Well it's time for me to look for a replace my sigma 70-210mm F2.8; too big and focus is a tad slow. Mainly it's just too big and heavy, so I end up not taking it. I'm looking to replace it with the canon 70-200mm F4l but I can't decide on the IS or no IS (Image stabalizer. Time to go on Craigslist and find a used copy. It's time like this where the Sensor based IS helps out. :) If I didn't have so much canon gear I might jump over to Sony. Their new system(based on Minolta's 35mm and digital) looks pretty good and they have built in AF motors now like the big boys. I really like the USM lens. which my sigma being over 10 years old does not have. Plus the minimum focusing distance is like 6 feet. where as the newer lens are about 3 feet. makes a big difference if you like using the lens indoors.
This is what it looks like
the IS or no IS looks the same. Now I just have to justify the IS. :)
But the min. aperture is only 4.0! it sucks a little bit I think. But if you want a small one...I would take IS version. 200mm+4.0, you SHOULD have an image stabilizer.