Canon 100 400 IS Lens Image Stabilisation on or off ?

[PhilEAF92]

I've been reading a lot about getting better results from this lens with it OFF for panning shots.

I normally have it on Mode 2 which I believe is tailored for panning shots, any thoughts from folks on this ?

Shall I risk a blurry Waddington by turning it off ?

[Vodka]

I've been using my on mode 2 since I got it, as you say for panning but. . .

Yes for prop stuff where you may be at the 300-400mm focal length and you want to get that shutter down below 200th sec range for prop blur. Of course when in the shorter focal lengths and you want to get to that lovely 1/15th for a lovely full disc blur. For jets as long as light is available I push to be minimum One stop down and get that shutter speed up around the 800th plus range to prevent any camera blur through shake. I used to use it on everything but can't see the use of it at the higher shutter speeds.
The IS is definately good for 3 stops once you tweak your style of holding and shooting though.

[Wes_Howes]

I've found by turning the IS off, the camera focuses quicker so anything over 1/200th and I'm tempted to turn it off, again depending on the light.

[DaveM]

I've found that in Mode2, when you pan and move on the vertical axis as well (as would be natural when following something going down the flightline), this is when it can start to go soft as it is trying to stabilise the vertical axis and compensating for your movement.

More often than not I do turn it off for airshows (or erratic birds such as Swallows and Swifts) but leave it on for movements at airbases when you know their normal approach or departure course.

[FOTO4]

I would never use image stabilization for panning shots even at slow shutter speeds.

[timuss]

I leave it turned off for airshows to be honest.

[PhilEAF92]

Thanks guys, I'll turn it off for Waddington and see what happens.

(I hope I didnt hear you all laughing say "Heeheheheh the silly fool fell for it".