Is "automatic tripod detection to disable IS" an urban myth?

[JamesHarvey]

I remembering "reading somewhere" (i.e. I don't have a "quotable source") that many Canon telephoto lenses have a 'tripod detection" feature (presumably by detecting no instability) that automatically disables the IS, but is this just an urban myth?  The manual for my RF200-200 says: 

"When using a tripod, the Image Stabilizer might not be fully effective or it might be better to set the STABILIZER switch to OFF, depending on the type of tripod and where the tripod is located, as well as on the camera’s settings such as shutter speed." 

I find similar statements in the manuals for the RF100-400, 100-500, 800/11, 800/5.6, EF600/4 (i & iii), EF800/5.6. 

So is there such a thing as Auto Tripod Detection or was I dreaming: it would actually be a bad dream, as I really need control over the IS, when, for example, using a motorized panoramic tripod or star tracker! 

Thanks/JH

[JamesHarvey]

Yes, thanks, so if it's a lens feature, how does that interact with R series cameras with IBIS: presumably it shuts of both, like the on-lens switch does?  All I'm looking for is some current statement from Canon as to whether it applies to any R system components, and of so, whether it can be disables (i.e. to keep IS on). 

[jrhoffman75 · Accepted solution]

You should cal Canon support at 1-800-OK-CANON. 

[JamesHarvey]

Thanks, Brian, that's an incredibly useful reference, & I just found a hard copy of the 2013 version online.  IMO it's a huge pity that Canon have not updated that publication for the mirrorless age, but I can see why they might not want to potentially seed commercial competition with it today. 

[ebiggs1]

"It’s not a camera feature. It’s built in to the lens."

My point is, made poorly perhaps, I have also heard this for years but Canon seems to not be very forthcoming if in fact it is a fact. One would expect if it were a fact and a necessary feature Canon would promote that feature. Furthering, my experience is that it isn't necessary or at the very least not necessary well in the majority of the time.

[ebiggs1]

"It’s not a camera feature. It’s built in to the lens. "

"For Canon DSLRs, 1D Series bodies would automatically disable the IS when used with select L series lenses."

JRF,

Perhaps you missed that post?

[jrhoffman75]

---

@ebiggs1 wrote:

"It’s not a camera feature. It’s built in to the lens. "

"For Canon DSLRs, 1D Series bodies would automatically disable the IS when used with select L series lenses."

JRF,

Perhaps you missed that post?

---

I didn't miss that. It is a quote from a user post; I have not seen it stated anywhere else. This is what Canon states it its publication.

"

Tripod-compatible Image Stabilizer

When the first IS lenses were used with a tripod, the image stabilizer malfunctioned, requiring the photographer to turn off the image stabilizer function. However, the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM and other new models in the super telephoto L type IS series are equipped with an image stabilizer that can be used with a tripod, which prevents malfunctioning. Since the system uses a vibration gyro to automatically detect when the camera is mounted on a tripod, the photographer can focus on the photograph without having to think about turning the stabilizer on and off. And when a monopod is used with any lens in the IS series, image stabilization is identical to that achieved during hand-held photography."

The latest version of Lens Work III that I have, dated 2013, now states "The EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and other IS lenses automatically prevent accidental activation of image stabilization when used on a tripod."

[ebiggs1]

Tripod-compatible Image Stabilizer

When the first IS lenses were used with a tripod, .........

Yes, I read that in the post. It still doesn't explain if it were, or is a problem, why Canon does not make it more prominent or known. Again how simple is it to simply turn IS off if you believe it interferes with something? I don't.  It looks more like a solution to a problem we don't have.

As to JamesHarvey's query, my guess is, it will have zero effect on IBIS. I have an ef 300mm f2.8L lens I could try but I don't have an R8 to try it on.

And as to older lenses on R series I am sure you can find crappy lenses but for the most part EF lenses will work on R series cameras. Most say they work better than they did on their original cameras. Will they AF slower, probably yes, since they usually have slower AF motors. Will FPS be slower again probably yes.

[JamesHarvey]

My query comes about because IF this feature has been carried forwards into the R system: 

a.  I would like to be able to DISABLE this auto switch-off as I suspect it is deleterious in some modes of tripod use. 

b.  I would like some indication of whether the IS is being disabled automatically: the "shaky hand" symbol appears to show only the state of the setting (lens switch or menu), it does not go away when the camera & lens are stationary & not subject to hand-held shake). 

I'll call it a closed question here for now, and probe via other Canon contacts on the issue. 

Thanks all for your thoughts & responses. 

[Waddizzle]

"It’s not a camera feature. It’s built in to the lens. "

It did not seem to be available to all DSLR bodies.  Initially, 1D series.  

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

"It did not seem to be available to all DSLR bodies.  Initially, 1D series. "

OK, where is it? Menu> (?), (?)  I must have missed it and need instruction. I've had, owned, every 1D series made. I know a lot about how they operate but I fully admit I don't know everything about them but never knew this was an option in the Menus.

Lens IS is controlled by a switch on the lens itself, not the camera body. Look, the query was is it a "urban myth" or fact. And although there may have been one lens (ef 300mm f2.8L)  perhaps more but at any rate very few lenses that had the ability plus Canon's lack of info and lack of promoting the feature makes it lean more towards "urban myth".

Consider if you are using any good lens with IS, OS, or VC and you are on a sturdy support the IS is virtually inactive anyway. As previously stated I have never seen a problem and I have used many, many lenses with IS, OS or VC including the ef 300mm f2.8L