B&H camera store, Manhattan!!!

[Mad Aussie]

I wonder if the quality of the in-body stabilizer depends on the quality of the body itself? If so, then getting an in-body stabilizer at the price point of around that $1000 mark might not be a good idea.

I'd also be checking the real difference of cost between the lenses with and without the feature AND realising that stabilization is usually only needed at zooms of around 200mm or more for most people. If you've bought good, fast (low f-stop such as f2.8 or lower) then you can use faster shutter speeds to compensate anyhow.

So if you are only looking at a single long zoom lens Bambi, then the in-body attraction is much less.

I wouldn't be sacrificing other features you use more often for this if what I've said applies to you.

[F8&Bthere]

With image stabilizers the way it was put to me is the ones in the lens are tuned to that lens, the ones in the body are a jack of all trades, masters of none. It's one more thing to fail, if it fails in your body a repair shuts you down, if one fails in your lens your down one lens for repair.

Yeah consensus is that the in lens stabilization is somewhat more effective as it is designed to that focal length or range, and the in body version loses efficiency at longer lengths, but let me give you another perspective:

I bought a Pentax K10D like new, factory refurbished, almost a year ago for US$399. And more recently I bought a DA* 50-135/2.8 (pro/weather sealed) zoom for US$649. Both of these are/were Pentax's top of the line gear. And it's not like I had to hunt very hard for it. It was just a quick search of eBay (and I guess a bit of good timing). Let's see anyone do that with Nikon or Canon.

By the way, I think Bambi meant Pentax instead of Canon with the in body stabilization. Canon is definitely in lens.

To continue with the Pentax example, pentax has like a gazillion lenses out there, and there are lots of great bargains in bodies and lenses because it is not Canikon brand power, and every one of those lenses- new or old- would instantly have some stabilization.

That "if something fails" line I've heard from so many salesmen over the years on many types of products (not just camera gear) and sometimes they may be right, but c'mon... it has to be put in perspective. Repair or Throw away a $500ish body or a $400ish (lower end of Nikon VR zooms, am I right?) IF something fails. A bummer either way, but I'd hope either one would still be useable without stabilization, so you go old school for a while. Bodies drop in price and become "obselete" so much quicker than lenses anyways.

I could throw away my whole rig and still not lose as much as the repair would probably cost on a Nikon 70-200/2.8VRII (that I wish I owned but can't afford) if the VR went kaput .

[F8&Bthere]

..oh and I hope that didn't come across as being abrasive. I'm not trying to start any brand war debate or anything. I do own Nikon equipment too and like it very much. I just think anyone buying new gear on a budget has to consider all these angles

[Bambi]

By the way, I think Bambi meant Pentax instead of Canon with the in body stabilization. Canon is definitely in lens.

yup oops. sorry.

[Lovin]

Olympus got the best in-body image stabilization. They made it at 4 f stops so far.

[Michaelaw]

Olympus got the best in-body image stabilization. They made it at 4 f stops so far.

I'd agree with that, much better than the Nikon system IMO...

[Fortytwo]

Gotta remember this when we go to NY next year. My girlfriend is going to get bored out of her skull, but it'll be worth it. :P
Tnx for the tip. I was looking for a good camerastore there...

[Bambi]

Gotta remember this when we go to NY next year. My girlfriend is going to get bored out of her skull, but it'll be worth it. :P
Tnx for the tip. I was looking for a good camerastore there...

hey no problem 42. You can even blame me if it helps...

the camera store is not far from the garment district and Macy's so I'm sure you can arrange a common meeting spot in 8-10 hours.

[Marko]

I can confirm that it's like the garden of Eden for photographers. I love that store...I did not go this weekend even tho i was in NYC...but i DID buy stuff from there and picked it up while in NJ.

[henryp]

Holy Crap what an amazing store. About 1/2 a block and two stories of all the equipment anyone would ever want! I could not believe my eyes. I felt like Alice in Wonderland.

Thank you. This is very gratifying and much appreciated.