looking for IS fast lenses

[Federico Perale]

can you guys tell me what are the best fast lenses (less than f/4) (Canon, Sigma or else) with stabilisation?

especially telephoto lenses (I already own the 24-105 IS)

for what I gather the Sigma 70-200 is a good lens, but no stabilisation.
the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS is out of my league for now....

thanks
Federico

[Phil Murray]

There is a version of the Sigma 70-200 with IS. (Sigma calls it OS.) I don't have this one, but have the 150-500 OS and the 17-50 OS lenses. They are both great lenses and there are lots of positive reviews out there to back me up.

I'm looking to get the Sigma 70-200 next, but not sure if I'll go for the OS version because I think this lens length needs a tripod for video even with image stabilization.

A long lens would be almost worthless for video without a tripod. I love the 150-500, but the OS is for photos, not for video.

The Sigma 17-50 (f/2.8) is, however, my favorite lens right now. I love the range and it's fast and sharp.

[Jon Fairhurst]

The EF 100/2.8L IS is a nice lens. People often overlook macros, but they can be critical for many projects. I rarely use more than 100mm on narrative projects on the 5D2, so it would be a nice lens to have. I own the older, non-IS version and the glass is nice and sharp. Also, macros have long throw focus rings. :)

[Federico Perale]

Originally Posted by Phil Murray

There is a version of the Sigma 70-200 with IS. (Sigma calls it OS.) I don't have this one, but have the 150-500 OS and the 17-50 OS lenses. They are both great lenses and there are lots of positive reviews out there to back me up.

I'm looking to get the Sigma 70-200 next, but not sure if I'll go for the OS version because I think this lens length needs a tripod for video even with image stabilization.

A long lens would be almost worthless for video without a tripod. I love the 150-500, but the OS is for photos, not for video.

The Sigma 17-50 (f/2.8) is, however, my favorite lens right now. I love the range and it's fast and sharp.

The sigma 70-200 os looks very interesting and its stabilisation more flexible for videos than the 150-500, by what I can read.

Looking at the 17-50: isn't it aps-c for cropped sensor cameras?

[Phil Murray]

You are right -- the Sigma 17-50 is for APS-C cameras.

If I were going to use the lens for video, then the 70-200 would be much preferable than the 150-500. The 2.8 aperature alone is going to be great. I don't have one, but I'll bet the shorter focal length makes it easier for the stabilization to help when at full extension.

I'm curious -- are you going to be handholding at 200mm? You might consider going to a local shop and trying a demo lens before buying. I have a feeling that the stabilization at 200mm isn't going to get you what you need. For that reason, I still believe you're best friend is going to be a tripod.

You might also consider the Canon 70-200 f/4 IS lens. Everyone says it is one of Canon's sharpest lenses. I've considered it as my next lens, but I'll use that range in darker conditions -- usually sports stadiums -- and I'll need the f2.8 for sports. (The IS wouldn't help in those conditions anyway.)

[Harry Simpson]

And I started to chime in about the ficticious 24-70 f2.8L IS lens and realized it wasn't IS. I don't know a better IS lens you can buy than the 24-105 f4L IS. Please someone fill me in. I'm always needing the DOF that the larger Fstop gives anyway
At f4 at 24mm at 10ft I have a whole 8.74 ft dof
At f2.8 at 24mm at 10ft I have a whole 5.71 ft dof

[G. Lee Gordon]

Harry, not to hi-jack the forum, but, is there a quick formula for figuring out the DoF? e.g.:
At f4 at 24mm at 10ft I have a whole 8.74 ft dof
At f2.8 at 24mm at 10ft I have a whole 5.71 ft dof

[Peer Landa]

Originally Posted by G. Lee Gordon

is there a quick formula for figuring out the DoF?

The quickest way might be to use this Depth of Field Calculator:

Online Depth of Field Calculator

-- peer

[Harry Simpson]

Lee

I found DoF Calculator for the iPhone and it even includes a library of cameras to select from since the DoF for T2i is different than the Mk2.
But yes definitely get a DoF Calculator - i use mine alot.

[G. Lee Gordon]

Harry, what's the name of the Ap?

[Greg Kiger]

Agree with Phil Murray. A tripod or the 5d crazy high ASA / film speed means even in low light you can still do fine without IS. Buy an f1.8 lens instead ;)

[Harry Simpson]

Lee,

It's DoF Calculator by newMedia Kommunikationsdesign and it costs $1.99.

Although just saw this MBP app which looks like it's got the DOF calc plus a whole lot more - but haven't tried it out yet.....Comes with links to 312 podcasts etc too....

Harry

[Mitchell Lewis]

I've had good luck with the following Canon lenses.

16-35mm f/2.8
24-70mm f/2.8
50mm f/1.4
70-200mm f/2.8

But many people will recommend prime lenses as they are sharper. I've never tried any other than the 50mm.