I've long been of the opinion that IS is overrated and that a good tripod will do the job just as well. Then I picked up a 100-400 IS and was amazed by just how good IS really is. In the past I used a non-IS 400mm lens and could handhold it down to ~1/250th and get good results anything slower required support. However with the 100-400 IS I have managed pin sharp shots handheld down to 1/80th. I still feel that a tripod will offer you a real advantage but I know agree that IS is very useful and the 100-400 IS is a great walkabout lens for wildlife shots. The worst thing about my recent IS discovery is that I now want a 500 IS!
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