IS in super telephoto?

I lovethe IS in the 100-400 but was wondering how important it is in 500mm+ primes. Are you really going to be hand holding that big of a lens? I would expect that the majority of the time it would be on at least a monopod.

I am trying to decide on what lenses and/or body I want to get for shooting racing and wildlife.

Not like I own a supertele, but my understanding is that these heavy long lenses benefit from IS on monopods and even to some degree on tripods. Very small vibration can soften shots at 500+.

IS is important even when on a tripod because with that long of a focal length (add a 1.4x TC to the 500 and you've got 700mm), any tiny shake can have a big effect. I use a monopod often and it's really hard to keep still with that large of a lens on it.

The longer the focal length, the more important the IS becomes.

With a monopod, IS remains equally useful. With a tripod, well, if it's a sturdy tripod, then it's better to switch it off. Otherwise, on a light tripod, it's the same as on a monopod.

I often hand hold my 500f4 even with a 1.4tc high shutter speeds 1/2000sec or above really help the IS does help keep the image stable so easyier to track BIF's.
Rob.

I.S. is extremely helpful on lenses 300mm and up, practically all the time.

I use 300/2.8 I.S. and 500/4 I.S. on tripod with gimbal mount (Wimberley Sidekick) where you don't lock down the tilt or pan settings, but track subjects with it. I.S. helps a lot. I don't think I've ever switched I.S. off, and seldom bother switching it to "panning mode".

Can't tell you the number of times I've shot with these lenses resting on a bean bag, poking out a car window, lying across on a car roof/hood, laying prone on the ground, etc. I.S. helps in all these cases, too.

Also helps on monopod, as mentioned.

Even on a solid tripod, locked down, wind can and does effect the big lenses, mostly due to their large, deep hoods.

Yes, both 300/2.8 and 500/4 can be hand held, at least briefly.

Just my opinion... I.S. is the best thing since sliced bread!

amfoto1 wrote in post #4291395
Just my opinion... I.S. is the best thing since sliced bread!

I can agree with that.

I just was not sure how helpful it would be if it was on a pod. The only reason I ask is because I am looking to go cheap. Possibly get a Sigma prime but they do not have IS (or I guess OS in their case). Seems like it would be as important on or off the tripod.

I am just struggling on what to get.......too many options and variations I am looking at currentley. Whether to get a 1d body (most likely a MK IIn) and use my 100-400, maybe get a 300 f/4 and 1.4x and use my 30D, spend some serious cash and get a L series uber prime for use with the 30D, or any combination of the above.

It really is a sickness.

Greetings,
My experiences with my 500mm is that you can't shoot without IS, even on a sturdy Gitzo 3 series tripod, unless using shutter cable release. The moment we place our hands on the camera or lens, the minute vibration can be seen through the lens. The IS does compensate for such vibration. Enjoy...

I have a 600 f4IS which is use mostly for motor sport, mostly MotoGP and SBK racing.
Have also used a loaner 500mm IS but not often.

The IS on both is excellent. However, I did notice on your web pages you also shoot a bit of motor sport. In that scenario you may find the IS not of much benefit. Personally I don't use it much as when I'm panning its never in just in one plane. So neither IS mode is of any use to me when shooting motorsport. Too much hit and miss.

For still shots and / or using a tripod setup, panning in one plane etc, the 600's IS is exceptional. It also gives you the ability to use much lower shutter speeds.

Do you have the chance to hire one, its a lot of $ to find it may not suit.

Cheers,

Stephen

StephenP wrote in post #4291824
The IS on both is excellent. However, I did notice on your web pages you also shoot a bit of motor sport. In that scenario you may find the IS not of much benefit. Personally I don't use it much as when I'm panning its never in just in one plane. So neither IS mode is of any use to me when shooting motorsport. Too much hit and miss.

Do you have the chance to hire one, its a lot of $ to find it may not suit.

Cheers,

Stephen

It would be for mostly racing (motorcycle...AMA, and local club stuff). I have gone from racing them, to wrenchig on them, to now hopefully shooting them on a regular basis.

Yeah I am sure I could rent one out for a weekend and see what I think. Shooting SBK and GP do you need the 600 or would 400mm do?

I rarely use the IS on my 600/4. I find it an irritation when using the lens on a monopod for shooting motorsport. It keeps trying to damp out the tracking corrections I make to keep the AF point where I want it on my subject. I end up fighting against the IS system.

Dont the 500mm and maybe the other big ones turn off IS automatically when it detects a tripod..? i read that somewhere

Strick wrote in post #4291874
It would be for mostly racing (motorcycle...AMA, and local club stuff). I have gone from racing them, to wrenchig on them, to now hopefully shooting them on a regular basis.

Yeah I am sure I could rent one out for a weekend and see what I think. Shooting SBK and GP do you need the 600 or would 400mm do?

Well it would depend purely on the style of shot you want, how near or far you can be to the action and what bodies you would be using. There are tracks where I use both the 600mm and the 400mm, others where I only use the 400mm or shorter lenses. But like I said it depends on what you are hoping to achieve.

One tip if you do get an IS lens, tape the IS switch in the OFF position unless you definitely want it on. Its amazing how many times when in a hurry you can bump an AF or IS switch to on or off etc.

scotteisenphotography wrote in post #4291881
Dont the 500mm and maybe the other big ones turn off IS automatically when it detects a tripod..? i read that somewhere

YES but will then turn it on if it detects movment.
Rob.

The IS on the 500 and 600 are tripod sensitive. It doesn't turn off but it does detect things like wind, mirror slap, etc.