100-400L Stabilizer ?

Can someone please explain the stabilizer modes on this lens.
I understand the stabilizer on-off, but why is there two options of stabilizer modes ? and how to use them.
Thanks

Mode 1 is for regular stabiization. Mode 2 is panning mode so your image is stabilized in one direction but not in the other.

gonzogolf wrote in post #16594076
Mode 1 is for regular stabiization. Mode 2 is panning mode so your image is stabilized in one direction but not in the other.

Yes.

Just to add to the above, Mode 2 is typically used for things like auto racing where you want the car sharp, but the background to show motion blur. It keeps your pan steady up and down, but doesn't try to correct the side to side motion.

Mode 1 is typical IS that steadies motion in all directions.

It depends on the direction of the pan, for Mode 2. It stabilizes in the direction you're not moving, which is one of the things that makes it useful for shooting airshows, as well. If you're panning left/right, it stabilizes up/down, if you're panning up/down, it stabilizes left/right.

Snydremark wrote in post #16594096
It depends on the direction of the pan, for Mode 2. It stabilizes in the direction you're not moving, which is one of the things that makes it useful for shooting airshows, as well. If you're panning left/right, it stabilizes up/down, if you're panning up/down, it stabilizes left/right.

Good to know, I thought it was just side to side.

Cheers.
So if I'm using this lens on a tripod for wildlife etc then position 1 is more suitable.
If I'm panning then position 2 is the better option.
Thanks for the speedy replies.

If you're using the 100-400 on a tripod, turn off IS. It is one of the older models that doesn't detect that a tripod is in use and can actually *cause* blur from the movement of the IS element when it isn't required.

Snydremark wrote in post #16594245
If you're using the 100-400 on a tripod, turn off IS. It is one of the older models that doesn't detect that a tripod is in use and can actually *cause* blur from the movement of the IS element when it isn't required.

...and just as important, remember to turn it back on after removing the camera+lens from the tripod. On more than one occasion, I have forgotten to do this, and then later when shooting handheld wondered if I'd had too much coffee because the image in my viewfinder was so shaky.

Well, there you have it. This is one of the most concise and highly accurate threads I've ever seen!

Bryan

bps wrote in post #16594353
Well, there you have it. This is one of the most concise and highly accurate threads I've ever seen!

Bryan

No it isn't!

(just wanted to add some controversy...:p)

Some great advice here.
I have been using it in IS mode when on my tripod and been wondering if the lens was developing a fault, that's given me the most probable reason for it.
Thanks guys n galls

@Taylor: Go away

@bx338: As a visual, set up on the tripod and watch through the viewfinder while holding down a half press on your shutter button (or AF-ON if you're using back button AF). You'll be able to see the view actively shift around; that is caused by the IS element moving to try and compensate for movement that isn't there.

Snydremark wrote in post #16594096
It depends on the direction of the pan, for Mode 2. It stabilizes in the direction you're not moving, which is one of the things that makes it useful for shooting airshows, as well. If you're panning left/right, it stabilizes up/down, if you're panning up/down, it stabilizes left/right.

I didn't realise that. I thought it was just horizontal, but I've just checked the manual and you're dead right.

Lord, I feel dumb now.

Snydremark wrote in post #16594245
If you're using the 100-400 on a tripod, turn off IS. It is one of the older models that doesn't detect that a tripod is in use and can actually *cause* blur from the movement of the IS element when it isn't required.

Is there a list or other resource somewhere that lists what lenses this applies to? (Besides reading my manuals! )

http://www.dlcphotogra​phy.net/TripodAndIS.ht​m I think will cover it