Panning at Drag Races

I am going to shoot my first drag race in almost six years next weekend. I never was good at panning but I want to get some panning time in. My question is does utilizing IS help any with panning?

My thinking is (after reading posts here) that without proper form and follow through its not going to make much of a difference if IS is on or off. Am I wrong?

If you do use IS, you will need to go with mode 2.... I dont usually use an IS lens while at the drags, but my fiance does... I think a lot of it is preference.

Also in my opinion, I feel the starting line photos are more compelling than the down track panning shots... But of course, that is just one mans opinion.

I can get some very crisp shots of road racing while panning, and I do not have IS on my 70-200L.
I prefer to have the blur in the wheels, otherwise it looks like it is parked on the track.
Although you won't see as many cars go by at a drag racing event, I would try to find a road and start panning regular cars for practice.
Good luck, be smooth!

Tom O. wrote in post #14996175
I am going to shoot my first drag race in almost six years next weekend. I never was good at panning but I want to get some panning time in. My question is does utilizing IS help any with panning?

My thinking is (after reading posts here) that without proper form and follow through its not going to make much of a difference if IS is on or off. Am I wrong?

Lens stabilization, and the choice of lens, are not factors in the effective use of a relatively slow shutter speed to create the illusion of motion blur. This is strictly a skill developed through actual experience and does not depend on equipment.

From a non-stabilized lens.

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE