The images below were taken of a snowy egret at about 50ft with camera mounted on a tripod. In both cases, I used back-button focus in AI Servo mode. Before each shot, I unfocused the lens, let AF acquire focus on the feather detail, and let the IS settle for a second before taking the shot. The effect of using IS when "not needed" is pretty dramatic. What I am still uncertain of is what constitutes "not needed". I have taken slow tripod shots where the IS slightly improved the shot. Is it "tripod and fast shutter" or "tripod or fast shutter" that requires turning off IS.
Hmm. Now I want to go try the same thing with a monopod. I rarely use a tripod in the field but frequently use a monopod.
ReplyDeleteSeveral sites, including this post, http://digital-photography-school.com/image-stabilization-on-tripods/, indicate that when the level of shake gets too low, the stabilization does more harm than good. The reading I have done indicate that IS should only be enabled for hand-held AND low shutter speed (how low needs some experimenting). A monopod probably sits somewhere between hand-held and tripod.
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