Panning and IS - to use or not

mercphoto

There is absolutely no benefit to using IS for panning... not even in Mode 3, 4, or 5.

This was a direct quote from another forum made by a very talented motorsports photographer whom I have great respect for. He will routinely pan with racing cars at shutter speeds as low as 1/15 of a second. And while I always thought Canon's IS Mode 2 was specifically for panning (indeed, that is how it is marketed) I'm now wondering if I should just stop using image stabilization entirely. Thoughts from this crowd?

zoomer

If I have a high shutter speed I don't use it. (Nikon)
If I have a marginally slow shutter speed and I am tracking a consistently horizontal object like a bird I do use it...but have to be able to track for a couple seconds to really get any benefit from it.

BCSPhotoguy

I think it comes down to your own balance and nerves! I myself love the VR on my Nikon Lens! I was able to drop the shutter much lower than with previous lenses. But, i have a friend of must have nerves of steel - he is able to pan near the same speeds without it. Larger lenses - definate must!

Do a test - next time at the track set the shutter to 1/50th or so and try it with and without the IS on. See what you think.

nw scout

mercphoto wrote:

This was a direct quote from another forum made by a very talented motorsports photographer whom I have great respect for. He will routinely pan with racing cars at shutter speeds as low as 1/15 of a second. And while I always thought Canon's IS Mode 2 was specifically for panning (indeed, that is how it is marketed) I'm now wondering if I should just stop using image stabilization entirely. Thoughts from this crowd?

Could you post the thread this came from.

I, as personal preference, dont use the IS mode. I actually stay away from the IS lenses when I have the choice. I dont feel they are as sharp and seem to affect the autofocus a bit.

nosmo

When I shot some MX a few weekends back I tried mode 1, mode 2 and no IS. Mode 2 seemed to work well IF the subject was moving in straight line perpendicular to me, mode 1 seemed to work best in every other situation, with no IS, my shutter speed needed to be higher than I was trying for - but my panning technique is still in need of lots more practice.

IS can and does help get the shot, and many people have the skills to get the shot without IS. I think the more proficient you get, the less you need it.

ian408

I feel I get a better keeper rate with it off.

Toshido

Probably not the best move but I always have IS on when handholding. Mode 2 for panning.

This shot was taken at 120mm 1/60 shutter speed with IS on in mode 2. I shot the entire airshow with shutter speeds of 1/50-1/60 of a second. I was happy with the results.