Why no IS on fast primes
Mar 3, 2017 07:49:22 #
Any ideas why fast primes such as a f1.4 35mm or 50mm aren't made with IS? Am I missing something?
Mar 3, 2017 08:09:37 #
IS isn't as needed on shorter focal length lenses. Mostly on telephoto lengths. The addition of it would drive prices up anyway.
Mar 3, 2017 08:13:24 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
IS isn't as needed on shorter focal length lenses. Mostly on telephoto lengths. The addition of it would drive prices up anyway.
My 10-18 has IS and is cheap.
It is not fast or a prime but is ultra wide.
Mar 3, 2017 08:14:58 #
tgreenhaw wrote:
Any ideas why fast primes such as a f1.4 35mm or 50mm aren't made with IS? Am I missing something?
My 50/1.4 Nikon has IS.
Mar 3, 2017 08:16:01 #
aflundi
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
tgreenhaw wrote:
[ ... ] Am I missing something?
I guess you've missed the Tamron 35/1.8, 45/1.8, 85/1.8 VC SP lenses?
Mar 3, 2017 08:16:38 #
Pablo8
Loc: Nottingham UK.
Perhaps manufacturers think that their lenses with short focal length...(Not telephoto) and large apertures can be held steadily enough with a 1/100 second shutter speed. Or can be used with the camera on a tripod. We (Photographers) have been managing without IS for a long time. Well I have been anyway. I use it on two telephoto lenses that I have, but that is in the 300 to 600mm range.
Mar 3, 2017 08:19:07 #
tgreenhaw wrote:
Any ideas why fast primes such as a f1.4 35mm or 50mm aren't made with IS? Am I missing something?
IS compromises optical image quality in some way - however small, makes the lens bigger, heavier, and more expensive.
Mar 3, 2017 08:22:21 #
imagemeister wrote:
IS compromises optical image quality in some way - however small, makes the lens bigger, heavier, and more expensive.
Most fast primes are all about maximum optical image quality.......and short enough focal length to not warrant IS in MOST situations.
Mar 3, 2017 08:23:45 #
imagemeister wrote:
IS compromises optical image quality in some way - however small, makes the lens bigger, heavier, and more expensive.
Would you be so kind as to elaborate why IS compromises quality?
Mar 3, 2017 08:29:59 #
tgreenhaw wrote:
Any ideas why fast primes such as a f1.4 35mm or 50mm aren't made with IS? Am I missing something?
I think the reasoning is because the 50mm and 35mm lenses are smaller and lighter they are easier to hand hold steady than other lenses.
Mar 3, 2017 08:32:40 #
Bultaco wrote:
My 50/1.4 Nikon has IS.
What Nikon 50mm f/1.4 do you have with VR (IS)? I have the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G and it does not have VR.
Mar 3, 2017 08:48:21 #
Mac wrote:
What Nikon 50mm f/1.4 do you have with VR (IS)? I have the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G and it does not have VR.
I would be curious as to what lens he thinks he has as well. No one at all makes a 50mm fast prime with stabilization. The closest is the Tamron SP 45mm F1.8 VC.
Mar 3, 2017 08:52:35 #
Mar 3, 2017 09:01:31 #
My Sigma 50mm 1.4 ART has no IS either. my sharpest lens in my bag. And it's fabulous and love it.
Mar 3, 2017 09:07:36 #
camerapapi wrote:
Would you be so kind as to elaborate why IS compromises quality?
IMO, Regarding the design of the lens , IS is a compromise for user convenience by the manufacturer (Canon, Nikon). Now, Canon/Nikon will never ADMIT to this ......and their IS lenses are still very GOOD quality.
But if you go back in time and look at the Photozone reviews of the Canon 300mm f4L for example, - which is really the only lens comparison that I know of of an IS version vs a non-IS version, Photozone felt that the NON-IS version out performed the IS version, where upon, Canon quickly dropped the non IS version.
Please keep in mind what optical IS is - 3 or 4 moveable lens elements moving around - and these elements would otherwise NOT be there - were it not for the IS accommodation. They are simply an addition to the optical formula - though, I am sure it is engineered do have as minimal an impact as possible.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.