Image Stabilization with a Tripod

[Didymus]

In one of his reviews, Jeff mentioned that IS is - or can be - counterproductive when used with a tripod. Why would that be the case? Does this apply to all IS cameras, P&S and SLR alike?

Thanks for clearing this up.

Didymus

[David Metsky]

Yes, it applies to all version of IS (except the ones that just boost the ISO). IS relies on detecting small movements introduced by holding the cameras in your hands. If the camera isn't moving at all, the mechanism actually introduces movement.

Besides, if you are on a tripod the camera is stable. IS isn't going to add anything.

[timmciglobal]

Just on a side note, SOME is systems ( in specific nikons Vr2) can detect tripods and disable. Some but not all of canon's IS systems (the long lenses IS do) can also.

Not sure about sony/pentax doubt it though.

Tim

[DonSchap]

The SONY's image anti-shake switch is right on the back of the camera body.

24618

If you do shoot with a tripod ... shut it "OFF".

As has been stated, anti-shake has no value if you're not shaking. It gets rather annoyed with no input and can make tripod images look fuzzy.

This issue should be in every manual concerning this photographic "asset."

[oj88]

Now I'm hoping the S3 had a 2nd shortcut button. :(

[Didymus]

Very enlightening. I was doing a series of closeup shots (model cars) with my Canon EOS XTi on a fairly heavy tripod, and couldn't figure out why I was getting shake/blur. I had the timer set, so I figured the blurring must be caused by the mirror. (You can't combine mirror-lockup with the timer, i.e., you can't lock the mirror up and take a delayed shot. There is a delay, but it's only two seconds.) I was able to get SOME sharp pix, enough to finish the project, but it was very frustrating and time-consuming.

I figured the mirror was the problem, but it was the IS all along. Oh well, now that I've bought an RC, I can use the mirror lockup with IS turned off, and get sharp pix consistently. Now that's something to look forward to.

Thanks for your very helpful replies.

didymus

[tim11]

I never turn off IS when using tripod with FZ20. There hasn't been any visible blur.

If the theory is correct on most IS, does that mean not all IS, VR, OS lenses are suitable for tripod use?

[TNB]

From Nikontech.com support:


The Vibration Reduction technology built into some Nikon lenses or the COOLPIX 8800 can reduce or eliminate vibration during shooting. When the camera is on a tripod there will be very little (if any) movement so the question arises if VR should be used or not.


There are two techniques when using a camera/lens mounted on a tripod; keeping the pan/tilt head loose or fluid (when panning or moving with a subject) and keeping the pan/tilt head locked down and rigid while using a cable release (time exposures or for the new HDR techniques).

With the following lenses/cameras VR should be "Off" when the camera is mounted on a tripod and the pan/tilt head is locked down and using a cable release:

105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro Nikkor
18-200mm f3.5-5.6 ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor
24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
70-200mm f2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR AF Zoom-Nikkor
70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
Coolpix 8800

With the following lenses/cameras VR should be "On" when the camera is mounted on a tripod and the pan/tilt head is loose (fluid) while using the cameras shutter release button:

105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro Nikkor
18-200mm f3.5-5.6 ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor
24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
70-200mm f2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR AF Zoom-Nikkor
70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
Coolpix 8800

Nikon VR technology in the following lenses can detect minute vibrations that emanate from tripod legs. With the following lenses VR can be "On" when the camera is mounted on a tripod for either technique:

200-400mm f4G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
200mm f2G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor
300mm f2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor

For all lenses VR should be "On" when the camera/lens is used on a monopod.

[oj88]

Here's another good read that's more specific to Canon IS: http://www.dlcphotography.com/TripodAndIS.htm

[DonSchap]

The above article is excellent ... and also, because the only lens I have IS on is the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM ... it does my little heart some good about my choice of optics for my EOS 20D camera.

Thumbs up to the designers. :D