IS On or Off? And More On Image Stabilization

IS On or Off?

Despite the fact that the requested information is on Page 2 of The Art of Bird Photography II, I often receive e-mails that go something like this: “I heard on line that you should turn IS off when you are working on a tripod with a big lens. Is that true?”

Here, adapted from what I wrote on page 2 of ABP II, is what I have to say on the matter:

The current super-telephoto lenses lenses (the 300 & 400 f/2.8L IS and the 500 & 600 f/4L IS) feature a tripod-sensing IS system that eliminates the vibration
caused by both equipment shake and by mirror slap. Despite contradictory statements both on line and in many editions of the lens instructions, the IS switch on these lenses should be set at the “On” position at ll times, even when the lens is mounted on a tripod. (The same will be true when the Series II lenses are released.)

The next e-mail usually says, “OK. I believe you. I will keep IS on with my big lens on a tripod. Should I be in IS Mode 1 or IS Mode 2?”

To this I again reply with info adapted from Page 2 of ABP II.

With the four current super-telephotos it is best to set IS Mode 2 for all applications. Why? Because with these lenses IS Mode 2 performs exactly the same as IS Mode 1 when the lens is mounted on a tripod.

With all of the intermediate telephoto IS lenses (including but not limited to all of the 70-200mm IS lenses, the 300 f/4, and the 100-400mm) it is advised by the manufacturer (and just about everyone else) that IS be turned off when using lenses in this class on a tripod. When I do use these lenses on a tripod, I always leave IS on (set to Mode 2). Why do I disregard the manufacturer’s advise? In all the years I have been working with intermediate telephoto lenses with IS Mode 2 on, I have had only a single frame (film actually) that was affected by the IS system. The lens elements shifted during the exposure. The result was a very pleasingly blurred image. Having to remember to turn IS off and then on again while hand holding is far too great a price to pay for me. I believe that simpler is better.

More On Image Stabilization

Whether on a tripod or hand holding, Image Stabilization will help photographers using sloppy sharpness techniques to make sharper images but those photographers employing excellent sharpness techniques will be able to push the envelope much further than their sloppy, careless counterparts. (See Advanced Sharpness Techniques in Chapter VI of ABP II.

Item last. When working with the intermediate telephoto lenses and zoom lenses like those mentioned above it is recommended that IS Mode 1 should be set when photographing static subjects and that IS Mode 2 be set when panning with moving subjects. I sometimes remember to do this when hand holding but for the most part I simply set IS Mode2 and let it fly (as in the featured image here).

Shopper’s Guide

Below is a list of the gear used to create the image in today’s post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free educational information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.

Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.

Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens. Man, I am loving this lens on my shoulder with the 2X III teleconverter. I also use it a lot with the 1.4X III TC.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.

And from the BAA On-line Store:

The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.

Delkin 32gb e-Film Pro Compact Flash Card. These high capacity cards are fast and dependable. Clicking on the link below will bring you to the Delkin web site. There is lots of great stuff there. If you see a product that we do not carry let us know via e-mail; we will be glad to have it drop-shipped to you and save you a few bucks in the process.

I pack my 800 and tons of other gear in my ThinkTank Airport SecurityTM V2.0 rolling bag for all of my air travel and recommend the slightly smaller Airport InternationalTM V2.0 for most folks. These high capacity bags are well constructed and protect my gear when I have to gate check it on short-hops and puddle jumpers. Each will protect your gear just as well. By clicking on either link or the logo below, you will receive a free gift with each order over $50.

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