Purchasing recomendations

fullofpaint

So it's the time of year that our yearbook department starts buying new gear. We bought two new 7D's last year and a Sigma 24-70 f2.8

This year we're planning on purchasing a (1st gen) Canon 70-200 f2.8 USM and another 580EXII. But we're kind of split on whether we should just spend the extra and get the IS version of the lens and forget the flash, or get both and forgo the IS.

Most of what we shoot is outdoors, a lot of sports but we have several concerts during the year we have to shoot which are very low light and we can't use flash for. Our gym is also very dim and flashes aren't allowed there either during sports events.

So basically my question is should we get the flash and forget the IS or should we spend the extra, get the IS and get the flash later on.

cmason

Well, you said you can't use flash at most of your venues so perhaps that is your first clue.

IS is not a substitute for flash. You can achieve better handheld results with IS when shooting lower shutter speeds. However, as your shutter speed goes down, you will begin to run into issues with your subject: if subjects move with low shutter speeds, you will get blurring and terrible images. The only way to fix this is higher shutter speed or flash.

So, if you are shooting indoors, where you can not use flash, IS will only help you if by using it you can shoot with the lens at 1/50th or 1/60th or above, and your subject is moving. Sounds like most of your subjects are people, therefore this will be an issue.

ziggy53

It sounds like the IS would be helpful for the indoor theatrical/concerts, but I don't think it would be that beneficial in sports.

Consider a Sigma EF610 DG Super flash in Canon E-TTL II configuration. It has most of the functionality of the Canon 580EX series but at a much lower cost.

I have 4 - Sigma DG Super flashes now compared to 1 - Canon 580EX. The Sigma's are just a tremendous value.