Is Image Sablization worth it?

[Ryguyinlj]

Is Image Stablization really worth it? Does it work?

[Lionheart]

Is Image Stablization really worth it? Does it work?

If it's on a heavy lens that 1) you handhold most of the time,and 2) use a lot, especially in low light conditions,
Then...yes.
I personally don't use it a lot on my 70-200 f2.8L (my only IS lens), and anything I can't hand hold is on a tripod anyway, or I find a makeshift support somehow, when I've needed it, it's been nice having. It's still not a good substitute for a tripod, but it's better than nothing and it does actually work.
Here's one shot with the 28-135 IS lens that I gave to a friend. 1/6 sec@F32 handheld with IS

[Ryguyinlj]

Actually, the 28-135 EF IS USM is the exact lens I was thinking of getting. I was not too sure about it, because I have heard mixed reviews from it. But that's a nice shot to be handheld at 1/6 of a second. What is your take on that lens?

[another view]

It's a good tool to have if you hand-hold the camera a lot. I don't own any of Nikon's VR lenses but have used their 80-400. I have a shot I did with it handheld at 400mm and about an 1/8 of a second, panning rowers in a race. It did as good of a job as if I would have set up a tripod, leveled the legs, then leveled the camera on top of that.

I think I'd always choose a fast lens over VR/IS if I had the choice though - but having both is the best of both worlds.

[Lionheart]

Actually, the 28-135 EF IS USM is the exact lens I was thinking of getting. I was not too sure about it, because I have heard mixed reviews from it. But that's a nice shot to be handheld at 1/6 of a second. What is your take on that lens?

It was a really nice lens, but the edge to edge sharpness wide open can't compare to the 28-70 f2.8L, and the color balance is a little on the cool side, and I really preferred the warmer tones produced by the "L" lenses. Be aware to switch off the IS when not in use, otherwise it will be draining your batteries in the camera whenever your finger on the shutter button is actuating the AF, even when it's not needed.

[Ryguyinlj]

thanks. I don't mind the cool tones, and if I get it I will be sure to turn off the IS when not in use.