IS or Monopod ?

[subarus]

I read that Image Stabilization gives about 3 stops in some lens. Does anybody know how many stops can I get back with a monopod?

I read that IS cannot be used with tripod, does it include monopod?

I see pro sports photographers use monopods with their IS tele lenses, do they turn off their IS? if they turn off their IS, does that mean that monopods give more stops than IS can provide? Is it possible they use monopods with IS turn on? if yes, how many stops do they get?

thanks

[Dennis_Hammer]

I use a monopod for sports all the time but more because a 300 2.8 is too heavy to hand hold very long. I don't flip on IS unless light conditions are bad or getting there. So what I am saying is I don't think they are mutually exclusive, I am a believer of using whats available and a monopod is a relatively cheap investment ( get a good one it's still cheap ) that can be used in way too many situations to list.

[subarus]

I use a monopod for sports all the time but more because a 300 2.8 is too heavy to hand hold very long. I don't flip on IS unless light conditions are bad or getting there. So what I am saying is I don't think they are mutually exclusive, I am a believer of using whats available and a monopod is a relatively cheap investment ( get a good one it's still cheap ) that can be used in way too many situations to list.

It would be great if monopod and IS are not mutually exclusive, that means that you are getting more stops using IS+monopod combined.. but I read that tripod and IS are mutually exclusive, I guess it does not apply for monopods.. that is why ppl use monopods with their IS lenses

[DStanic]

I would not be afraid to try IS+monopod. Afterall the monopod is just supporting the vertical movement of the camera/lens, while it can still move side to side.

I just bought a Giottos monopod for $40 (half price at Henrys) can't wait to try it with my 70-200 in low light conditions. I hate tripods cause they are so much work to set up, perhaps I can manage with this.

[canonnoob]

It would be great if monopod and IS are not mutually exclusive, that means that you are getting more stops using IS+monopod combined.. but I read that tripod and IS are mutually exclusive, I guess it does not apply for monopods.. that is why ppl use monopods with their IS lenses

the reason you have to turn of IS on a tripod is because it stops ALL movement. a Monopod does not. I use IS on my 300 2.8 when the lighting conditions get about 1/320- 1/400th.. But I rarely let it get that low since I am a sports photographer.

[neil_r]

I use a 300 & 500 for motorsports on a monopod with the IS off.

[tonylong]

I use a monopod all the time for long lens use and never even think of turning the IS off. I can use all the help I can get!

[Pmolan]

I am trying to learn how to use a monopod on my 70-200. It's harder than it looks!! As of right now I am better at hand holding it.

[neil_r]

I hand hold my 100-400 and 70-200 I occasionally hand hold the 300. But the 500 always and the 300 usually go on a monopod.

[subarus]

the reason you have to turn off IS on a tripod is because it stops ALL movement. a Monopod does not. .
make sense..

[Tee Why]

IIRC, there are 5 generations of IS now, and that from 3rd generation on, the IS system can detect that it's on a tripod and turn itself off. I think the older IS system is used in the 28-135 and the 100-400mm lens. All newer lenses should be fine on a tripod with the IS on.

Monopod, I doubt is stable enough to require turning the IS off, as with the monopod, there is still some shake and movement.

So to answer your question, I'd probably leave the IS on with a monopod. How many stops you can gain with a monopod is all dependent on the skill of the shooter to use the monopod to stabilize and I don't recall hearing a rule of thumb for how much you can gain with a monopod.