Image Stabilisation: on/off on a monopod?

Cap'n Fishy

Cap'n Fishy

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Colin
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On earlier generation Canon IS lenses that don't detect that they are on a tripod, one is recommended to turn the IS off to prevent feedback.. but what about when you are using one on a monopod... On or off?
 
id say on myself and do do that too :)
 
Older generation IS systems such as those in the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens must be turned off when the lens is on a tripod since the IS system can cause feedback and degrade the image quality. It is O.K. to leave this generation IS on when you are mounted on a monopod. In fact, it is an advantage. I leave the IS on when I shoot with my 300mm f/4L IS lens on a monopod and it works great to overcome the small movements that are present when monopod mounted.

The newest generation IS such as in the 70-200mm f/4L IS senses that the camera is tripod mounted and puts the IS to "sleep". Some say that they turn off the IS when tripod mounted with this lens to extend battery life but, I don't. I never have had battery problems and always carry an extra battery or two anyway.

I don't specifically know which generation IS is in each IS equipped lens. I believe that there are three generations of IS with only the latest being tripod friendly. However, all are monopod friendly.
 
nomorem6 said:
Off.....
The same rules/issues apply
Click to expand...
Interesting...is this a fact or your theory?
According to Canon's web site, IS should be left on when using a monopod.....after all, aren't we effectively monopods as afr as the gear is concerned?

rpcrowe said:
Older generation IS systems such as those in the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens must be turned off when the lens is on a tripod since the IS system can cause feedback and degrade the image quality. It is O.K. to leave this generation IS on when you are mounted on a monopod. In fact, it is an advantage. I leave the IS on when I shoot with my 300mm f/4L IS lens on a monopod and it works great to overcome the small movements that are present when monopod mounted.

The newest generation IS such as in the 70-200mm f/4L IS senses that the camera is tripod mounted and puts the IS to "sleep". Some say that they turn off the IS when tripod mounted with this lens to extend battery life but, I don't. I never have had battery problems and always carry an extra battery or two anyway.

I don't specifically know which generation IS is in each IS equipped lens. I believe that there are three generations of IS with only the latest being tripod friendly. However, all are monopod friendly.
Click to expand...

Again, from Canon's website

Lens, Gain, Modes,Tripod
EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM 3 2 Yes
EF28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM 2 1 No
EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM 3 2 Yes
EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM 3 2 Yes
EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM 4 2 Yes
EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM 3 2 Yes
EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM 3 2 Yes
EF75-300mm f4-5.6 IS USMM 2 1 No
EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM 2 2 No
EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM 2 2 Yes
EF300mm f/4L IS USM 2 2 No
EF400mm f/2.8L IS USM 2 2 Yes
EF400mm f/4 DO IS USM 2 2 Yes
EF500mm f/4L IS USM 2 2 Yes
EF600mm f/4L IS USM 2 2 Yes
EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM 3 2 Yes
EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM 3 2 Yes
 
Thanks to all for the help. I usually shoot while in boats, where hand-held is the only option, and IS is really useful, or in situations where a tripod is beneficial; however, I've been asked along to cover a pheasant shoot this weekend (hope no one does a Cheyney on me!), and I'm thinking... dig out my seldom-used monopod for the job. If I can't get a decent one of the classic "dog with pheasant hanging in mouth" they probably will shoot me.

Colin
 
Canon Bob said:
Interesting...is this a fact or your theory?
According to Canon's web site, IS should be left on when using a monopod.....after all, aren't we effectively monopods as afr as the gear is concerned?
Click to expand...

No we are bipeds (unless you have one leg?) :lol: Wayne
 
I leave it on all the time (IS that is!!) with all the telephotos- 300 2.8 500 f4 etc, and I don't find a problem. I know these are supposed to sense a tripod automatically, but I find the stabilisation on these lenses seems not to know the rules.
I'd be interested in other's thoughts, I'm pretty sure Ian (IanC_uk) said the same at our recently hugely and well attended Scottish meet, he may choose to comment!!
 
IS on all the time for the large primes, thats my prefrence
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Or tripods, if nature has been especially kind :naughty:
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:'(

George,

One of the reasons that the IS tripod sensing will mis-behave is an indication that the tripod is not stable enough or not on stable ground.

Bob
 
Yea, Bob, it doesn't actually seem to misbehave, but it also doesn't seem to switch off, and that's when I'm using it on a Gitzo so it's pretty solid. Just been having a chat with IanC and he was also saying he doesn't switch his off either. mmmm..but on a monopod, I'd leave it switched on .What do you do, Bob? How does the sensor work, do you know?

George
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Or tripods, if nature has been especially kind :naughty:
Click to expand...

George said:
Yea, Bob, it doesn't actually seem to misbehave, but it also doesn't seem to switch off, and that's when I'm using it on a Gitzo so it's pretty solid. Just been having a chat with IanC and he was also saying he doesn't switch his off either. mmmm..but on a monopod, I'd leave it switched on .What do you do, Bob? How does the sensor work, do you know?

George
Click to expand...

From what I've read, the IS on zooms and the 300/4 senses that there are no low frequency movements and so switches off the correction motors (the gyros will still sense though)
On the 200/1.8, 300/2.8 and upwards, the IS remains fully enabled to damp out high frequency vibration from mirror slap.

Canon specifically state that it should be on for monopods.

Bob
 
So although Canon implies (if I am correct) that it switches off, you are saying (and I agree from experience) that it just stays on? Also it must be very quick reacting if it takes account of mirror slap. Interesting.
Thanks, Bob

George
 
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