Why IS barely work for Macro??

Hi, I was wondering about why the IS can be so efficient on telephoto but so inept on macro lenses... Anyone know the reason??

I'm not sure how you got into that decision.
I'm using the IS when I hand held my camera and the light is too low, and I'm not using a flash.

Using a tripod the camera doesn't move, so IS is pointless. Using a flash allows you to get faster shutter speeds, so the IS is not needed most of the time.

But who said its inept?

Well, they say the IS is only good for 1 stop for macro... By they I mean the reviewers and people on forums.

By comparison, the newest IS lenses can do 4 stops...

Edit: Here from a review:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …SM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx

I admit, almost 2 stops is better than no IS. Hopefully in the future we can see than number grow.

This is because the DOF is so thin with macro shots that the image goes out of focus when moving slightly forward and backward and the IS can't compensate for that.

mmm, that make sens. That mean the IS is actually working but cannot compensate for the z-axis motion. Yes, that make a lot of sens! I wish i had a L lens to try it out!! :P

No, it is not because of DOF. DOF would matter only if you were moving the camera back and forth.

I believe it is because most IS systems adjust for angular motion, which has a big effect at long distances and a very small effect at short distances. The big problem at macro distances is movement parallel to the sensor. Canon's hybrid IS adjusts for this motion as well, which is why it provides a modest gain at macro distances.

When I was shopping for the 100L, which has hybrid IS, I wrote to Canon, and the person who wrote back confirmed this.

I believe you're right about that. The IS works for about 1 stop because it can compensate for linear movement (left/right up/down) but since it can't compensate for front/back movement which also causes big problems in macro shots, the advantage you gain with the IS is limited.

Mmm... thanks Paddler4. And what is your verdict? Is paying double for IS worth it? Do you think you get a lot more usable pictures compare to when the IS is off?

I'm starting to regret having picked the Tamron 90mm. It's stellar but for 100$ more I could have the Sigma with image stabilisation. I do my best handheld but only 20% of my pics are usable due to motion blur.

Earwax69 wrote in post #14803833
I do my best handheld but only 20% of my pics are usable due to motion blur.

Motion blur or camera shake?

I would think because you tend to do macro photography with a tripod ? Well i do anyway

Well it's not always possible to have a tripod when doing macro shots, as in a museum for instance, or when doing shots in other crowded places.

it's not an easy call, but I think it was for me. I do quite a bit of handheld macro work, and for that, the hybrid IS is worth perhaps 1.5 stops. It's also nice to have the regular IS if you want to use the lens as a telephoto. If you switch on the focus limiter, it makes a superb telephoto. however, for macro work on a tripod or using flash to stop motion, there would be no value. And it does nothing to help you nail focus, which is a huge problem with handheld macro work.

I'm not certain, but I doubt the sigma has a form of IS useful at macro distances. if it is their conventional OS, it would not be, I think.

You need to learn how to hold a camera. I can do 1/10 handheld no problem with 80% usable images.

You're only getting 20%?

Tuck your elbows to your body to stabilize your camera more.

Earwax69 wrote in post #14803833
Mmm... thanks Paddler4. And what is your verdict? Is paying double for IS worth it? Do you think you get a lot more usable pictures compare to when the IS is off?

I'm starting to regret having picked the Tamron 90mm. It's stellar but for 100$ more I could have the Sigma with image stabilisation. I do my best handheld but only 20% of my pics are usable due to motion blur.

If you only want it for IS, than no, not really.

But the L lens is not only about the IS. There is the build quality and the weather protection. Its designed so that you can use it in a dump area for example, a bit of rain fall, and capture your image with less worries.

Also about blur, most likely learning to hold a heavy camera setup is in need. I usually use mine hand help with a flash, and after awhile its getting easier to find your way.

maverick75 wrote in post #14804924
You need to learn how to hold a camera. I can do 1/10 handheld no problem with 80% usable images.

You're only getting 20%?

Tuck your elbows to your body to stabilize your camera more.

At 1:1 on a 100mm, no you can't.