Canon IS Modes

[Dale]

I picked up a used EF 300mm f/4 L IS lens which has two Image Stabilizer modes.The lens came with no instrutions and from the Canon Web Site the info I got was mode 1 was the normal image stabilizer and mode 2 is for horizontal or vertical panning. I know that a tripod is not supposed to be used when using the image stabilizer. My question is can a monopod be used when using image stabilizer mode 2 or is image stabilizer modes 1 and 2 only used in hand held situations.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I think Mode two is Supposed to be used with a tripod,. thus the panning etc.

...as for a mono pod I would think you could use mode one or two.

Either way,. despite the IS,.. a tripod is still recomended. Remember that the 600 L has IS,. and nobody is expecting anyone to use that without a tripod! :D

[Longwatcher]

Not sure if it is the same, but I have the 100-400.

Mode 1 IS is for handheld. The IS functions in two directions. The lens is not supposed to be used on a tripod in this mode and the view tends to crawl down if the IS mode is on while tripod mounted. The IS is expecting movement, so it compensates for movement that is not there.

Mode 2 IS is supposedly for when panning on or off a tripod. The IS only functions on one direction. I believe only the horizontal portion works in this mode.