Image Stabilization Negatives?

[thomboz]

Cameras with Image Stabilization all seem to have an on/off switch. Is there any reason to turn IS off? Why? Any reason in any situation? Does IS ever hurt the image? I realize it isn't always necessary to have it on, but if its on when its not necessary, does it have any adverse effects?
What about in the following situations: macro, panning, bulb, bright daylight, fireworks, action?
I understand that IS has some type of shake sensor, perhaps a tiny gyro that might wear out eventually?
Does IS draw any more battery on than off? If there is no negative to having IS on all the time, why is there a button to turn it off?
Thanks,
ThomBoz

[nism]

i believe that IS should be turned off if you're using a tripod. it will try and correct for nothing.
IS adds weight, cost, consumes greater battery power and some may argue and slight deterioration in image quality because of the additional components

[TheWengler]

Yep, you don't want to use IS when you're using a tripod. Also shut it off for panning. Some systems have a panning mode that shuts off horizontal compensation. I think some of the newer models might be able to detect these situations. Don't quote me on that.

[Rooz]

some may argue and slight deterioration in image quality because of the additional components

huh ? never heard of that b4. i dont think thats right.
2 reasons to turn IS off is tripod and battery power. my 105VR goes thru battery like nobodies business.

[Rhys]

I've had the IS go bananas such that only turning the camera off would solve the problem.

I think the on-off switch on the lens does very little (about the same as the on-off button on many printers).

[erichlund]

Here's one most people don't think about. You're in good light and you can shoot effectively without IS. You don't think about it and just depress the shutter like IS isn't there. Well that little floating element that does the IS stuff starts fluttering, trying to find its focus and your shutter is firing at the same time. Oops. It often takes as much as a full second for IS to lock on, and if you don't wait for it, it can degrade your shot.

[Beowulff]

Here is the explanation from Chuck Westfall (Canon USA):

"The IS mechanism operates by correcting shake. When there is no shake, or when the level of shake is below the threshold of the system's detection capability, use of the IS feature may actually add unwanted blur to the photograph, therefore you should shut it off in this situation.
Remember that the IS lens group is normally locked into place. When the IS function is active, the IS lens group is unlocked so it can be moved by the electromagnetic coil surrounding the elements. When there's not enough motion for the IS system to detect, the result can sometimes be a sort of electronic 'feedback loop,' somewhat analogous to the ringing noise of an audio feedback loop we're all familiar with.

As a result, the IS lens group might move while the lens is on a tripod, unless the IS function is switched off and the IS lens group is locked into place."

[Visual Reality]

I want to see shots proving this actually shows in pictures.

[erichlund]

I want to see shots proving this actually shows in pictures.

You have a 70-300VR. Do it yourself. Mount the lens. On a nice sunny day, with VR turned on, take a shot of a static subject, waiting for the VR to lock on. Then take the same shot, but don't wait for the VR. Just use normal not VR technique of depressing slowly to shutter release. VR won't have time to finish, and you will see greater blur.

I've seen it myself. I don't keep such shots.

[Visual Reality]

With wildlife you rarely, ever have that kind of time. At least not until I learn how to speak with nature and convince everything to hold still for a second until I can get the shot...

[erichlund]

Ummm...that's kind of the point. You want to shoot normally, but cannot, and if you wait, you miss the shot. So, when you don't need it, turn VR/IS/OS/whatever off.

[Razr]

Yep, you don't want to use IS when you're using a tripod.

Some camera systems ignore IS if tripod mounted.


Also shut it off for panning.

All cameras/systems can still use IS sytems, especially when panning (proper panning technique being more important).


Some systems have a panning mode that shuts off horizontal compensation.

Most don't.


I think some of the newer models might be able to detect these situations. Don't quote me on that.

Some IS systems use two (selectable) IS modes: continuous IS operation regardless of the chosen mode or technique and;
IS is engaged only at the moment of shutter release.
The second mode is best.

[Razr]

Here's one most people don't think about. You're in good light and you can shoot effectively without IS. You don't think about it and just depress the shutter like IS isn't there. Well that little floating element that does the IS stuff starts fluttering, trying to find its focus and your shutter is firing at the same time. Oops. It often takes as much as a full second for IS to lock on,

? ?? "Full second"? Which system?


and if you don't wait for it, it can degrade your shot.

Some (most) systems with IS automatically default to normal camera settungs whenever shutter speeds are high enough.
Most IS systems only kick in when the camera detects motion, low light and other situations when IS is/maybe needed and for that reason I leave my IS on in mode two.

IS always on is nearly battery neutral.

[Visual Reality]

Some (most) systems with IS automatically default to normal camera settungs whenever shutter speeds are high enough.
Most IS systems only kick in when the camera detects motion, low light and other situations when IS is/maybe needed and for that reason I leave my IS on in mode two.

IS always on is nearly battery neutral.
I don't agree with any of this. Nikon's system attemps VR if the switch is on the lens, every time. It starts the VR mechanism when the shutter release is half-depressed (like during autofocus) and quits when you let go.

Also, it IS a drain on the battery. It is not much, but it certainly isn't "battery-neutral".