100-400 IS Timing

[BoySpot]

Today the nice man from UPS dropped off a box from B&H with something nice and white in it. I have a question for the experienced users of this lens. In the manual it says the IS will continue to work while the exposure reading is displayed in the viewfinder after you release the shutter button. Mine clicks off after a couple of seconds, before the viewfinder display clears.

Is this normal or is there something amiss with this example?

Thanks for any advice.

[zzpza]

depending on which body you are using, the IS function is active at different periods. i haven't used the 100-400 on my 10d in a long time, but remember that it acted slightly differently on my EOS 3 and EOS 30.

on some models IS actives with the autofocusing system, some with the exposure system. it varies from model to model. the same is true for when it turns off. EOS magazine had an article about it a few years ago.

so in short, i wouldn't be worried about it as long as it's active once you've got an exposure reading and stops once you've taken the photo.

j.

[BoySpot]

Thanks for that. There is nothing worse than getting a great new toy and then worrying whether it is right or not. I shall sleep easier - probably from being worn out carrying it everywhere!!

[Adam Hicks]

It's not too heavy... I handhold mine everywhere no problem. Just shoot with the 200 1.8 handheld for a few days and you'll love going back to the 'little' 100-400 :) As far as the IS timing goes, on my 20D the IS kicks in one second after the shutter button is half-pressed. From there if I let off the button it spins back down about one second later. It stays on as long as the button is pressed.

Take that lens out, set the camera in Av mode, stop the lens down to about 7.1-8 and shoot in the 200-300mm range to test it. You should be VERY pleased with the sharpness of this zoom in that range stopped down.

Now go support your local zoo! That lens was made for it :)

[BoySpot]

The zoo was my first thought for testing it. I like to shoot aircraft but this isn't the right time of year for airshows. Playing with it last night I was amazed at how effective the IS was. I have had some success with slow shutter speeds in the past when hand holding but this is going to change the game a bit.

Roll on the weekend and I can go out and play.

[Adam Hicks]

Airshows are definitely fun with it. BTW, when you're shooting caged animals with it just get as close as you can to the cage, extend the lens to 400mm or close, and open the aperture wide open. It's a great way to make the cage disappear (even though it will make an off patterned bokeh... examples..

http://www.golilm.com/images/Animals/bigcat.jpg
and
http://www.golilm.com/images/Animals/eaglehead.jpg

stopped down I really like the sharpness of the lens...
http://www.golilm.com/Zoo/FortWorthZooFeb1305010.jpg

Have fun!
Adam

[BoySpot]

Nice shots. I wonder what the Chicago winter weather will give me this weekend?

[Jim_T]

On my 10D, the 100-400 IS turns off about 1 second after I let go of the shutter button.. Actually, I wouldn't want it on for longer.. You'll find the IS really affects the battery life.. You'll notice fewer shots per battery because of the extra drain...

Having it turn off soon after you let go of the shutter button isn't that bad a thing..

[BoySpot]

Thanks for the info. I'm not bothered by the time it takes. I just want to make sure its behavior is normal since it is slightly different to what the manual says. Sounds like there is nothing unusual about my copy.