I think that Canon is not selling those anymore. The lens felt front heavy on the Rebel and I was using the collar a lot. On my 5D2, I do not use it anymore. It feels stable enough. If I have it in my bag, I would still use it though.

markodarko wrote:

Thank you J A C S and Abu for your quick replies. When you say that it's noisy, is it significantly noisier than the 2.8 II's IS?

Also, I notice that the f/4 doesn't come with a tripod collar as it's quite light compared to the 2.8 IS II, comparatively speaking, however, weight aside, it is still a long lens. Do you feel that it needs the (ridiculously priced) tripod collar to counter the length and improve stability (and lessen the strain on the camera mount) or is it fine as is for mounting on a tripod via the camera?

Thanks again,

Mark.

I got a collar for my 70-200 f/4 IS at 1/3 of Canon's ridiculous cost:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822976-REG/Vello_TC_AW_Tripod_Collar_A_Black.html

I wanted one for occasional use with a monopod for my 70D.  Fits and works great.

Dave Sparks wrote:

markodarko wrote:

Thank you J A C S and Abu for your quick replies. When you say that it's noisy, is it significantly noisier than the 2.8 II's IS?

Also, I notice that the f/4 doesn't come with a tripod collar as it's quite light compared to the 2.8 IS II, comparatively speaking, however, weight aside, it is still a long lens. Do you feel that it needs the (ridiculously priced) tripod collar to counter the length and improve stability (and lessen the strain on the camera mount) or is it fine as is for mounting on a tripod via the camera?

Thanks again,

Mark.

I got a collar for my 70-200 f/4 IS at 1/3 of Canon's ridiculous cost:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822976-REG/Vello_TC_AW_Tripod_Collar_A_Black.html

I wanted one for occasional use with a monopod for my 70D. Fits and works great.

I've got an even cheaper one (€17), works just fine. But I don't use it much if at all, because the lens isn't that heavy.

Yes, it is noisier than the 70-200II. I've mounted it on a tripod sans collar, no problem. Collar, of course,  would be more stable.

Mark1t wrote:

Abu Mahendra wrote:

It is an honest four stops, but it is noisy. You can hear it wizz on and off.

Is it actually like 4 stops? Wow. I was thinking of getting the non-is, but maybe I'll save a bit more then.

Yes, honest, real-world four stops. 1/13 at 200mm gives quite acceptable results. Save. It is a great lens, a little pony workhorse.

markodarko wrote:

Dave Sparks wrote:

I got a collar for my 70-200 f/4 IS at 1/3 of Canon's ridiculous cost:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822976-REG/Vello_TC_AW_Tripod_Collar_A_Black.html

I wanted one for occasional use with a monopod for my 70D. Fits and works great.

Thanks for the heads up. I did some searching and found an aluminium one with good reviews for less than £10(!). It's coming on a slow boat from China, but worth a punt at that price I'd say...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KS4W5WO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

Cheers,

Mark.

The first time you use it take a look and make sure it's not scratching the lens especially when you rotate it. I had a cheapie that did that.