Use of IS and Monopod

[billhercus]

Forgive me if this has been discussed but my search has not revealed anything (I'm not very good with the search, sorry)

I will get, in a couple of days, the much discussed and recommended Canon 28-135mm IS lens and I wonder if the IS should be on or off when using with a monopod. I know it is switched off with a tripod but .....

(For UK members, I have purchased this at an amazing UK price and info will follow if all goes well....)

[CyberDyneSystems]

RTFM? :lol:

Really it depends on the lens in question.. and I don't know about this one in particular...

I'm sure some of the many 28-135mm owners may have an answer for you....

Personally I use IS on a monopod even with older IS designs.. but the newer IS will function even on a tripod..

Anyway.. when you get the lens.. it will explain the IS in the manual. 8)

[billhercus]

Thanks CDS. Do you think they'll mention monopod in the manual?

[slejhamer]

Bill, it is okay to keep IS turned on when using that lens with a monopod. You will like the results. :)

[billhercus]

Thanks Mitch. It shall be done .....

[DC]

You can keep the IS switched on, but remember that if you pan, the IS will attempt to counteract it...

If the lens has an IS mode switch, then switch it to tripod mode (usually mode 2 I think, but the manul will tell you).

[PacAce]

You can keep the IS switched on, but remember that if you pan, the IS will attempt to counteract it...

If the lens has an IS mode switch, then switch it to tripod mode (usually mode 2 I think, but the manul will tell you).

Unfortunatley there's no such animal as "tripod" mode. Mode 2 on some IS lenses means that the vertical movements are stabilized but not the horizontal. This mode is good when you want to pan horizontally as when shooting racing cars. Mode 1 stabilizes both horizontal and vertical movements of the camera and lens. The 28-135 IS however only works in mode 1.

Unless you are planning to use the 28-135 IS for long exposures (longer than 1/30), a tripod really isn't necessary as you can handhold this lens with the IS on even at 1/30 of a second if you have steady hands. But if you do decide you need to use the tripod, then you would definetly want to have IS turned on.

[billhercus]

.... and I thought this would be a simple question. Yes, you do or no, you don't.

But then it wouldn't be photography as we know it, would it :?: :D

[Scottes]

:)

How about: Yes, unless you're panning. (For the 28-135 since it doesn't have a Mode 2.)

Using IS on a monopod is a good thing. I've found my pictures to be sharper and/or I've been able to go to a lower shutter speed. Using a monopod with my 100-400 L IS I've gotten some very sharp images down to 1/30 at 400mm. I would not have gotten decent shots at that shutter without the monopod.