Best IS modes?

I'm in the "always on for sports" group using Mode 1. I shoot soccer with the 5DMkIII and MkIV, along with the Canon 100-400 L MkI. I use a monopod with a ball head. Typically I shoot at 1/1000s. Fwiw, I don't use continuous shooting; I get into the action and time my shots. [Btw, I love the push/pull zoom of the MkI!]

I've seen all of the recommendations et al regarding using IS. Canon actually says you can use it on a monopod. Keeping it on helps me compose my shots. It works for me, so I use it.

The MkIII and MkIV are high performance cameras, designed to help the photographer get the shot. Both cameras are generally good for 1,000 shots on a battery, but I don't worry too much about using a little extra energy with IS. I need it, I use it. Worrying about using a tiny bit of battery power for IS is akin to worrying about how many photos I'm taking. Before a game, I charge my batteries and reformat my cards. At half time, memory cards and the battery (if it is approaching half charge) are switched. During the game my attention is on the game.

I have a question then... "helps me compose my shots"... How exactly? By stabilizing the image in the viewfinder? Is that really an issue when you are on a monopod?

sfinkernagel wrote in post #18992422
I have a question then... "helps me compose my shots"... How exactly? By stabilizing the image in the viewfinder? Is that really an issue when you are on a monopod?

Yes, I have certainly found it to be an issue when shooting sports (on a monopod). IS makes a big difference.

sfinkernagel wrote in post #18992422
I have a question then... "helps me compose my shots"... How exactly? By stabilizing the image in the viewfinder? Is that really an issue when you are on a monopod?

Yes it is.

I respect your opinions gentlemen. Obviously, our experiences are different.

Shoot on!

I've been shooting casee 4, but will try case 1 this weekend to shoot daytime varsity baseball.

LSUsportsfreak wrote in post #19021769
I've been shooting casee 4, but will try case 1 this weekend to shoot daytime varsity baseball.

No no no. These are two different things.

While you can try Case 1, Case 4, if it works for you, should be fine. I use that for nighttime girls varsity soccer.

The Modes are the Image Stabilization modes that can be chosen via switches on the lenses. IS Mode 1 corrects for vertical and horizontal movement. IS Mode 2 is used for panning, such as for bicycle or auto racing events where you're just panning. My understanding is that Mode 3 is an intelligent version of Mode 2.

The Cases are about autofocus modes, 1 through 6, when shooting AI Servo (5DMk III and IV, 1DX Mk I and II, and perhaps others). They help the camera determine where and how to choose a focus point, and how long to keep it should the subject go out of the area or should someone else get in front of the camera. It accounts for, and allows you to adjust, tracking sensitivity, acceleration/decelerat​ion of tracking, and AF point auto switching. You have the 7D MkII and 6DMkII, and I don't know their AF systems, but this should help move you in the right direction.

Hope this helps!