In choosing a camera lens, would you choose image stabilization over a couple extra f-stops?

Question

I'm trying to choose between the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS or Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L (currently only have the kit lens - 28-135mm). Or if anyone has a better idea for a nice second lens, that advice would be welcome also. Mostly will be used for event photography such as weddings.

Answer 1

That's a tough call. For weddings, you really need to be in control of the lighting and the action never ends.

Have you considered the Sigma 24-70mm lens which retails for $430.
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/253091813.htm?bct=t13031003%3Bcidigital-cameras-and-accessories%3Bcilenses-for-digital-cameras%3Bcislr-lens%3Bcilenses-for-canon

Another thought would be the image stabilized Sigma 18-200mm that would give you a true wide angle for those group shots that every wedding demands.
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-18-200mm-3-5-6-3-Optical-Stabilizer/dp/B000NOSCGM/ref=sr_1_1/102-3144634-5700904?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1189393106&sr=8-1

That lens would give you a fantastic range from 18mm to 200mm, with the advantage of the stabilization. I recently toured China with my Nikon 18-200mm VR as my only optic and don't regret my choice at all.

By the way, you should also investigate and invest in a good dedicated Canon flash, and learn how to use it to it's best advantage. Practice and learn about bounce & diffused lighting.

I hope this is helpful for you.

p.s. I guess someone doesn't like this advice. Hmmm...

Answer 2

Since digital camera "shake" is a advertising and marketing time period, how good you control your taking pictures handheld is a found out ability. Yes digital camera motion can reason blurred photographs, however more often than not the motion is reason by means of the shutter velocity being too gradual for the lens period you're utilizing and the way easily you press the shutter liberate. It may be fundamental that you simply keep the digital camera competently. Left hand cradling the bottom of the digital camera and lens, proper hand conserving the digital camera along with your index finger at the shutter liberate and your eye pressed up in opposition to the viewfinder will do extra to stabilize the digital camera than any factor else ... that and your respiring. The quicker the lens, f/two.eight vs. f/four the larger the shutter velocity you'll be able to use at any supply degree of sunshine

Answer 3

First of all, this is only one f-stop difference. "They" say that "IS" adds about 3 stops more low light ability in a lens. This would mean that you can hand-hold your IS lens at slower shutter speeds. Let's take the extreme of 105 mm where the rule of thumb says that you can hand-hold it at 1/100 of a second without any trouble. "IS" lets you go down to about 1/15 of a second without blurring the image. It is important to think of this gain in terms of shutter speed and NOT aperture, since you have not magically gotten an f/1.4 aperture out of an f/4.0 lens.

To decide which is better, you might want to read reviews in addition to asking here.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/
(See "Recommendations" on this page)
http://www.photo.net/canon/#lense
http://www.wlcastleman.com/equip/reviews/index.htm
http://www.photozone.de/active/news/index.jsp
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/index.html
http://www.fredmiranda.com
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1029

The Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens (2007-$1,060) is a pretty good all-around lens. This review says, "If I had only one lens, this would be the one," and, "I am sure that many Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L Lens owners will be adding the 24-105mm L to their kit. Indoor event photographers will *probably* select the 24-70 L and landscape/outdoor, travel and portrait photographers might prefer the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens. For my personal uses in this focal length range, the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens is on my camera more than the 24-70 L."
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-24-105mm-f-4-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Excellent general purpose lens: Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens (April 2007-$1,140)
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-24-70mm-f-2.8-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Answer 4

Normally I try and answer a question on Yahoo Answer's itself but since this question have been beaten to death with on POTN I will give you a direct link. If you goto the EF and EF-S lens forum and use the search function you will find TONS of threads and literally thousands of posts, which hopefully would help you get a better understanding.

Answer 5

if you can use flash at the events, then IS will just be a hinderance. flash will freeze both camera shake and subject motion. Having IS stabilize the lens to 1/15 sec won't stop the people from moving, so you trade shake for motion blur. (but at least the alter will be sharp, if it is not too far to be in focus).

Answer 6

I would choose the extra f-stops for sports shooting and the image stabilization for wedding shooting.

The difference is that extra f-stops will help to get a faster shutter speed--more important for stopping action in sports.

With the image stabilization, it lets you handhold even at lower shutter speeds. At the weddings i've been to and other weddings I've photographed, the action isn't fast like sports, so the image stabilization proves more useful.

Answer 7

I always go for speed. I now have Pentax 16-50 f2.8 DA* and Pentax 50-135 f2.8 DA* and I must say they are beutiful lenses.

If I had the choice between the Canon 70-200 F4 IS and the 70-200 f2.8 (non IS), I'd go for the 2.8. I can always find a natural tripod, monopod (church bench, pillar, mailbox, car, etc) if I need one.

Answer 8

The 24-105 f4.0L IS.