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

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

I haven't heard of such a feature. When using a tripod, its recommended that you switch IS off on the lens, or in the cameras menus for lenses that do not have an IS switch.  

[JamesHarvey]

I actually found one reference, from Canon Europe: 

Last section in: https://www.canon-europe.com/pro/infobank/image-stabilisation-lenses/ 

"With some of the earlier lenses, you needed to switch the IS off when using a tripod as the lack of movement confused the system and the image started to jump around the viewfinder. However, even when using a tripod, there can be some camera movement in high wind or with super telephoto lenses, which means the IS system can be invaluable. More recent IS lenses are able to detect the use of a tripod and automatically disable the IS, if necessary."

But I still have not found reference to it in any Canon lens specs. 

[Waddizzle]

No, it’s not an urban myth. For Canon DSLRs, 1D Series bodies would automatically disable the IS when used with select L series lenses. I first read about it on a European Canon web site in an area for CPS members.  It is no longer available to non-members. 

Select R Series bodies have been reported to also exhibit this behavior with Great White primes. 

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4566650 

[JamesHarvey]

Thanks for confirming that it does exist: not sure if you saw the ref I posted above.

It would be nice to have a list of those lens/body combos that do & don't do it! 

[Waddizzle]

No, I didn’t see your link. We must have cross posted.  It was only available on 1D series DSLRs when I first read about it.  

[JamesHarvey]

Thanks!  The DP review link leads to one thread where the same question is being asked (due to noted behavior for vodeo with the 100-500) but not answered, and the other goes to a link to the Canon EU article that I referenced! 

[jrhoffman75]

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@JamesHarvey wrote:

I actually found one reference, from Canon Europe: 

Last section in: https://www.canon-europe.com/pro/infobank/image-stabilisation-lenses/ 

"With some of the earlier lenses, you needed to switch the IS off when using a tripod as the lack of movement confused the system and the image started to jump around the viewfinder. However, even when using a tripod, there can be some camera movement in high wind or with super telephoto lenses, which means the IS system can be invaluable. More recent IS lenses are able to detect the use of a tripod and automatically disable the IS, if necessary."

But I still have not found reference to it in any Canon lens specs. 

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From what I read a number of years ago the issue isn't tripod per se, but a rigid support condition. Early versions of IS got "confused" is they didn't detect any motion and started "hunting" so they were actually causing the IS module to start moving. Later versions could detect that condition and disable the IS.

This was discussed in an article discussed in The-Digital-Picture dot com site in 2017.

"

In a recent post, we answered the question Should You Turn Off "IS" When Using Action-Stopping Shutter Speeds? One of the questions generated by that post asked if image stabilization should be turned off or left enabled when shooting from a tripod. So, we went back to our very-knowledgeable Canon representative with this question. Again, the information below should not be considered official Canon guidelines, but it comes from a person who has substantial knowledge about Canon lenses and their IS systems.

First off, let's be clear -- any discussion about Image Stabilization on a tripod refers ONLY to a truly rock-solid tripod, on a totally firm surface without vibrations from passing traffic and so on. In many real-world situations, we're using tripods and other supports in conditions that really aren't totally solid. A good test, before discussing the question any further: the next time you're mounted on a tripod, turn your camera's Live View on, and magnify the LCD monitor image to its greatest setting. It's sometimes amazing how much shake and movement there really is, even on a tripod."

At that point in time TDP had a close relationship with the late Chuck Westfall, so I suspect he was the Canon rep.

[ebiggs1]

I have used nothing but 1D Series cameras for years and years and I never noticed such a feature. Personally I never turn IS or OS or VC off. I have done a good bit of testing with each and can't really see any difference. Now for the record I don't do videos just stills. You see someone, or several, probably had a photo ruined and had the IS on correlation does not imply causation. The thing is this if you think it bothers you turn it off, Simple, no biggie.

[p4pictures]

Canon Inc. in Tokyo used to produce an information packed book called EF lens work, it listed all the lenses in detail with example images, MTF charts and more. In the last sections of the book there are pages of details about the EF lens technology. I have a "prized" copy of EF Lens Work III Eighth edition from September 2006. This may be the last run of this book. In the EF lens technology section is a paragraph titled Tripod-compatible Image Stabilizer. 

In this paragraph it mentions that early lenses with IS had an issue when used on a tripod, and that EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM and other models in the super telephoto L series IS range were equipped with an IS unit that can detect when the lens is stationary on a tripod making it unnecessary to switch the IS off. 

EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM was introduced in 1999. I believe the most models post 1999 with IS had the same "tripod detection" ability, but still some photographers believe it is better to be sure and so they turn off the IS on the lens when using a tripod. If you are using a motorised tracker the IS may operate since the lens is moving. I would advise turning IS off in such case.