Airshows and IS modes on 70-200 f/2.8 IS2 questions

I recently replaced my planes'n'bird setup going from a 200mm f/2.8 II prime (no IS) to the 70-200 f/2.8 IS2.

The birds in flight come out very good, in any IS mode. The airplanes, not so much and mode 2 (panning) didn't improve it much. One difference is that the bird are usually strictly horizontal panning.

So, the first question I have is: mode 2, which recognizes panning, does it recognize panning going [B]any[/I] direction, or it is limited to just vertical and horizontal but not diagonal.

uOpt wrote in post #16309255
The birds in flight come out very good, in any IS mode. The airplanes, not so much and mode 2 (panning) didn't improve it much. One difference is that the bird are usually strictly horizontal panning.

So, the first question I have is: mode 2, which recognizes panning, does it recognize panning going [B]any[/I] direction, or it is limited to just vertical and horizontal but not diagonal.

According to the manual for your lens, mode 2 compensates for vertical camera shake when moved in the horizontal direction, and compensates for horizontal camera shake when moved in the vertical direction.

I have this lens which I use for aviation photography. I always used mode 2 when I'm shooting prop planes at slow shutter speeds. At higher shutter, say jets, I don't need any IS.

I never use IS for action. There is no need.

FA_Productions wrote in post #16325267
I never use IS for action. There is no need.

That depends on what shutter speed you need though.

When shooting aircraft (other than jets) you need to use slow shutter speeds and, as the aircraft are frequently fast moving, IS can be required, or at least a big help. When I am shooting at 1/80th second, hand held at 600mm focal length, I definitely need IS.