Shooting with IS (VR/OS) off

[nigelblake]

This is the answer to a question that Rudra asked in the comment to one of my jet images, others might be interested in this too!


I usually turn the IS off when the shutter speed is faster than the focal length I am using (I do the same with 'birds in flight' and 'motor sport' images too), this is because I have found that the results are sharper by doing so. My theory is that the processor works faster on the AF when it has not got the IS to contend with as well.

I have often noticed some high speed IS flutter when taking these aircraft shots, they are travelling at 450-550 Kts, I have found that IS just does not cope with such high speed panning.

I do have the IS on when shooting the slower propeller driven aircraft such as Hercules because I usually choose a shutter in the 1/160th 1/200th range in order to get "prop blur".

[andy153]

Thanks for sharing this Nigel, very useful.

[Rudra Sen]

Thanks Nigel. I suppose you always use AI servo in situations like this.

May be also AI servo and IS don't really gel together at high speed panning.

[nigelblake]

Yes I use Servo AF, since I started turning IS off several others have followed suit and found that their results are noticably sharper too.
I also generally use the centre focus point expanded with the surrounding points active.