Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/10/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Does anybody have any experience with the new Image Stabilization lenses? I'd love to hear Erwin's take. The arrival of Canon's 70-200 f2.8 Image Stabilization lens has made me wonder whether the new IS technology has completely changed the ways in which telephoto lenses can be used for Leica-style available light documentary (people doing stuff) photography. The Leica R user can get high quality results at f2.8 at 1/250 (or f2.0 at 1/250). This is pretty marginal in terms of having enough exposure for people doing stuff in heavy shade, or in interiors in daylight - even at ISO 400-800. If the Canon Image Stabilization technology really does deliver high quality results at several stops below what you would normally expect the telephoto available light situation is very different - giving two to three stops advantage. With 200mm, f2.8 at 1/60 or 1/30 the main problem will be subject movement. (Of course the R user could just get up close with an 80/1.4, whilst the Canon lens forces you to keep your distance because of its startling white livery!) On the face of it, the Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS lens on a quiet EOS5 looks like a strong combination for Leica-style photography with a telephoto. Simon, Boston MA. - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html