IS (Mode 3) for Football?

Do you use IS when you shoot football where your shutter speed exceeds the 1/focal length rule of thumb with a super telephoto lens? If I shot at 1/1000s with a 400mm super telephoto lens, should I turn IS mode on 2 or 3 or leave it off?

This question probably is more tailored to those that shoot college/pro football with good stadium lighting.

I've shot noon games before with a 70-200mm and always left IS off.

I've never use IS (intentionally) when shooting sports because my shutter speeds are high enough so it's not needed. There were times I found that I left IS on from shooting previously, but immediately shut it off.

Some will use IS no matter what. I think the newer super teles are better at it than the older ones.

Are you having issues?

Methodical wrote in post #17193631
I've never use IS (intentionally) when shooting sports because my shutter speeds are high enough so it's not needed. There were times I found that I left IS on from shooting previously, but immediately shut it off.

Some will use IS no matter what. I think the newer super teles are better at it than the older ones.

Are you having issues?

+1. You don't need IS for sport. Its for low light shots, e.g. church weddings. Even with a 400mm on a monopod as long as you are at 1/500th which is pretty well a minimum in floodlights, you don't need IS, particularly with a monopod.

For the super telephotos during a football game l leave the IS on no matter what the shutter speed is. When it gets windy the IS helps stabilize the lens allowing me to keep on target.If you believe that with the IS on the lens does not focus as fast then there is an easy fix. Keep the IS on by starting to focus on a more frequent basis before the shot is taken.. If you are afraid that keeping the IS on longer you will run out of battery power then it is time to replace the battery or carry a spare. I have never run out of battery power using the method described and usually the battery is only 1/4 or less depleted after a football game

I use mode 3 on my Canon 400mm f/2.8L IS II and leave it on all the time regardless of my shutter speed. This is what works for me, others will have different opinions. I use mode 3 for all sports.