Electronic Shutters and Tripods (Page 2): I have one camera that produces noticeably worse results on a tripod when IS is on. It tries to stabilize the image even though there is no...

bhapke

I have one camera that produces noticeably worse results on a tripod when IS is on. It tries to stabilize the image even though there is no motion and causes blur. The other two cameras I own sense when on a tripod and don't have the same problem. In other words, it depends, but turning it off can't hurt unless you forget to turn it back on when you remove the camera from the tripod.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

bhapke wrote:

I have one camera that produces noticeably worse results on a tripod when IS is on. It tries to stabilize the image even though there is no motion and causes blur. The other two cameras I own sense when on a tripod and don't have the same problem. In other words, it depends, but turning it off can't hurt unless you forget to turn it back on when you remove the camera from the tripod.

Thank you...

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

goldstar46 wrote:

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Thanks George, I do the same thing and turn off when on a tripod even though there is 5-Axis IBIS, maybe I should probably try an informal test and try and see for myself....Cheers

goldstar46 Loc: Tampa, Fl

Blaster34 wrote:

Thanks George, I do the same thing and turn off when on a tripod even though there is 5-Axis IBIS, maybe I should probably try an informal test and try and see for myself....Cheers

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Keep us posted on your side Blaster

Cheers
George

nealbralley Loc: Kansas

Blaster34 wrote:

Everything I read points to turning off stabilization (OS) when using a tripod. However, presuming the electronic shutter works by turning the sensor on and off again and is supposedly silent, ie, without the moving parts of a mechanical shutter, then should it really matter if the camera's OS is turned off or not while on a tripod? Does that technique also apply to lenses with built-in stabilization? Cheers!

I always shoot with stabilization “on” with my various cameras, and I have had zero issues while shooting with a tripod. Perhaps many years ago that may have been a problem, but not with my cameras, and they aren’t particularly “new”!

goldstar46 Loc: Tampa, Fl

burkphoto wrote:

This topic comes up a lot. The CORRECT answer vari... (show quote)

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Dear Burk Photo...

In your post, you stated: "Some cameras automatically turn on stabilization when there is camera "

As a 'long-time' gaffer of 55+ years, I have never seen this in print or any official documents.

I have seen this 'opined' on many occasions, and in all of my research, I have not been able to find this for my cameras, the Canon brand, or many others that I have researched in the past...

As an avid photographer, and someone who likes to be very informed because of the rapid changes in our craft, I do like to stay 'up to speed' for the elements of our profession and I am wondering if you could provide me with a 'specific brand' and/or a link to some official documentation which indicates this..??

I truly say this with all seriousness, because I do have a true desire to know correct knowledge...

If you could help me with that, it would be greatly appreciated.

Warm regards

Goldstar46
George Veazey
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Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

Blaster34 wrote:

Everything I read points to turning off stabilization (OS) when using a tripod. However, presuming the electronic shutter works by turning the sensor on and off again and is supposedly silent, ie, without the moving parts of a mechanical shutter, then should it really matter if the camera's OS is turned off or not while on a tripod? Does that technique also apply to lenses with built-in stabilization? Cheers!

I’ve never turned IS off and have never noticed any ill effects. Run a few tests at various shutter speeds and determine for yourself.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Tomfl101 wrote:

I’ve never turned IS off and have never noticed any ill effects. Run a few tests at various shutter speeds and determine for yourself.

jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio

Blaster34 wrote:

Everything I read points to turning off stabilization (OS) when using a tripod. However, presuming the electronic shutter works by turning the sensor on and off again and is supposedly silent, ie, without the moving parts of a mechanical shutter, then should it really matter if the camera's OS is turned off or not while on a tripod? Does that technique also apply to lenses with built-in stabilization? Cheers!

It depends on the camera. When in doubt, check the camera manual.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

jackpi wrote:

It depends on the camera. When in doubt, check the camera manual.

So, in the end, I should always turn it off (as per my manual), AND also the lens IS to off to reduce any chance of lens created blur? I'm wondering if my uncalibrated eyeballs can detect any major differences in sharpness, guess I'll have to do some experimenting to see if I can detect the difference. Thanks Jack.

BobPeterson Loc: Massachusetts

Every camera and lens will have it's own recommendations about VR or IBIS and tripods. Here is the recommendation from Nikon in the Z8 reference manual.
"[Normal] and [Sport] are also recommended if the camera is mounted on a tripod or monopod. Note, however, that [Off] may be a better choice with some tripods depending on shooting conditions. Settings may vary from lens to lens; consult the lens documentation for more information."

petrochemist Loc: UK

jackpi wrote:

It depends on the camera. When in doubt, check the camera manual.

I'm sure loads of manuals will have a statement saying it should be turned off that's just been transferred from the previous 20 models.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

goldstar46 wrote:

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George, I probably used improper wording there, as I'm not an engineer, but the idea is that the camera only activates the stabilizer above a certain threshold of movement. When there is no movement above the threshold, there is nothing to counter, so it doesn't start.

Older systems are activated as long as the switch is on. Any vibration such as the mechanical shutter opening, lens AF actuation, lens diaphragm actuation, or mirror slapping up in a dSLR can cause the stabilizer to do something, even if doing so would cause unsharpness.

In any case, there is no blanket statement that can cover the proper on/off state for all cameras and lenses with image stabilizers.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

goldstar46 wrote:

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George, I found this quote online for a Canon, not sure which model though...

“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.”

Cheers...

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

goldstar46 wrote:

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I think it would help if camera and lens manufacturers would provide more detailed recommendations. They generally do seem to recommend turning off stabilization when using a tripod, but they don't bother to say why. So the photographer is left wondering things such as:

1. What if I use a tripod but it is a particularly windy day?
2. What about when using a monopod or other support such as a tree or perhaps a car door while the engine is running?

Generally, it would be helpful in general to have some answers to the "why" question.