I have been having trouble with my Canon 100 - 400 lens and image clarity. I'm new, so this may be a silly question, but has anyone had their photos come out blurry by using the image stabilizer when the camera is mounted on a tripod?
Yes. You should turn OFF image stabilization when mounted on a tripod. When the lens is locked down solid on a tripod and the IS kicks on, the little gyro inside the lens starts moving and as a result, vibrates the lens. This is enough movement to cause unsharp images.
The 100-400 IS should definitely have the IS turned off when on a tripod because it is 1st generation IS. If later you get a 300/2.8IS, 400/2.8IS, 500/4IS, or 600/4IS you could keep IS turned on when on a tripod because they are 2nd and 3rd generation IS (depending on the year of manufacture. I have used my 24-105/4 IS, which I believe is 3rd generation, with the IS on by accident many times on a tripod and couldn't tell any difference, so that lens is ok to use on a tripod with IS turned on too, in my opinion anyway.
Ditto what Bret and Don said. Not sure about the newer generations of lenses being better but a best practice is to turn IS off anytime you're using a tripod. I had an older 100-400 and after the 1 or 2 occasions that I handheld it (I always use a tripod) I forgot to disengage the IS resulting in a boatload of images that made me seasick when I viewed them.
Bill, you are correct about turning off IS on any 1st generation IS lens when using a tripod.
However, I strongly disagree that is best practice for later generations.
For example, the 500mm really benefits from IS even while tripod mounted. Any small amount of wind or mirror slap can cause significant movement at that focal length. The later generation IS functions well. It does not turn off.
Thanks for pointing out the difference between older and newer generation IS. I thought about that after I'd posted my response and was out mountain biking. Just checked in to update my post but y'all beat me to it.
Thanks to everyone who replied. I read Ken's article and boy do I resemble that!!! I didn't read my manual on the lens, after all I should know how to operate a lens, right? I've now ruined hundreds of potentially incredible shots of wolves and grizzlies in Yellowstone because of it. I did a test the other day, just like Ken did in his article, and sure enough, the images with the IS turned off were remarkably clearer. While I'm still angry with myself for making such a foolish mistake, I've learned a valuable lesson. I'm off to the park again this weekend to redeem myself
Hi Elaine, don't let it get to you. no offense, but it won't be the last time you ruin a good image by having an incorrect setting. It just happens. There are a lot of things to think about. If your mind is on something else, it's pretty easy to do. I usually go through a mental checklist with my settings as soon as I arrive at my location and it is a good habit to get into, but there are also times, when something gets bumped and changes settings, so a good habit is to constantly watch them.
BTW, I completely agree with Bill P in regards to the newer IS.
Discussion
8 repliesHowever, I strongly disagree that is best practice for later generations.
For example, the 500mm really benefits from IS even while tripod mounted. Any small amount of wind or mirror slap can cause significant movement at that focal length. The later generation IS functions well. It does not turn off.
BTW, I completely agree with Bill P in regards to the newer IS.