Stabilizer 1 or 2

[hollis_f]

Originally Posted by birderman

is this only true for the later lens models using updated system but not necessarily for the older lens's like the 100-400L ?

I'm fairly sure that this is the case. But I've not gone looking for the proof.

[Jim Neiger]

Originally Posted by birderman

But then this would mean there is no need to manufacture the lens with both modes, so why would they ? Has this been confirmed by Canon, is this only true for the later lens models using updated system but not necessarily for the older lens's like the 100-400L ?

This information was supplied by Chuck Westfall of Canon on another forum a long time ago. I have often wondered why they kept both modes. The only reason I can think of is that it may have to do with backward compatibility.

[jhayesvw]

that is weird.
I read the manual for my 100-400 and it clearly says it stabilizes only 1 plane.
but that may have been incorrect.
I would love it if I didnt have to switch modes.
but usually when I do in flight birds I just turn IS off.

[birderman]

Is there any way in which IS can be tested so that one tell how each setting is working ? The difficulty I guess is that there is no constant in the amount of movement from one user to another so would make such tests very difficult ?

[Nature Nut]

Originally Posted by birderman

Is there any way in which IS can be tested so that one tell how each setting is working ? The difficulty I guess is that there is no constant in the amount of movement from one user to another so would make such tests very difficult ?

If you focus on an object with IS on make a quick jeer in the axis or direction you wish to test, while looking though the viewfinder and you will see the lens shift try to counter any quick shift. On IS 1 it will do both axises, on IS 2 only one.

[birderman]

This method will help the user observe IS working, but it will not give any measurable results to show how well IS is performing in the different modes. However, it may help confirm that contrary to Jim Neiger's post that IS2 only functions in vertical plane and hence confirm a need to have the two modes of IS.

[Nature Nut]

Originally Posted by birderman

This method will help the user observe IS working, but it will not give any measurable results to show how well IS is performing in the different modes. However, it may help confirm that contrary to Jim Neiger's post that IS2 only functions in vertical plane and hence confirm a need to have the two modes of IS.

Yea, I wouldn't know how you could quantify the shake reduction limits without some crazy contraption. I for one am just glad IS exists, no matter the specs or limits.

[birderman]

Another consideration for IS that comes to mind is it must continue making adjustments during exposure and therefore will be acting fairly quick compared to the shutter speed, perhaps too fast for the human eye to detect the motion. Because the camera shake will not be in a single direction the the IS must also be continually changing direction to combat the shake and thus may not be moving great enough distance to be observed.

Overall though I believe that we must not become dependant on IS mechanisms so as to be come lazy and sloppy in our camera holding technique, traditionally with film cameras IS was never considered and photographers had to learn to hold the camera as steady as possible these days it looks as though they may become too relieant upon the hardware and thus taking away the skill.

[Levina de Ruijter]

Originally Posted by Jim Neiger

I leave my 500mm on IS mode 2 all of the time.

Some two years ago I read that Arthur Morris does the same thing. When I read that and finding switching IS modes on my 300mm all the time a PITA, I decided what was good for Arthur Morris was good for me and never used Mode I again.
I do turn off IS when shooting birds in flight though, as I do think it slows down the AF, even if it's ever so slightly.