Turn IS off when you don't need it?

I've read some posts about IS failing on the lens. How common is this? Has anybody left it on with the lens lasting several years with no problems?

The problem with turning it off is you forget it's off, and you took a shot where you could have used it. And out in the field, it's sometimes hard to tell from the LCD screen if it came out blurry.

i always keep it on

people say if you are using tripod for landscape shots / night shots, turn it off. but i usually ignore it & just keep IS On all the time

I don't own any IS lenses but I've read you'll burn out the motor quickly if you keep IS on when it's not necessary.

I've never turned the IS off on my 300--ever!

And some weekends it get a good workout.

But that's an old school lens--made with real metal--LOL

gen3 IS dont have to be turned OFF when on tripod, it has tripod sensing mechanism.

I keep mine off unless I need it. I have no concern for the IS mechanism failing, but I prefer the view through the viewfinder with it turned off.

It's just another setting for me - no different than increasing ISO or changing from Av to Manual. I can't say that I've ever forgotten to turn it on when I know I will be in a situation with low shutter speeds.

If I'm shooting studio work, there is no need to have it on, so I switch it off. If I'm out and about, I look at my lighting, and go from there. If I even think there may be a need for it, I turn it back on.

The instructions on my 70-200 IS USM say: If you are not going to use the IS function, turn it off. It does not state why. My only thought is that it puts an extra drain on the battery.