IS for Tripod Shooting With Long Telephoto?

Ryan Farnes

Ryan Farnes

Well-known member
If I'm locked down on a tripod at very long focal lengths, is IS going to be a non-factor? Obviously hand held it is essential at longer focal lengths, but when I'm locked down and using a 400mm lens, can it do anything for me to eliminate shake from wind or those subtle vibrations when I touch the tripod?

At the same time, might I run into problems with tilting and panning where the IS causes jerky blips?
 
Typically, with IS systems, you should turn them off when on a tripod, or they can start to fight themselves. I'm pretty sure all the manufacturers say to turn IS/VR off when locked down.

Also, using a remote will help to minimize tripod contact.
 
simonclivehughes said:
Typically, with IS systems, you should turn them off when on a tripod, or they can start to fight themselves. I'm pretty sure all the manufacturers say to turn IS/VR off when locked down.

Also, using a remote will help to minimize tripod contact.
Click to expand...

I absolutely agree with this.

Having IS on when the camera is tripod mounted will usually cause the image to waver more than it would otherwise. A strange irony.
 
Ok. I've used in camera stabilization on the HVX200 and EX1. Didn't know if having the stabilization on the lens changed anything. Makes sense.
 
I disagree

I use my Ex1 with steady shot on on sticks with full zoom which is simmilar FOV to a 400

I have found my 5/7d virtualy unusable with my nikon 400 2.8 (no IS)

Of course this is not really a fair test because the Ex1 is smaller lighter and more wind cheating than a canon with a big tele like the 400 2.8

108b_nikon_400mm_f28_lens.jpg


This was for shooting surfing in howling wind conditions BTW

Different situations may get different results

(miller solo stick BTW - not the heaviest - or the lightest)

S
 
In howling wind what would you expect? That's not a typical shot for everyone. In that case, if you can, I'd say cover the whole camera and maybe sticks to avoid any wind hitting it if you are going to shoot at that range.
 
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