IS versions

[Medic1]

Ok...total newbie to IS lenses so a couple of questions:

I was just reading that the 300 f4L has 2 IS modes (still and panning) and is controlled by a 16 bit microcomputer

Then I read that the 100-400 is the "original Canon IS"

Is there a difference in the two IS controllers? If so which is better?

Also, and most important....does the 100-400 have an IS mode for panning?

Thanks

[Longwatcher]

First,
Yes the 100-400 has two modes for IS
hand held (mode 1) and panning (mode 2)
I have one so I know it does. I just ran downstairs and checked.

From Canon museum website on 300/4 IS
A compact and lightweight 300mm super-telephoto lens with Image Stabilizer(IS), similar to EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

Both lenses the 300/4 and 100-400 have same version of IS.

Only lenses released after Sept 2001 will have second generation IS (like on 70-200/2.8L IS)
The difference between first and second gen IS is first gen (or old IS) has a 2 stop benefit, while second gen (or new IS) has a 3 stop benefit and knows when it is on a tripod.

I am thinking only the 75-300 IS and 28-135 IS do not have the two modes (Handheld and Pan) at least those are the only ones I have seen without the two modes. But I didn't check every lens out.

Almost forgot, the first Canon lens with IS was the 75-300 IS (at least according to the Canon museum site
http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/f_lens.html

Just what I know,

[FlyingPete]

I am thinking only the 75-300 IS and 28-135 IS do not have the two modes (Handheld and Pan) at least those are the only ones I have seen without the two modes. But I didn't check every lens out.

Yep, that is right, only one IS switch, IS on/IS off.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Yes, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that the 100-400L has panning IS. It just doesn't have the tripod recognition IS setting like Longwatcher was talking about.

[Tom W]

the 100-400 has panning IS, but not tripod IS. Same with the 300/4. As Longwatcher says, the 28-135 and the 75-300 do not have the "panning" mode nor the tripod mode. The new 17-85 lacks the 2-position switch for panning vs. "regular". But the 17-85 does have the latest "3-stop" technology meaning that it is more effective than the earlier versions. Not sure about the tripod capabilities of the 17-85 though.

[pcasciola]

I think Tom has it right. I have the 300/4L which cannot be tripod mounted but still has the two IS modes. It is noisy and clunks a bit compared the newer IS that is on my 70-200/2.8L IS, which is very quiet, smooth as silk, and can be used on a tripod with IS on.

[lostdoggy]

This list is in Pop Photograph June Issue.

[Medic1]

This list is in Pop Photograph June Issue.

..I just picked it up last night..I'll have to take a look