how usable is this lens without IS?
784394
I used it to take pictures at my fiance's son's wedding and they came out fantastic. Some of the longer shots were blurry but I think it was more a matter of my getting to know the camera (which I had bought only a month previous). It was an outdoor wedding and I was in the second row and got amazing shots of the bride and groom during the ceremony with no tripod and by simply stabilizing the lens with my left hand.
1117321
I have one. For the price... it is a great lens. Make sure it is well mounted and set camera to high contrast and max sharp. Don't run it more than 12-1500mm. Hard to focus but does a great job "for the price." On a side note: the lens mount is high maintenance and will loosen after a few uses. Make sure your camera body is supported somehow. Take the lens off when not in use.
660950
Sorry, but I do not really understand your question. This lens can be attached to the lens without any adapter (as a filter).
599075
Outside no problem. Inside or in low light you need to boost the ISO quite a bit. If you are shooting things that move IS is no lost at all this is because for most sports or bird in flight you need to be at 1/500 anyway to freeze the motion. I had the lens for over a year, was hesitating to buy it for exactly the same reason and in the end its a really fantastic lens and I don't miss IS at all.
247256
you can use it in manual as well as auto. it's an amazing lens, you wont be disappointed.
2256205
I use it on the North Shore of O'ahu for surfing pics. It is perhaps the most widely used lens there. Works great in sunny conditions, but tends to struggle when it's overcast as it is only an F5.6. If you plan on using it for indoor sports, it is not "good". It is OK at best.
396427
Well, as any manual lens, is very easy if you know a little about photography. This should not be an issue.
1323283
Yeah, just make sure you turn on the "release without lens" option in the menu. I use it with my old Canon 100mm f2 and it's great.
719928
Not bad to me :-)I mostly use MF lenses adapter on it and the peak value is very useful!
1491657
I have been very pleased...even seems to do well at dusk. It is my go to lens as well...still light enough to carry without a tripod, but not so darn heavy as the 500 lenses.
672484
Probably so. Its range is enormous and its clarity is stunning. I've parked the two lesser lenses I used previously and am using only this lens. It is a bit heavy, but you get accustomed to it quickly. Given the great shots I've taken with this lens, it's the only lens I will use. In fact, it's the only lens I'm taking on a month long trip to Africa this year.
1530822
I don't miss the IS. Uses are pretty much any time you have to slow shutter speed to the point that camera shake is evident. I shoot portraits without IS and I'm very happy. Maybe I have a steady hand but more likely I have adequate settings and lighting. If you don't do any flash photography, or plan to shoot frequently in mostly dimly lit areas, perhaps you will need the IS. Personally, I'm glad I saved the money. I know nothing of the 2x extenders.
1414088
I have used mine for astrophotography but it is on the slow end if what is possible. For occasional use it is fine, but if this will be its main use you may well get frustrated. How well does your camera handle noise at high ISO? I don't think 1/3 stop should make enough difference for you to change your mind if this is the lens you prefer. It is very light and the IQ on full frame is fantastic. I have since bought a 24 - 70 f2.8 and despite the longer focal length I use this at night for the extra speed. So for dedicated astrophotography lens consider something faster. For occasional use it will do the job.
358174
Not really. The is is the only thing different and that is nominal at these focal lengths. I use it for High vibration environment when shooting video.
435057
I've never had IS in any lens. This is a hardy lens for travel, but needs a lot of light. A better choice might be the Tamron 28mm-75mm f/2.8 which is a fast lens. And with your 1.5x crop factor, you essentially have a tele up to about 100mm. This is a great lens and I've not used my 18-200 at all since I put it on my camera. The image quality is miles ahead as well. Good luck and have fun.
2147289
No. But you won't need to. The zoom on this lens is 24-720mm, which is awesome. I can actually zoom in better than with my previous, detachable lenses. And the sharpness of this lens will practically cut your fingers, it's so sharp.
435062
Image stabilization is a nice plus not a necessity. I use this lens a lot with great results. If the price is right go for it.