Does leaving image stabilization on reduce image quality when you don't need it?
Asked 2/15/2011
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I use a Canon 7D with an EF-S 15-85mm IS lens and usually leave image stabilization on all the time. Someone told me this is a big mistake because it reduces image quality overall. Other than extra battery drain, does leaving IS enabled actually hurt sharpness or image quality? Are there situations where it should be turned off?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
19
I don't know how it works with this lens, but I've seen charts for Pentax's in-body stabilization system where the data shows that contrary to conventional wisdom I.S. gives a (decreasing but still there) benefit up until rather high shutter speeds, at which point it doesn't matter (and doesn't make things worse).
If you have the camera on a very steady tripod, though, off is probably better. On a lightweight, wobbly tripod, it may be different.
It's also important to keep in mind that the stabilization takes time to engage and "settle" — typically half a second or so after you half-press the shutter button. If you have it on, make sure to allow that time.
Update: I don't think these are the charts I remember, but they show the same thing and are quite well done: How can I determine the minimum shutter speed to avoid blur from camera shake?.
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
15y ago
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In normal handheld use, leaving IS on generally does not reduce image quality, and it can still help a little even at fairly high shutter speeds. There isn’t strong evidence that it makes images worse just because it’s enabled.
Cases where turning it off can make sense:
- On a very steady tripod, IS may be unnecessary and can sometimes be better disabled.
- IS needs a brief moment to engage and settle after a half-press, so if you shoot instantly it may not perform optimally.
- It uses more battery, and some people dislike the slight operational delay.
Claims that IS hurts bokeh or overall optical quality are mostly theoretical unless you can see it in your own images.
Best advice: test your own camera/lens combination. Shoot the same subject with and without IS, under handheld and tripod conditions, then compare at 100%. If you can’t see a meaningful difference, it’s probably not something to worry about.
So: handheld, leave it on if it helps; on a solid tripod, turn it off unless your lens manual says otherwise.
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