[dougsmit]

I have the 70-200 f/4L and seem to use it less with each passing year. I believe the problem is that it is an excellent compromise for many needs but not the best answer for any of them. Birds are better with a longer lens; macro is better with a macro; portraits are better with ...... you get the idea.

Let there be no mistake: All lenses work better on a tripod. As we get longer, we need to be more careful when not using a tripod and adding IS is a really good idea. I wonder if a lesser lens with IS (70-300 or 55-250) might not be a better choice for those of us with no 'L' IS options.