Yes, I've posted yet another blog entry. It's a collection of tips that might help prevent you from losing out on that "only happens once" photo opportunity.
If you all would rather I not post links to new blog entries in the forum let me know. I won't post links to entries that are sales oriented, i.e. workshop announcements. Only posts that are educational, informational or entertaining (I hope!).
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 5, 2010 at 1:45 PM
Brett, there is a lot of misinformation on the web about IS use with tripods.
I can't speak for Nikon, but in 2000 Canon released a generation IS lenses, that feature a "tripod-detection". More importantly, the IS is NOT turned off. The IS will correct vibrations caused by the mirror slap, and also shake due to wind.
So far the feature is available on the following lenses:
EF 300 mm f/2.8 USM L IS
EF 400 mm f/2.8 USM L IS
EF 400 mm f/4 USM DO IS
EF 500 mm f/4 USM L IS
EF 600 mm f/4 USM L IS
Any third generation IS lens, such as:
EF 70-200 mm f/2.8 USM L IS
EF 100mm Macro f/2.8 USM IS (I assume)
The IS should definitely be turned off on the following older IS lenses:
EF 28-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 USM IS
EF 75-300 mm f/4-5.6 USM IS
EF 300 mm f/4 USM L IS
EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 USM L IS
Unfortunately, reading the Canon lens manuals doesn't help, since they also had it wrong.
I don't know if they've bothered to correct it yet.
Art Morris has an extensive discussion of this in his "Birds as Art" seminars.
Believe me, when you are shooting a 500mm with slow shutter speeds in low light, you REALLY want to leave that IS on. That's what you pay the big bucks for.
That's interesting, Bill. My experience has been with the Canon 28-135mm, 24-105mm and 100-400mm lenses. In all of those lenses leaving IS on while tripod mounted is a virtual guarantee of fuzzy images. Based on your post it appears that using IS on a tripod is something wildlife and bird photographers are more likely to use while landscape and adventure photographers probably won't.
Good information, and thanks for sharing! If you haven't already I encourage you to leave this as a comment on my blog, too.
I've got a newer 70-200 f/2.8 and still need to shut off the IS to get sharp images when using a tripod. I'd be careful with this without testing your own lens.
Alex
Posted by Chris Rice on January 5, 2010 at 2:09 PM
Same goes for IS on enthusiasts' cameras, i.e. Canon G9,10,11 and Lumix LX2, LX3... oh and the sexy new Olympus EP2 maybe...
Posted by Neil Corman on January 5, 2010 at 3:32 PM
Now how will the newest 70-200 IS II USM lens fair with this? I guess when it is out in the Spring it will be known.
Posted by Brett Deacon on January 5, 2010 at 3:33 PM
Nice blog post Bret! You covered everything I can think to mention.
I'd be more than happy to take up a collection, buy the 70-200mm lens to test and then post my thoughts on my blog. Who wants to contribute first? Anyone? Anyone?
Okay, that didn't work...
Brett, Neil, Christopher & Alex: Thanks for reading!
Posted by Jack Garrett on January 5, 2010 at 4:46 PM
Unless the moderators have an issue, I say keep em coming. The information on the blogs is excellent!
As silly as this may seem, I have a printed checklist I use every time before I take a shot. It contains all the things you mentioned, plus a few of my own. In the excitement of the moment, it can be easy to forget a detail that can make or break an image.
Jack: I know several large format photographers and several more recovering LF shooters (you know who you are) who used checklists often. Not a bad idea at all, if you ask me. I'm glad you're enjoying my posts.
Posted by Guy Schmickle on January 5, 2010 at 11:17 PM
A very good topic that you've addressed in a very entertaining manner. As I mentioned in your comment section on the blog, utilizing the custom modes (if you own a fairly recent DSLR model) can go a long ways towards eliminating many checklist items as the camera will remember many settings for you. Of course, one of my biggest problems is remembering to put my memory card back in the camera before a new day's shoot. I've left cards at home or in hotel rooms before and that can be very embarrassing!
Posted by Don Grall on January 7, 2010 at 11:11 AM
I totally agree with Bill's reply!
I have never switched off the IS on my 500/4 IS since I bought it.
I do switch off my 28-135, 24-105, 100-400, and 300/f4 IS lenses. Occasionally I forget to switch the latter ones off, but have noticed no visual changes with the 24-105 which is a more recent IS lens, but don't know if it has the tripod sensing capabilities of the 500/4IS.
Posted by Rene Pirolt on January 7, 2010 at 11:48 AM
No issues at all posting links to excellet articles, blogs, etc.
Discussion
13 repliesYou can read "Start From Scratch" here.
If you all would rather I not post links to new blog entries in the forum let me know. I won't post links to entries that are sales oriented, i.e. workshop announcements. Only posts that are educational, informational or entertaining (I hope!).
I can't speak for Nikon, but in 2000 Canon released a generation IS lenses, that feature a "tripod-detection". More importantly, the IS is NOT turned off. The IS will correct vibrations caused by the mirror slap, and also shake due to wind.
So far the feature is available on the following lenses:
EF 300 mm f/2.8 USM L IS
EF 400 mm f/2.8 USM L IS
EF 400 mm f/4 USM DO IS
EF 500 mm f/4 USM L IS
EF 600 mm f/4 USM L IS
Any third generation IS lens, such as:
EF 70-200 mm f/2.8 USM L IS
EF 100mm Macro f/2.8 USM IS (I assume)
The IS should definitely be turned off on the following older IS lenses:
EF 28-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 USM IS
EF 75-300 mm f/4-5.6 USM IS
EF 300 mm f/4 USM L IS
EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 USM L IS
Unfortunately, reading the Canon lens manuals doesn't help, since they also had it wrong.
I don't know if they've bothered to correct it yet.
Art Morris has an extensive discussion of this in his "Birds as Art" seminars.
Believe me, when you are shooting a 500mm with slow shutter speeds in low light, you REALLY want to leave that IS on. That's what you pay the big bucks for.
Good information, and thanks for sharing! If you haven't already I encourage you to leave this as a comment on my blog, too.
I've got a newer 70-200 f/2.8 and still need to shut off the IS to get sharp images when using a tripod. I'd be careful with this without testing your own lens.
Alex
Okay, that didn't work...
Brett, Neil, Christopher & Alex: Thanks for reading!
As silly as this may seem, I have a printed checklist I use every time before I take a shot. It contains all the things you mentioned, plus a few of my own. In the excitement of the moment, it can be easy to forget a detail that can make or break an image.
I have never switched off the IS on my 500/4 IS since I bought it.
I do switch off my 28-135, 24-105, 100-400, and 300/f4 IS lenses. Occasionally I forget to switch the latter ones off, but have noticed no visual changes with the 24-105 which is a more recent IS lens, but don't know if it has the tripod sensing capabilities of the 500/4IS.
So how about the LF version of this??
Don: I wonder if the 24-105 lenses are hit or miss because mine is definitely fuzzy if IS is left on while on the tripod.
Rene: I wish I knew enough to write a LF version! Maybe you should write one? I'm sure lots of folks would benefit from it!