rambler Loc: Masssachusetts

Thanks for the links, Croce.

T Loc: New York State

The catch 22 here is that IF you do hold a monopod correctly, i.e. accomplish what you wanted to with it in the first place, then IS will defeat you. But, if you use the monopod poorly, then IS will, maybe, save you...

I prefer having some chance of success USING the monopod, small as it might be, and leave IS-VR off. Leaving IS-VR on would mean having no reason to try using the monopod correctly to begin with............

On the other hand, I prefer, whenever possible, to avoid the whole complex technical conundrum and use a sturdy nonskid stoutly anchored, wind proof, vibration resistant, infinitely adjustable, quick mount, low cost, un-transported and easily detached rock.

With IS-VR off.


T

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Yes, it is a catch 22. I have decided to not use IS when using my monopod, one less variable.

T Loc: New York State

Darn...I didn't even finish updating the post! Maybe my alternate to a monopod is too slow........ Or it's just me.

T

T Loc: New York State

You certainly have a perfect field full of monopod replacements there in your avatar!

T

coco1964 Loc: Winsted Mn

You don't need to go to the library of congress, just read the operations manual of your lens---if you have them. Otherwise most are available online........

PNagy Loc: Missouri City, Texas

Turning off image stabilization when on a tripod does not apply to all lenses. Some can sense they are on a tripod. Determine which way goes the lenses or lenses you are using.

As to monopods, keep IS on. No one can keep a giant lens and a heavy camera totally motionless. IS should eliminate the small amount of wiggle that will be left even you use one.

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Yes and I'm not afraid to use them.

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

MT is right.

alann Loc: Virginia

I am old and a little shaky so if it's not on a tripod IS is on! Well...unless I am doing BIF shots.

PHFoto Loc: Idaho

Exactly what I was thinking :thumbup:

PhotoArtsLA Loc: Boynton Beach

I would suggest turning off image stabilization while using any form of support, tripods and monopods included. Image stabilization was invented to compensate for unpracticed, unsteady hands. Given digital is a free medium, unlike film (buy film, process, and (sometimes) print = expensive lessons,) there really is no excuse to not practice technique or developing a pro level shooting style.

We olde timers speak of things like "the zen of photography." Growing up with the expensive lessons of film, you learn to shoot well. From a standing position, shooting a stage play under theatrical lighting, with ISO 1600 your max ISO, and ISO 800 or 400 much more common, without image stabilization, you should expect, once "in the zone" to be able to shoot with a 200mm f/4 lens, without support, down to 1/8 second exposure, keeping it sharp. I have posted elsewhere here a shot I did with a much more modest focal length, under 75mm (FX zoom lens on a DX camera) on slow slide film, ISO 50, of the Hoover Dam at night, where I had physical support to rest my arms, but still handheld, with an exposure time over one full second. Tack sharp. You need to be able to open additional channels in your brain which monitor breathing, hand steadiness, arm comfort and position, handling of the camera, composition, pressing the shutter while knowing your camera is motionless... not unlike the learned skills of snipers or the learned skills of Steadicam operation (I'm also a Steadicam operator) and in this you find the zen of shooting.

These skills are critical when you find yourself in highly intense situations... when everyone else is gasping and shaking... and you have the unwavering, rock steady hands and calm, intact skills to bring home the picture. A good portion of it eventually seems like muscle memory, but, the bottom line is, when you really learn to shoot, the future is too bright for shades.

While I have a few DX semi pro lenses with image stabilization, I don't recall ever using it. I think it's just in the OFF position. When I replace my 300/2.8 with an autofocus model with IS, I might take a look at IS again, but I have no complaints of my work with my current 300/2.8.

What I find I complain about is the poor quality of current still photography tripods. The coffee nerves of Manfrotto annoy me because I own one. Gitzo apparently stopped producing their pro line, with the Tele Studex Giants and what not (I have one, about 35 years old, and there is no Manfrotto in its ball park by a very long shot.) I am about to plunge into the Really Right Stuff lineup. Seems interesting. Will report in the future after a good bit of polite abuse.

Ugly Jake Loc: Sub-Rural Vermont

I have to agree - but if you're trying to get that clean with a tripod, you should be using a remote shutter release - if you're good enough to not move when you depress the shutter, you probably can hand - hold and not need it. For those us still using a P&S or a bridge, the 2-second delay works just fine in lieu of a remote.

mel Loc: Jacksonville, Florida

Thank's everyone, I'm off on a 29 day cruise to Europe tomorrow and I certainly take your advice.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

Have a good time.