Stabilization mode 1-2??

I have the Canon 70-200 F4 IS lens. I don't understand what this button is for. I've tried shots on 1 & 2 and don't see any difference. Can anyone explain what it's for?

I believe mode 2 is for panning type shots.

That is correct. Mode 2 is panning mode- turns off stabilization on the axis it detects the camera is moving along.

http://software.canon-europe.com …F_Lens_Work_Boo​k_9_EN.pdf

See pages 186-187.

ok, I was using it to take landscape photos and switched between 1 & 2...no difference. That would explain it! thanks

I probably shouldn't say this here but I have had consistently better results on all subjects (especially moving ones) by using the third setting (fourth on the latest lenses) - namely OFF. Faster, more accurate AF, sharper images and no fighting the IS when tracking. You always have IS in reserve for extreme circumstances when it can be a godsend, but if there is any light available I get better results without it.

A contentious issue (I have taken quite a bit of flak for this) but try turning IS off (save it for emergencies) and see how you get on. I have found a marked improvement at focal lengths from 16 to 800mm (+ extenders) hand held and more so when using a tripod.

To me it was just an instant, free, improvement to my photography - it might work for you?

P.S. I haven't used IS in over 2 1/2 years - don't even know if the IS on my lenses still work!

johnf3f wrote in post #18093047
I have found a marked improvement at focal lengths from 16 to 800mm (+ extenders) hand held and more so when using a tripod.

Would you mind elaborating a bit as to which lenses you're seeing this with, and in what kinds of setups (handheld, tripod, etc)? I'm not doubting your experience at all, in fact I've seen it myself with some lenses, I'm just curious if we can narrow the scope a bit.

Many of the earlier IS lenses don't have tripod detection, and it's a known issue that if the lens is on a tripod or held extremely steady that IS can actually cause blur. I saw this on my 300mm f/4L; I had to turn off IS when using it on a tripod or it would wig out and ruin shots. None of my newer IS lenses (100L, 24-70 f/4L, 16-35mm f/4L) have this issue, and I've personally never seen any benefit from turning IS off. I have it on all the time on the 100L, and there is no way it's causing any kind of degradation.

I have on the other hand gotten blurry shots when I accidentally turned IS off (usually when going between AF and MF and blindly switching the wrong switch) and then kept taking handheld shots at slow shutter speeds thinking it was on (it was obvious when it engaged on the 300/4, but nearly imperceptible on the newest IS lenses).

Certainly!

The list is simple, every IS lens that I own or have owned (with one exception - see below) - please see the gear list on my profile, so we are talking focal lengths from 16mm to 800mm or more if you include extenders. Unfortunately I have only 1 lens with the very latest IS (100-400 Mk2 with three mode settings) - my Canon 800mm has 4 stop IS but only modes 1 and 2.

I prefer to use a tripod when practical but that is far from always the case - even my 800mm is hand held or leaned/pressed against local flora much of the time. Normally my subject (primarily wildlife) determines my shutter speed rather than focal length, also their behavior eg. they might fly off/move and I still want sharp shots without the IS interfering.

Naturally there is a limit to the shutter speed that an individual can hold a given focal length steady, however I have found that this is quite a bit slower than "official wisdom" would suggest. Note I am far from fit or strong - lifting a pint is my idea of exercise! For reference I get reasonably reliable results with the 800 at 1/250 - maybe a little less on a good day and quite a bit slower with a tripod.

You are quite right about the 300 F4 L IS on a tripod, mine was the same! This was the lens that got me thinking about using the Off position and I found a huge improvement on moving subjects. Even the much more modern IS system on my 800mm gets in the way more than it helps.

Remember this is what I have found for my uses on unpredictable subjects. There will always be those who find IS to be an advantage or a particular lens that you (or I) simply can't hold steady! In my case it is the 100-400 Mk2, I struggle to get really sharp images without IS at 1/400 to 1/500 sec with this lens yet half that shutter speed is fine with a 600 F4 or 800 F5.6 - go figure!?! Naturally there will be extreme circumstances where IS can really help - but I rarely find them.

All I would suggest is that you give it a try as I found AF lock to be faster (much faster on the 300 F4) and tracking to be significantly better on all lenses. If you don't like it you can always turn it back on.......

Tripod = off or doesn't matter if using latest gen IS
Handheld static subject = mode 1
Handheld panning = mode 2, or mode 3 if available (mode 3 is an improved mode 2. it does not cause shifting image while panning).

-alex