Should image stabilization be used on a tripod

However, since the launch of the first Canon Image Stabilized lens the EF mm IS zoom lens, from , Canon engineers have recommended switching IS off if and when you're mounted on a tripod. Again, this pre-supposes it's a truly rock-solid tripod.

Canon's optical Image Stabilization has definitely evolved since its launch in , and there are now different versions for lightweight, less-expensive lenses like the EF-S mm standard zoom for compact cameras than the more advanced IS units we see in for example L-series super-telephoto lenses. Basically, current Canon EF and EF-S lenses can detect when there's a total absence of "shake" in other words, solidly tripod mounted , and internally disable the Image Stabilization if it's left on.

But in some lenses -- and it varies, depending on the IS design in the lens in question -- the moveable IS lens elements aren't locked and centered when the IS is disabled this way, and can sometimes be susceptible to slight movement during exposure.

On such lenses, physically switching IS off with the switch on the lens allows the lens to lock and center these elements. Again, there are variables -- too many to get into here, since it depends on which lens model, which version in other words, how old is the lens in question , and so on. But the bottom line remains pretty simple. However, I repeated the test several times and the results were the same. Hopefully you can see the differences in these pictures.

The conclusion I draw from this is that turning off image stabilization matters, and the effect is magnified at long focal lengths.

Why does the long focal length matter so much? Well, focal length always matters when considering camera shake. Recall that the Reciprocal Rule, which measures the longest shutter speed that you can use while hand holding your camera without risking camera shake, is a function of the focal length you are using.

Long focal lengths tend to magnify small changes. I thought I would pass it along for any of you that — like me — doubted whether you need to turn off image stabilization while your camera is on a tripod. Of course, if you accepted the conventional wisdom all along then none of this is news to you.

I should note that this test is only Canon lenses and it might be different for other brands. If you have alternative theories, or different testing results, be sure to let me know. Previous post. Next post. Conclusion Before I get into telling you all about the testing and the results, let me jump straight to the conclusion.

I was shocked at the difference it made. In fact, when I looked at the shots with the image stabilization turned on there was so much blur I thought that I had bumped the camera or something. But I re-shot them and the results were the same. Pixel peepers will notice some difference, but for normal digital display there is hardly difference. The Pictures Again, my conclusion is that turning off image stabilization when shooting from a tripod can make a difference in sharpness.

Photo at mm When I went inside, to continue taking pictures with the same lens as part of this test, at some point I zoomed in on a subject to take a shot. Conclusions Hopefully you can see the differences in these pictures.

Related Articles. Loading Comments Take wind, for example. Even if your camera is on a sturdy tripod, wind gusts can cause noticeable vibrations ruining your image if the exposure is long enough. In the city, moving transport like trains or trams can shake the ground and spoil your photo.

Even you, the photographer, can do that while waiting for the image to be taken especially if your camera is on a flimsy tripod extended all the way up. Again, I'm speaking about long exposures, especially when the ND filter is used.

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Ask Question. Asked 1 year, 2 months ago. Active 1 year, 2 months ago. Viewed times. Improve this question. EvilPersian EvilPersian 69 6 6 bronze badges. Related: At what focal range does it make sense to have Image Stabilization turned on when using a Tripod? Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. What Canon doesn't tell you in the manual that they probably should.

After being questioned for more details in the comments below the article he said: The proper thing to do is 1 Turn IS off at the lens while the lens is still mounted to a camera.

You can confirm by gently shaking the lens; there's very little noise if the IS is locked. Improve this answer. Michael C Michael C k 9 9 gold badges silver badges bronze badges. I heard that IS is just not designed to handle such timescales. Is it also related only to the early generation lenses?

Zeus The thing with longer exposures really applies only with handheld shots. The limits of the maximum amount of movement the system can make in any particular direction are usually exceeded by the person holding the camera. With tripods, the movements tend to be periodic and alternate in one direction and then the other. If those cyclical movements never reach the edge of the system's limits in any particular direction, it will still be usable for much longer exposures than when movements go too far in the same direction before changing direction.

I'm not sure the problem is just the amount of movement. Also, systems that are optimised for shorter time spans may 'drift' over longer time. Perhaps there is a reason why other manufacturer s call it Vibration Reduction Zeus What they call it is whatever their marketing department decided to call it. As mentioned in the answer above,the issue with small periodic vibrations and feedback loops was addressed over two decades ago.

There might also be an effect of a bit of a feedback loop. As Matt already pointed out, most camera manuals even indicate turning it off on a tripod. Some cameras or lenses may have tripod detection. Kai Mattern Kai Mattern 3, 1 1 gold badge 8 8 silver badges 32 32 bronze badges. I agree with what you write.

Just want to clarify, that the lenses the OP mentions seem to be relatively new and don't have the feedback loop problem, hence there is no reason to worry. The manuals mention turning IS off to save battery power. If the feedback loop was still a problem they would have mentioned it.