Canon IS lenses -- mode 1 vs. mode 2

[gordeaux]

I've got a Canon 100-400 L IS lens. It has a MODE switch on it -- 1 or 2. The manual says to use mode 2 when panning, otherwise use mode 1.

There are some in between areas I'm unsure about & I can't find much from Canon. Does anyone have any ideas about this?

Question 1. -- do you switch to pan mode if there's ANY movement of the lens while you're shooting the object? Or are you better off at extremely gradual tracking to stay with mode 1? :?

Question 2. -- the Canon manual says to turn off the IS when using a tripod, but I've read some reviews that say leaving the IS turned on with a tripod helps. Any thoughts on this? How about on a windy day when the camera is on a tripod but I can still see it moving in the wind? Surely that would improve the pictures with IS turned on even though I'm on a tripod. Any other guidelines from anyone out there? :?

[defordphoto]

If you're panning at all use mode 2.

When using a tripod with that lens you must turn off the IS. The 100-400 is a series 1 IS and will become confused if placed on a tripod with IS on. Canon claims it can cause damage. I doubt you want to prove them right on that one. ;)

[stevelew]

I think you can use the lens in IS mode when on tripod but it could confuse the lens so the pictures could be out of focus. I read in the manual that if the lens doesn't detect motion it shuts the IS down because normally you don't need IS on a tripod unless you're panning.

Also on IS mode the battery use is 20% higher. On 1 you can use IS in both vertical and horizontal. 2 is used for panning at right angles to the motion V or H.

I'm still learning also but that's what I read in the manual. I am going to play with mine today.

Steve

[defordphoto]

If you're panning at all use mode 2.

The 100-400 is a series 1 IS and will become confused if placed on a tripod with IS on. Canon claims it can cause damage. I doubt you want to prove them right on that one. ;)

Series 1 IS lenses DO NOT shut down when placed on a tripod. A 70-200L IS lens will shut itself off when placed on a tripod is it is a series 2 IS lens.

[mjordan]

I wonder if they are planning on upgrading the 100-400 to a series II IS like the 70-200 IS?

I'm leaning towards getting a 100-400 this spring unless something else jumps up the list (last year the Epson 2200 and 24-70 2.8 nudged out the 100-400). I still wish it was a bit faster... even 4.0 across the whole zoom would be better. But I'm looking forward to trying it out.

Mike

[defordphoto]

I tellya Mike, I have read many posts like yours over the various photog forums, but the wishes seem to be falling on deaf ears. I think people were disappointed with Canon's weak lens updates this year at PMA. Maybe they thought people wouldn't notice with the MKII taking center stage.

The 100-400 is overdue for an update. It needs to be F4 through the entire range and—even though I like it for my style shooting—the push-pull zetup needs to be changed, mainly for weather proofing if not for ergonomics.

Nevetheless, it's one sharp puppy and for my shooting, it usually gets mounted before the 70-200 does.

[J. Cobble]

Just got my 100 - 400 today.....Got it at 17 St. Photo in NY for $1299.00. Thought that was a good deal. I am sitting here with it in my lap and a smile on my face. Do you guys use the lens hood alot???? should I make room in my hard case to carry it around?

[RichardtheSane]

I neve use it without the hood.
Keeps the front free of dust and stuff, kills a lot of flare and looks damn good too :)

It reverses back over the lens so doesn't need too much extra space :D

[defordphoto]

Wow! You got product from 17th St? You're lucky. It is a grey market lens?

[perfectpixel]

Funny thing though...
I have a 100-400 IS and it seems if I leave IS on (mode1) and am using a monopod or generally holding very still, my 10D gives an error1 every once in a while.
Very annoying, since I have to toggle everything on/off and even loosen/retighten lens on the body, and the image that I was trying to make when the err1 occured does not get recorded.
I've been leaving IS off all together most of the time.
Anyone else get this?