Len choice

[simonchampion]

Good evening,

I would like your opinions please

I bought my first DSLR at the start of the year (Canon Rebel XSi 450D), I shoot pretty much everything I can from Partys to Wildlife to Landscapes.

Already I have replaced the kit lens with a Tamron 28-75 f2.8 which has helped me get some great shots however I am now looking to upgrade my telephoto lens

I currently use a Canon EF-S 55-250mm 1:4-5.6 IS, which is a great lens but I have been looking at the Canon EF 70-200mm f4 L.

Although changing the lens will have the benefit of an F4 aperture throughout, I would loose the image stabilisation.

My question really is, is it worth changing for a better quality lens when loosing the IS?

[cosmicma]

i would say so
the 70 - 200 F4 L is a fantastic lens and does come with IS but at twice the price of the non IS version
i have the non IS version and it's a great performer
add the 1.4 teleconverter and it makes a great combination

although i havn't used the 55 - 250 lens i would still go for the 70 - 200 without a second thought about it

[donoreo]

The L lens is a great lens, even without the IS. I have the 55-250 myself, and while good, the L is better.

[rbarry]

I had a similar dilemma earlier this year. I wanted to upgrade to L glass and the 70-200 f4 was what I wanted. I went the extra and got the IS version which makes it such a flexible lens. It's so much lighter than the 2.8 yet has the versatility to be used hand held where a tripod would be essential without IS.
If you can stretch to it, then get the IS version. You will then consider that if you stretch to the F4 IS version why not get the 2.8 non IS version as they are about the same money. The answer is it doesn't have IS and it weighs nearly twice as much. The F4 version is a pin sharp lens and it will reward you with great images.

[MattUK]

It depends what you're going to shoot really. Do you need such a wide aperture for your shots? Do you shoot handheld at max focal length often? Are you shooting from a tripod?

[thefonz78]

Another option could be to upgrade the camera. The 450d is old in dslr years. High iso performance has come a long way in the last couple of years. Something like the 60d would probably be able to shoot a iso 800 without noticing any noise the 450d probably only iso 400. Bumping up the iso and you can increas your shutter speeds.

[wadooz]

I was in the same position with my 450D but I was lucky enough to borrow an L series lens to try out. I got some beautiful shots with my lowly 450D and was convinced I needed to upgrade my lens first. I went for the Tamron 70-300 F4-5.6 USD VC, not an L series but I have to say it's brilliant for the price and excellent VC (vibration compensation). Also bought a Canon nifty fifty and got superb shots with that too, even without IS.
I've just upgraded to a 60d and will sell on my first camera with both kit lenses. They seem to be holding their price pretty well. I got a new 18-55 kit lens with the 60D.
I reckon hang on to your camera for a while and build up your lenses. Then when you're ready to upgrade you'll have better equipment to go with it.
Worked for me anyway. Good luck with your dilemma.
Cheers.
Martin.

[Markulous]

Had a similar decision to make a year ago: 70-200 F/4 or F/2.8 and then IS or non-IS

So we rented the F/4 IS and then the F/2.8 non-IS. The shallow DOF on the F/2.8 swung it for me and I reckoned the non-IS to be the better of the two, so now have the F/2.8 non-IS - OH liked the IS version so I can always borrow hers (if she's in a good mood!). No regrets!

[simonchampion]

thanks all, I will have a look at prices between the IS and non IS lenses, and then speak to the bank manager!