What’s Your Preference?

NicoleScraps · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2010, 11:22 PM

would one turn off the image stabilization on a lens? I have noticed that I have a little switch to shut that off on my lenses, but why? Why would I ever want to turn that off? I imagine it is there for a reason, just not sure why. I am sure that you wouldn't necessarily need that in certain situations, (like still life or landscape with a tripod) but to not need it enough to purposely shut it off? Is there some added benefit to shutting it off that I do not know about?

IABoomer · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2010, 11:31 PM

Primarily for use on a tripod where the whole system should be physically stabilized. Otherwise, the lens IS tries to account for vibration that isn't happening and actually induces its own motion blur.

I suppose there might be a marginal battery savings to be achieved by turning it off, so if you're shooting at fast enough shutter speeds to avoid motion blur through camera shake, you can disable the IS and keep the lens from trying to compensate for motion that won't affect the image.

RichardTaylor · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2010, 11:38 PM

(1) Yes. When using a tripod. Check your lens/camera instruction manual, it may state when to turn it off.

(2) When shooting very short exposures. For example I do not use it when shooting motor sport (except for panning).

One downside of having it on all the time is that is does use power.