Lack of IS

[Fedgrub]

ive been taking a look at lenses lately, and noticed that the high end and the more focal length is nvolved, the higher the chance of IS being included. For example, the following lenses don't list IS:

EF 70-200 F4L USM
EF 70-200 F2.8L USM
EF 200 F2.8L USM
EF 400 F5.6L USM
EF 24-70 F2.8L USM

Not looking at one of the lenses in particular, just unsure why IS isn't offered with these lenses. I would have thought they would need it due to the focal length.

Anyone know why this is?

[Bennymiata]

Price!
There are very similar focal lengths available with IS, but they cost a lot more.
Sometimes this also means the optics are a bit better, hence the higher price.

If you are using any one of these lenses handheld in good light and using fast shutter speeds, then IS isnt really a requirement, although the 400mm lens would be very difficult to use without IS if you are hand holding, but as most of the work done by this lens would be on a tripod, not having IS is a mute point.

[pmack]

If you are using any one of these lenses handheld in good light and using fast shutter speeds, then IS isnt really a requirement, although the 400mm lens would be very difficult to use without IS if you are hand holding, but as most of the work done by this lens would be on a tripod, not having IS is a mute point.

difficult if using to photograph low light scenes, but used for sport in bright daylight, even on crop sensor (640mm effective) it's not that important (shutter speeds around 1/800s or more seem to be enough in my experience)

[Fedgrub]

I've found a couple that have IS versions, but not all do. I thought maybe there was a reason in certian lenses

[GrahamS]

Personally i think Canon offers these lenses without IS to keep the price down, just offering people more choice. I have the 70-200mm f2.8 II and granted with good light the IS is not required but for maximum useability IS for me where possible as you are not always in a situation where good available light is available.

[yummymummy]

I have the 70-200 non IS 2.8.. it's BRILLIANT! If in low light, I use my tripod or monopod hasn't been a problem yet! sheesh.. what did people do BEFORE IS was available on lenses??

[JM Tran]

I have the 70-200 non IS 2.8.. it's BRILLIANT! If in low light, I use my tripod or monopod hasn't been a problem yet! sheesh.. what did people do BEFORE IS was available on lenses??

have less keepers. Now we have much more keepers than ever before

[fabian628]

I've found a couple that have IS versions, but not all do. I thought maybe there was a reason in certian lenses

The older versions of the lenes do not have IS. I believe canon will incorporate IS into all the newer lenses, ie. there won't be a non-is version in the future. It is possible when the lenses were released IS did not exist (such as the old 300, 400mm f/2.8 lenses) or IS eas too expensive due to being new technology to incorporate in the lenses. Eg. the 70-200 f/4 non IS came out in 99, the first lens with IS was 95.