IS on or off for bif

[Mike Moynihan]

I'm using a 7d2 and a 100-400 Mk2 for birds in flight, mostly waterfowl. I seem to get sharper photos with image stabilization turned off, at least at close range. Have others found this to be true?

[Daniel Cadieux]

Hey Mike, you can keep it on mode 2 for flight. I prefer to keep it on as this stabilizes the image in the viewfinder which helps keep track of the flying subject more easily. You may end up with softer images if you leave it on mode 1 so perhaps that is what is happening?

[Mike Moynihan]

Actually I believe it was on "3". I may have moved it with my lens cover though. Thanks

[arash_hazeghi]

Dan's right, set the IS to mode 2 for flight. Mode 1 stabilizes both axises so when you are panning it will work against your panning direction. Mode 2 detects panning and stabilizes the other axis only. Mode 3 is for monopod use and to save battery.

I keep IS ON at all times.

[David Stephens]

I'm using a 7d2 and a 100-400 Mk2 for birds in flight, mostly waterfowl. I seem to get sharper photos with image stabilization turned off, at least at close range. Have others found this to be true?

I shoot hand held 99.9% of the time and leave IS on all the time. For ducks and smaller waterfowl, I use Mode 2, but for large birds, like eagles, I find that Mode 1 is better when they're soaring, hunting or circling.

If you're not already hand holding, start that for BIF. You're keeper rate will immediately go up.

[Mike Moynihan]

Thanks for all your help fellas. I too shoot handheld. Somehow I must have changed it when putting on my lens coat. That's the only way I can think it changed. Anyway, thanks again.