Image jumps and drifts

I started to notice when using my 7D w/ Canon 500/f4 IS (on tripod) that when I press the shutter half way to activate AF and IS that the image view jumps slightly then starts to drift a little. I thought this must be a problem with the IS but the same effect w/ 7D+300/2.8 IS and 7D+100-400 IS. This suggest to me a problem with communication between lens and 7D. I though all the IS sensing "if on a tripod or not" is in the lens. What role would the 7D play? Anyone else have this problem. BTW, I just mounted the 500mm on a Canon Rebel T4 and image was rock solid stable.

Turn IS off when on a tripod?

sagebrush wrote in post #16000435
I started to notice when using my 7D w/ Canon 500/f4 IS (on tripod) that when I press the shutter half way to activate AF and IS that the image view jumps slightly then starts to drift a little. I thought this must be a problem with the IS but the same effect w/ 7D+300/2.8 IS and 7D+100-400 IS. This suggest to me a problem with communication between lens and 7D. I though all the IS sensing "if on a tripod or not" is in the lens. What role would the 7D play? Anyone else have this problem. BTW, I just mounted the 500mm on a Canon Rebel T4 and image was rock solid stable.

Put the IS off while on tripod. You will see this only in Live View.
Not sure how it is rock solid on T4.

Yes there is no problem if IS is off. But I was expecting the lens or body to sense it was on a tripod. This issue was resolved back in 1994 or so. Should I send it into Canon and have it checked out?

I never had a problem with my 300 f/2.8 L IS with IS on when using a tripod. (On a 1D4 or 1D2)
On my 500 f/4 L IS II, I have never turned off the IS. (Although I mostly shoot hand held.)

sagebrush wrote in post #16000614
Yes there is no problem if IS is off. But I was expecting the lens or body to sense it was on a tripod. This issue was resolved back in 1994 or so. Should I send it into Canon and have it checked out?

I thought it was much more recently that tripod sensing IS was used. Anyway, I wouldn't waste time and money sending it to Canon when they will tell you it works as originally designed and send it right back to you.

Just turn IS off and go on about your day.

Tripod sensing, contrary to Canons marketing, DOES NOT WORK. Always turn it off on a tripod.

I use my 500 f4 on a tripod a lot and never turn the IS off, I don't have the issue of image drifting. I find that leaving the IS on helps to get sharp shots when shooting at really slow speeds.

Neilyb wrote in post #16001310
Tripod sensing, contrary to Canons marketing, DOES NOT WORK. Always turn it off on a tripod.

This has been my experience too.

I've only had half a cup of coffee this morning but I think the idea that IS works on a tripod is mostly that it won't damage the mechanics of the system

sagebrush wrote in post #16000614
Yes there is no problem if IS is off. But I was expecting the lens or body to sense it was on a tripod. This issue was resolved back in 1994 or so. Should I send it into Canon and have it checked out?

If you want to waste your time and for them to tell you to turn IS off when on a tripod.

'Tripod sensing' just means it doesn't jump around madly, so if you have a decent SS you should still get a decent shot. It does not mean the IS turns off completely on a tripod.

postcardcv wrote in post #16001420
I use my 500 f4 on a tripod a lot and never turn the IS off, I don't have the issue of image drifting. I find that leaving the IS on helps to get sharp shots when shooting at really slow speeds.

If you are holding the camera (or have your hand on the camera), then yes, I would keep IS on. In that case you are likely still using SS greater than 1/15s or so, probably a lot more with a 500mm lens, even on a tripod, and IS will likely be useful. This is why most people with say they have not had a problem or noticed anything - most people won't with the typical use of a long lens, even on a tripod.

On the other hand, if you are hands-off, remote/timer etc.., with a SS less than 1/6s or so, then definitely turn IS off, although it may still be OK if you wait for it to settle down before tripping the shutter. I doubt many people shoot 'wildlife' lenses like that though. Honestly with a 300 2.8 or 500 f4 I can't imagine a situation on a tripod where I would switch IS off, because I can't imagine not having my hand on the camera. If the image moves around with IS on to the extent that it impedes your ability to put the focus point right where you want it, then I think something is wrong.

Of course I don't own a 500mm lens, but really the same applies for all IS lenses.