Much point having a tripod with an IS/OS lens?

[stormywhether]

I've been pondering over buying a Sigma 80-400OS for a while but after picking up a great tripod am wondering whether this lens, with its stabilising technology, would make the tripod redundant.

Do many people with IS or OS glass still use tripods? And would you say that you only use the third leg infrequently or just as much as before?

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Well, if you just don't think the is/os will help, or it's just too dark, just put it on the tripod and turn the is/os off. I think if the situation permits, using a tripod is better than any is/os.

[condyk]

I would buy a good lightweight monopod and use it if you feel tired after shooting for a while. Personally, that's all I use mine for.

[JBillings]

With some lens you can leave the IS turned on while on a tripod. It can help correct movement due to mirror-slap. Personally, like condyk, I use a very light monopod (Bogen 679b) to stablize the lens. I do use IS when using the monopod. In fact, I typically leave it on all the time. Well most of the time Canons 100-400 is the old style IS and has to be shut off when on a tripod. Go figure!

[rklepper]

I also use a monopod, it is the original IS.

[SkipD]

You will always find times when you really need a tripod, and possibly even a monopod, regardless of whether or not you have IS capability.

[DavidEB]

on my 300 f4, when on a tripod, the IS induces a slow downward drift of the image. and if the tripod is stable enough then it's more accurate than IS anyways.

IS seems useful on a monopod.

[Mitcon]

I think theres always a reason to have a tripod/monopod no matter even if a lens has IS/OS. It really comes down to light and/or shutter speeds. If your after the affect of a slow shutter speed or there isn't enough light for a fast enough shutter speed you will need to use a tripod.