Opinions Please

[thyme4me]

I saw on craigslist a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Lens for $900. Would I be crazy to pass this up? The only thing that concerns me it's not an IS. I need to make a decision and soon.

[Jen D]

If you are able to meet up with them and check it out I would maybe consider it. It is hard to buy something like that without really knowing the condition.

I have rented the lens and it is SUPER heavy after awhile. I'm not sure you would want to hand hold it without IS. I guess it depends what you are looking to photograph.

[thyme4me]

I'm renting same lense but with an IS currently. I understand what you mean by heavy. I'm using it for alot of sporting events. Esp. at night or in a gym.

[Jen D]

Are you using a tripod currently? I think if you have the ablity to use a tripod then I wouldn't worry too much.

Handheld I would worry about night and indoor without IS.

Katrina just purchased the IS version not to long ago... maybe she will chime in. She is much better at this stuff that me

[thyme4me]

My tripod broke recently but I would definitely purchase another one. I do have a monopod though.

[Amikasmom]

Personally, I wouldn't buy it without the IS, using a tripod all the time is a real hassle. You'd hate to buy it and regret, I guess you could always try reselling if it was that bad.

[Carol Elliott]

I have this lense with IS and it is a beast (3 pounds). I love it. I've been using it for my swimming and soccer pictures. The pictures are worth the extra weight (I just view the weight as an upper arm workout). I just purchased a monopod (which mounts to the lense) as my fingers were sore from the weight and I hate using my tripod. My kids call it my stalker lense.

[KerryMac]

I have that lens, Kris, without IS. I've been using it for 10 years! I love it and haven't had trouble steadying it, but I have a really steady hand.
It's been a dream lens but you might want to email the seller and make sure it's in great condition and then make sure that if that is not the case you can return for a full refund.

[digigrandma]

Originally Posted by allmine

I have this lense with IS and it is a beast (3 pounds). I love it. I've been using it for my swimming and soccer pictures. The pictures are worth the extra weight (I just view the weight as an upper arm workout). I just purchased a monopod (which mounts to the lense) as my fingers were sore from the weight and I hate using my tripod. My kids call it my stalker lense.

I just knew you must have a special lens to get those swimming pool shots you get, Carol! How fulfilling to know you're getting the best shots you can and then scrapping beautiful pages. So worth the price of the lens!!

[thyme4me]

Well I made him an offer and we were set to exchange for it tomorrow night. I just got an email and he's changed his mind. He's going to keep it. I guess it's just not meant to be darn it.

[Carol Elliott]

Oh no, I guess it means there is another out there for you! It's hard waiting though isn't it? Keeping my fingers crossed that another comes along!

[Carol Elliott]

Originally Posted by digigrandma

I just knew you must have a special lens to get those swimming pool shots you get, Carol! How fulfilling to know you're getting the best shots you can and then scrapping beautiful pages. So worth the price of the lens!!

It definately is worth the price! I figured I had two more years of swimming and 4 of soccer so I should go for it ... My husband pushed me into getting it and I've been so happy with the photos.