Mode 2 IS on the 70-200 f/4 is for panning shots. It is horizantal stabilization. Mode 1 is both axis stabilization (X&Y). Same thing on the 100-400. If you are shooting in Av mode, brite sky, ISO of 400 or 500 and f/5 to f/9 should give fast shutter speeds. (real fast). Great for detail. (Prop driven aircraft should keep shutter speed aroun1/600 to 1/1000 to get prop blur), much more difficult shot.If Tv mode, try 1/1000 up to maybe 1/4000 at an ISO of maybe 400 to 500 again. 40Ds have high signal to noise ratio so noise should not be an issue, and yes, I would shoot RAW+S jpeg. You can adjust much more in RAW without screwing up the original RAW image so you can start over if you're not happy with your edits. Remember, the more you shoot, the better you will get. Play with your camera. Digital is cheap to shoot.


JeffersonPoster


Also, don't use a filter. Didn't see it listed in your list, but images seem a little dark and a filter (CP) will do that.