I went for it and bought an image stabilized, L-series telephoto zoom: Canon’s 70-200mm f/4. I briefly considered the f/2.8, but I decided it was just too massive to carry around (it weighs about 1.5 kilos). I also considered the non-IS version, but decided that it made more sense to buy the best possible lens once than buy a lesser one and regret it a few years later.
On the basis of my brief experience, the image stabilizing ability of the lens is not exaggerated. Being able to hand hold a shot at 320mm with a 1/45th of a second shutter speed is quite impressive.
Next, I will probably aim to buy a wide angle zoom. Then, at some distant future point, a body with a full frame sensor, like the 5D.
Nicely done. I look forward to the photos.
Yeah you did! Congrats.
One of the best things about the new lens is that it makes it possible to take much better photos of wild animals. So far, that has only really meant squirrels and birds, but it is quite exciting to have a new type of photography to try out.