Image Stabilization On/OFF when hiking ?

[tmc784]

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.

[Waddizzle · Accepted solution]

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@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.

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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.

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

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.

[tmc784]

Thank you for all your best comments.

Cheers.

[wq9nsc]

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

[ebiggs1]

"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.