"Dumb IS" and monopods

[photosurfer]

Okay, so everyone says that if you have an IS lens without tripod detection, you turn IS off when it's on a tripod. However, does this also hold true for monopods? I've gotten yesses and nos from various people, but i think this might be the best site to ask. You can answer with the poll and reply w/ comments. Thanks!

[Daniel Browning]

My personal experience is that I.S. helps more shots than it harms on a monopod.

[Dallasphotog]

I'm always on unless I'm absolutely locked down on a tripod.

[Ehcalum]

Off on a monopod unless you're unsteady. Ive used the 400 2.8 and the 500 with is off and have no problem... Its been said i have a surgeons hands though...

[Jon Ruyle]

i have a surgeons hands though...


You should give them back. A surgeon can't make a living without them.

[mattsartin]

out of curiosity, what are you shooting? in my experience of people using monopods, they're shooting sports, wherein IS would be useless. If there's another use where it would be helpful, then i apologize. :)

[photosurfer]

well i often shoot drumlines, and the competitions are usually in the evenings in places where the lighting is usually slim to nonexistent, so the slow shutter speeds mean i have to use IS, monopod, or both. Although i'm sure you do get a lot of people here trying to use IS at 1/2000 while sports shooting so i see what you're saying lol

[photosurfer]

Also thanks people for helping out with the poll, so far it looks like the majority of people are saying to leave IS on when on a monopod at low Tv's.

[Bill W]

My IS is turned on 100% of the time when I'm not using my tripod.


I find IS makes it easier for me to track (keep the crosshairs on the subjects eyes/ head) my subject, i.e. birds flying, people running, which I found very difficult w/out IS.


I also use it on fast moving automobiles.


If you got it....use it. [:)]

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Keep IS on, a monopod only minimizes movement, it does not eleminate it completely.

[btaylor]

I'm in the "majority" boat by the looks of things as I use IS all the time except when mounted to a tripod (or when using a lens without IS [;)] )



Although i'm sure you do get a lot of people here trying to use IS at 1/2000 while sports shooting so i see what you're saying lol


I understand that IS doesn't add any benefit in terms of camera shake once you reach high shutter speeds, but will leavingIS on while shooting at high shutter speeds actually be detrimental to the shot?


At what point (shutter speed) does IS become useless?


Cheers.

[Ehcalum]

Depends on how steady you are. I rarely shoot below 250 for sports and have no IS.


I find that IS also tends to shorten battery life.

[Daniel Browning]

will leavingIS on while shooting at high shutter speeds actually be detrimental to the shot?


In addition to the battery drain, it can cause its own blur if you happen to take the picture while the I.S. lens group is moving.



At what point (shutter speed) does IS become useless?


I turn it off for anything above 1/500.





"Because it tends to be counterproductive above 1/500. Everyone seems
to think that VR has an infinite cycling time. It doesn't. It's
sampling frequency is just above 1/500. Most pros turn it off for
sports. "


http://www.bythom.com/discipline.htm (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1034&message=31831143]http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1034&message=31831143[/url]


"Did you turn VR off if you're on a tripod or shooting above 1/500?"
[URL="http://www.bythom.com/discipline.htm)



"VR off. In fast action, there is no time for the VR to settle, and
it will still be "VRing" while you're taking the picture. Fighting you,
rather than helping you. "
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1034&message=31828838 ("http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1034&message=31828838)

[btaylor]

Thanks Yoda! [Y] Can always count on you for an answer Daniel. I'll have to do some field testing and see the differences for myself.