Canon with IS

[bolshi]

I have just upgraded from a 350D to a 450D with a canon 70-300 IS lens. Any hints/tips appreciated on whether I should have it switched on or off as it will be its first outing at Leuchars show next weekend?

[LN Strike Eagle]

I got this lens this summer and have been experimenting with it, and I've found it better without IS. Mode 1 is excellent for staic shots, or if you ever use the camera for people/scenery shots etc, but for moving objects I don't like mode 2.

[eaglekepr]

Whereas for me it's IS on 100% of the time except for when it's on a tripod. Mode 1 for statics, Mode 2 for flying. Even if the weather is brilliant and shutter speeds are in the 1000's, still on, one less switch to think about. It doesn't drain enough out of the battery for me to consider it.

[bolshi]

Thanks for your thoughts, I managed to nip up to Knockhill today where there was Scottish Bike meet on and managed a few pics in between the rain showers to try out the IS.







comments welcome

[Eizo]

The pictures look quite ok, did you use Setting 1 or Setting 2 of the IS ? Also the IS does not secure you from having unsharp shots, it is only an advantage... And the IS needs some time to stabalize, so just keep the button down and take the picture then! If you make a row of pictures there are likely panning shots which are unsharp.

[bolshi]

The pictures were taken in mode 2, I dont know why but I tend to shoot single shots rather than a batch, maybe I cant get it into my thick head its DIGITAL now and not limited to 36 pics

[Eizo]

The pictures were taken in mode 2, I dont know why but I tend to shoot single shots rather than a batch, maybe I cant get it into my thick head its DIGITAL now and not limited to 36 pics

I would never do panning shots as single shots. There is always possibility to get some unsharp shots. As you wrote, you are digital now, so use it!

[james_nutt]

The pictures were taken in mode 2, I dont know why but I tend to shoot single shots rather than a batch, maybe I cant get it into my thick head its DIGITAL now and not limited to 36 pics

I would never do panning shots as single shots. There is always possibility to get some unsharp shots. As you wrote, you are digital now, so use it!

I am afraid I am as guilty as Bolshi... I nearly always shoot panning shots as single shots, dont know why but I just don't like shooting in a long burst

[striker]

I have totally changed my approach to panning now and never use IS even on the 300 2.8, always use AI Servo and take 2-3 shots. If possible I try and get the focus tracking anything up to 2 seconds before taking the shot. It is often found that the second shot will be the sharpest.

Regarding IS I find my keeper rate higher when not using it, more down to a smooth pan and gentle press on the shutter, not forgetting to follow the pan through after taking the shot also keeps the action very smooth.

[bolshi]

Thanks for the tips , I have a couple more memory cards due tomorrow from play.com so will give the multiple shots a go and maybe keep the IS off.