RF 100-500 disables IS when recording video from a tripod

[Sylvain]

Hi,
I've seen some older posts on the following issue, but never has there been a solid answer or the problem was (wrongly) accused of being due to an inferior tripod used. I've come across this problem with the RF100-500 and it's quite a dealbreaker for me as this issue results in many ruined video shots.

I'm talking about the issue of the RF 100-500 disabling all IS functions when shooting video from a tripod or solid base. Here's a video that clearly shows the IS shutting off when entering video mode with the camera stationed on a tripod:

When my set is on the tripod the issue occurs when entering video mode on the camera through the physical button on the camera OR when pressing the record button when in photomode, so it clearly has something to do with the IS function of the lens when shooting video. When in photo mode both the viewfinder and display show a smooth image and handling the camera don't cause any jitters or vibrations to the image (as you can see in the beginning of the video). When you shoot video, every tap of a button or slight adjustment in framing with the video tripod head results in shaky/jittery video. I've read someone describe it as if there's an earthquake happening, which is quite fitting.

"You should turn the IS off anyway when using the camera on a tripod"
Turning the IS off on the lens results in exactly the same results, because the lens turns the IS off itself already... it's supposed to keep it ON to reduce vibrations introduced by handling the camera.

"Your tripod simply isn't good enough"
I've seen people blame it on the tripod setup, but this is simply false as you can also see in the video with the camera on a locked down tripod and the issue doesn't occur in photo mode. Having said that: my tripod setup (Benro S8 pro + Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 Carbon) isn't high end cinema gear, but definitely heavy and sturdy enough to work with this set. Also, i've also tested my set on a Sachtler Aktiv 8 + Sachtler Flowtech75 which gave the same results: you touch the camera - the image jitters.

"Issue lies with the R7 then?"
This is also not true as recently i've shot some video with the R6II as body and the same issue occurs.

Hoping someone can provide more information on this issue.
Thanks.

[Sylvain]

Thanks for tuning in, yeah when you keep the stabilisation activated by introducing panning or other more "radical" movements to trick it into thinking it's not on a tripod it works just fine, but often this isn't case when you're slowly following waders or other birds/animals and all you get are vibrations from you having a hand on the camera 😞

The rolling shutter from the R7 surely doesn't help, but I filmed a project with the R6II as well and had the same struggle. Seeing the responses, also made by Canon staff, i'm starting to think it's a firmware choice made by Canon on the RF100-500, but therefore rendering this lens somewhat useless for filming a tripod.

I've contacted tech support in Europe with the same questions but will also reach out to people using other RF telelenses than the RF100-500 to see if they experience the same.

[Sylvain · Accepted solution]

I just got off the phone with a Canon representative/tech support from Canon Europe. Very friendly and understanding spokesperson, who had a technical understanding of the matter, but sadly had to deliver some bad news:

- Apparently the issue has not been previously reported at Canon (at least not at Canon Europe); they haven't had any complaints about it before. It therefore took a little longer to respond as they had to test it themselves.

- They acknowledge what is going: the RF 100-500 lens indeed has the feature of automatically turning off the IS when you place it on a tripod (and/or solid structure like a car window).

- It's a feature, not a bug. Users cannot change this setting.

- They acknowledge it can be a problem in these scenarios for video, but want to emphasize the RF100-500, and R7 / R6 II bodies, are made and marketed with photography as main purpose, not video. Therefore explaining certain choices.

- The representative didn't know exactly "why" the RF 100-500 has this function.

- Apparently the feature is present in the full lineup of RF lenses (i'm actually quite curious if this is true, looking at you RF200-800 users)

- Canon has now registered the issue with their development team, but at this moment there are no plans on addressing the issue in future firmware updates or new products. The comment was: "realistically, I wouldn't have high hopes or wait for it to change".

I'm afraid that for now this is the final conclusion. Sadly the RF100-500 therefore renders itself unusable to me for wildlife filmmaking. I was planning on upgrading the R7 to the R5 II, but I will move from Canon as a brand altogether now.

Wildlife videographers / filmmakers or other people that have plans to shoot video with the RF100-500 on a tripod: please be aware of this feature!

[InternalRevenue]

Many thanks for investigating and finally getting the answer, and reporting back to us! Sobering news but at least we know for certain now. I used to use an adapted EF 100-400ii prior the the 100-500 and it’s stabilization most definitely stayed on, however the gurgling of the IS would often be audible in the footage. I’d be tempted to move on as well, but as of now no competitor has a true R7 alternative (perhaps the Panasonic G9ii? One of the Fujis if they finally fixed the AF?), and other brands could well be plagued with the same “feature”.