Well, I used to think so, but with digital I can usually get that extra stop back by adjusting ISO. The IS really adds extra stops to handholding. I can handhold a real three stops slower than with non IS lenses and still get acceptably sharp shots. It all goes to hell if the subject moves, but I've not had a shoot that would have been better with only 1 extra stop.

If I want creamy bokeh I pull out the 200/1.8 L and it's magic. Only the 85/1.2 has better bokeh and that is debatable. The 24-70 is better than the 24-105 in regards to bokeh, btw.


Bokeh is a japanese term for how smooth the out of focus areas are in a photo. It really does make a difference.