New to IS, am I doing it right?

PistolPete · 21 Sep 2012 at 20:50

Hi Peeps,

I got my 70-200 f/2.8 IS II, and it's the first IS lens I've used (apart from my kit lens and I'm convinced the IS did nothing, even more convinced now)

I focus on a back button and am I right in saying that the IS is only active when focusing? If so, should I be holding the back focus down whilst releasing the shutter?

Also, does IS have a noticeable effect on battery life? I'm not bother as it seems great, just want to be prepared.

2Thumbs · 21 Sep 2012 at 21:07

IS will stay active for a few seconds after you've achieved focus/released the shutter - focus button. With that in mind you shouldn't need to worry as long as you don't hold a long pause between focus and taking the shot.

PistolPete · 22 Sep 2012 at 02:13

Cheers

londonbairn · 22 Sep 2012 at 21:09

Enjoy the lens, I love my 70-200mm F2.8 mkII, it's amazing

PistolPete · 23 Sep 2012 at 12:58

Ah, can I ask you a question then??

I found yesterday that if at the longer end of the zoom and I'm almost in focus and tried to refocus, that the image would briefly 'blip' and wobble almost like the IS resetting or something.

Does yours do this? At about under about 110-120-ish I never noticed it.
I was shooting around F4 too if that helps.

londonbairn · 25 Sep 2012 at 09:55

Not sure I have noticed that phenomenon, only time I have noticed it blip is if I am too close to focus and quickly move into range.

I rarely shoot with the lens below F2.8, I find the IS in the lens is great indoors.

PistolPete · 25 Sep 2012 at 10:02

I find the focusing depth a little too shallow at 2.8 and my camera doesn't always keep up enough if subjet it not static.

I'll keep and eye on it, it wasn't doing it yesterday so maybe it was a fresh out of the box thing.

londonbairn · 25 Sep 2012 at 10:13

What body are you using? I use mines with a 7D, AF is good, but in-between deciding to get a 5D Mark III which I imagine will be great with this lens.

Been using it mostly for sports (Olympics and girlfriend's running club). About to go to Cancun (in the lounge now!) so will try it out with wild life.

The first 70-200mm I got arrived with a scratch

I will try and replicate what you have when I land and go out shooting.