Is this true about 4 Stop IS on 70-200 f/4L IS

Was just reading on another site that the newest generation of 4 Stop IS (like on the 70-200 f/4L IS) requires approximately 1.5 seconds to get the first 3 stops of stabilization but the 4th isn't attained until 3 seconds of half-holding the shutter button? I have never seen this referenced on any of the review sites or Canon's so I was dubious.

I have been agonizing over my choice of 70-200 lens and had finally decided on this lens.

I've not timed it when pressing the shutter but yes, 4 stop is about right!

MaxxuM wrote in post #3578992
Was just reading on another site that the newest generation of 4 Stop IS (like on the 70-200 f/4L IS) requires approximately 1.5 seconds to get the first 3 stops of stabilization but the 4th isn't attained until 3 seconds of half-holding the shutter button? I have never seen this referenced on any of the review sites or Canon's so I was dubious.

I have been agonizing over my choice of 70-200 lens and had finally decided on this lens.

Something like that, I though they claimed the first 2-3 stops in 0.5 sec and then some more extended period for higher stops. It was mentioned in the original Canon press release or technical paper.

<quick search> The technical report but that does not mention this point http://www.canon.com …rt/200611/repor​t.html#t11

Huh, that's interesting. I didn't even know that. I always thought that once IS kicked in I would be free to shoot at the lens' IS limit right away.

MaxxuM wrote in post #3578992
Was just reading on another site that the newest generation of 4 Stop IS (like on the 70-200 f/4L IS) requires approximately 1.5 seconds to get the first 3 stops of stabilization but the 4th isn't attained until 3 seconds of half-holding the shutter button? I have never seen this referenced on any of the review sites or Canon's so I was dubious.

I have been agonizing over my choice of 70-200 lens and had finally decided on this lens.

i've owned several different IS lenses and the 70-200L f4 IS easily has the most effective IS unit.

ed rader

Check out the review on Bob Atkin's web, his information is very solid. He reports the 0.5Sec for 3 stops and 3 sec to 4 stop issue, I assume he got this from the original Canon press release which is where I remember seeing it.

NB all IS systems have a start-up delay, normally about 0.5 sec. So it is important to make an AF actuation or half depress the shutter button just before you fire. AFAIK most bodies timeout IS operation after 4 seconds. This leads to the "keeping the IS warm" syndrome for wildlife and sports shooters that can be a significant battery drain.

http://www.bobatkins.c​om …0_12_and_70_200​_4_is.html

ed rader wrote in post #3580300
i've owned several different IS lenses and the 70-200L f4 IS easily has the most effective IS unit.

ed rader

I know indeed it'll be my next purchase as it fits my style of shooting just fine. My sharp 70-200 f/4L (non IS) will be for sale in the not too distant future.

Half a second is really not that long. Even 3 seconds go by really quickly. I usually focus first and then compose. I can actually hear the IS starting when I half-press the shutter (perhaps I have a noisy copy). By the time I press the shutter 2-3 seconds have gone by. The results are spectacular of course.

No, shutterfiend, you don't have a noisy copy. They don't call this lens the coffee grinder for nothing!

terriyaki wrote in post #3581432
No, shutterfiend, you don't have a noisy copy. They don't call this lens the coffee grinder for nothing!

I just bought myself a copy of this lens today. I replaced my Sigma 80-400 with it, for medium telephoto zoom.

Although I can clearly hear coffee griding if I press my ear against the lens barrel, I honestly cannot hear the IS while normally aiming with the camera.

The Sigma was clearly audible, both in terms of IS and AF micro motor. In comparison, the 70-200/4IS is a silent lens.

Also, the IS kicks in smoother and slower than in the Sigma and the EF500. Is also shows much less floating of the image compared to the other lenses I have with IS.

Will be taking my first BIF shots tommorow, while on a boat en route to my summer house. Hope the pics of seaguls are sharper and more of them in focus with this lens.

BTW. It's such a small and lightweight lens, it's a joy.

That was a typo, I did mean .5s. Well, I thought I knew all the compromises – so this would be one more. Guess the only way to combat this is to be in one of the two continuous focusing modes to ensure you are focused in after 3s. I have convinced myself to get it in 2 weeks... oh but that f/2.8L... or a little more for both 2.8 and IS... no no, f/4L IS is enough!