70-200 F4 with or without IS

[philip_wilson]

I have the 70-200 f2.8 non IS and the 70-200 F4 IS. I shoot quite a bit of hockey and use the non IS F2.8 lens.. It is

possible to shoot with the F4 lens but the F2.8 helps a lot as most arenas are quite dark. In my opinion you do not need

IS for hockey. I bought the F4 IS lens later and it is a great lens. My primary reason for buying it was the fact is was half

the weight and quite a bit smaller than the F2.8 lens. For general use the IS is useful and I believe that the IQ of the F4

IS lens is better than that of the F4 non IS lens although I have never shot the latter lens. For sports use I would suggest

the F2.8 lens - without IS it is a similar price to the F4 IS. For general use the F4 IS is perhaps more versatile. In terms

of IQ the f2.8 non IS is better than the MK I F2.8 IS but not as good as the current MkII lens. The F2.8 and F4 IS have

very similar image quality although the F2.8 lens can produce better Bokah

[philip_wilson]

I have the 70-200 f2.8 non IS and the 70-200 F4 IS. I shoot quite a bit of hockey and use the non IS F2.8 lens.. It is

possible to shoot with the F4 lens but the F2.8 helps a lot as most arenas are quite dark. In my opinion you do not need

IS for hockey. I bought the F4 IS lens later and it is a great lens. My primary reason for buying it was the fact is was half

the weight and quite a bit smaller than the F2.8 lens. For general use the IS is useful and I believe that the IQ of the F4

IS lens is better than that of the F4 non IS lens although I have never shot the latter lens. For sports use I would suggest

the F2.8 lens - without IS it is a similar price to the F4 IS. For general use the F4 IS is perhaps more versatile. In terms

of IQ the f2.8 non IS is better than the MK I F2.8 IS but not as good as the current MkII lens. The F2.8 and F4 IS have

very similar image quality although the F2.8 lens can produce better Bokah

[oscar_van_der_velde]

<p>If you need zoom for the task then there's no arguing, but consider that the EF 135mm F/2 L will give you 4x shorter exposures or a two stops cleaner ISO setting.</p>

[john_valjean]

<p>Hello all,<br>

just for the sake of closing the topic and helping someone else with the same question. I ended up buying the 70-200 F4L IS. I know it is more money but long term it is a better buy at least for me. Again, thanks for all your responses and help.</p>

[William Michael]

<p>Hello John . . . it is not often we get to know the outcome and your reply is most welcome by all, I am sure.<br>

Enjoy your new lens.</p>

<p>WW<br>

</p>