topic Re: Image Stabilization On/OFF when hiking ? in EF & RF Lenses

Image Stabilization On/OFF when hiking ?

tmc784 — Sat, 18 May 2019 20:25:30 GMT

Hi all,

When resting my DSLR attached with IS lens in the backpack / toploader for hiking, should I need to turn OFF lens IS or keep it ON ?

Thank you for your response.

Re: Image Stabilization On/OFF when hiking ?

Waddizzle — Sun, 19 May 2019 00:52:12 GMT

@tmc784 wrote:
Hi all,
When resting my DSLR attached with IS lens in the backpack / toploader for hiking, should I need to turn OFF lens IS or keep it ON ?
Thank you for your response.

I typicallly turn off power when I store my camera in a bag. But, your camera should go to sleep when you place it in a bag, and so does the IS.

Re: Image Stabilization On/OFF when hiking ?

ebiggs1 — Sun, 19 May 2019 14:18:12 GMT

I almost never turn camera or IS off. The one time I do turn the camera off is when I remove or insert the battery or CF card.

I almost never to never turn IS off on a lens.

Re: Image Stabilization On/OFF when hiking ?

tmc784 — Sun, 19 May 2019 16:33:34 GMT

Thank you for all your best comments.

Cheers.

Re: Image Stabilization On/OFF when hiking ?

wq9nsc — Mon, 20 May 2019 14:27:43 GMT

Leaving IS on is fine but if your camera is in a backpack, UNLESS it AND every other object are secure I would turn the camera off in case something decides to come to rest against the shutter release. Otherwise you may arrive at your next photo op with a full memory card and a dead battery.

IS does increase power consumption as does Servo AF so keep that in mind when planning battery use on a longer hike. Live view, frequent reviewing of images, and high LCD brightness are other battery killers.

When in "sleep" mode, power consumption is very low and typically I leave my camera on when at an event.

I have hiked a lot with my various Canon SLR and DSLR bodies. This is one case where some sort of filter or other protector on the front of the lens is a very good idea. Some Canon lenses that are otherwise weather sealed need this to be fully weather sealed and I would much rather scratch a relatively inexpensive and easily replaceable filter than the front lens element. I am less worried about doing a quick wipe of the lens if the worst thing I have to worry about is the front filter and hiking definitely exposes the lens to moisture and debris.

Rodger

Re: Image Stabilization On/OFF when hiking ?

ebiggs1 — Mon, 20 May 2019 20:28:26 GMT

"IS does increase power consumption as does Servo AF so keep that in mind when planning battery use on a longer hike."

In the 50 some years I have used cameras, daily, I have never run out of battery.

"This is one case where some sort of filter or other protector on the front of the lens is a very good idea."

Absolutely to the point of being mandatory.