Aerobatics: which IS mode on 70-200 IS2 f/2.8?

I used to use the 200mm prime but now I have a 70-200 IS2 f/2.8 for the upcoming airshows. I typically use it with a 1.4x Mk III extender. The only opportunity I had to point it at aerobatics was a small airshow with small propeller planes (Mike Goulean and John Tucker, awesome show in Plymouth last year).

I did not like the sharpness of pictures quite as much as the jet pictures but it isn't clear to me whether that was circumstances, airplanes in play or the IS mode.

Which IS mode do you use for aerobatics on the IS2?


A more specific question: mode 2 is supposed to be for panning but the explanation in the manual doesn't make it clear whether that only works for strictly horizontal movements or in any direction?

Found a shorter way to ask:

Mode 2: does it detect the panning axis, and if so can you do any axis, or horizontal only or 90 degrees horizontal and vertical only?

I don't use IS at all for airshows, it slows down focus acquisition and delays the shutter firing. You're moving the lens around tracking a moving object at an air show. IS is designed to either shoot with you holding stationary, or panning in a horizontal direction. Neither happens much at airshows.

I haven't used that lens but do use a 100-400 L IS & 28-300 L IS for radio control events & shoot them in mode 2 plus I've shot a couple of full scale shows the same way with very good results. That said try it both ways early in the show & see if your images look any better one way or the other.

uOpt wrote in post #16905152
Mode 2: does it detect the panning axis, and if so can you do any axis, or horizontal only or 90 degrees horizontal and vertical only?

Yes, it detects the panning axis and stabilises accordingly.

I am not sure if it is strictly horizontal and vertical or works 90 degrees to your path, at any angle.

I can say that I use IS mode 2 at airshows a lot when shooting prop driven aircraft as it allows me to shoot at much slower speeds, to get better prop blur, whilst still keeping the fuselage sharp. I have never had issues with it slowing AF or the shutter release in any noticeable way.

FWIW I am pretty certain now that you should restrict mode 2 use to strictly vertical or strictly horizontal. It just turns off one side's mechanical elements, it doesn't try to coordinate them for arbitrary angles.

I ended up turning it off most of the time except for bombers.