Review of canon 70-200 IS

This field review is featured inIssue #3ofThe Luminous Landscape Video Journal
Stabilized Perfection
Photo courtesy Canon Inc.
Canon's 70~200mm f/2.8L lens has long been regarded as one of Canon's finest EOS optics. Many reviewers have called it the equal of primes within this focal range. I've owned this lens for a couple of years and have found it to be as good as its reputation. But, like many photographers, I waited for Canon to bring out anImage Stabilizedversion. 
In the Fall of 2001 Canon ended the waiting with the announcement and shipment of the next generation 70~200mm f/2.8L IS lens. Unfortunately it has a street price some U.S. $750 more than its predecessor. How would they compare? And, would the new lens be worth the extra money?
Old Vs. New
Cosmetically there is little difference between the lenses. (The new IS model is seen at left in the picture below). Of course the new lens has the usual IS controls. Canon claims that the new lens uses a second generation IS te...