Which IS mode to use on a Canon 100-400?

[geert99]

I have a Canon 100-400 lens on a 30D body. Until now, I have always left my lens in Mode 2, where it stabilizes both X and Y direction. The other mode is supposed to be for panning motions.
I have always left it in the both direction mode as I figured 2 directions is better than one......

Am I correct? Is there any advantage in using the one axis mode for panning? Is it perfroming better that way?

Maybe some of you have experience with using these modes and therefore know which is best for aircraft photography.

[brno]

Mode 1 = Normal static situations.

Mode 2 = Moving subjects.

Greetz!

[pjotrtje]

Using Mode 1 (stabilizing both axes) half the gyros are constantly trying to cope with the panning movement. As the lenses inside are connected to the gyros inexplicable blur can take place. As such: Mode 2 is the one and only mode to use for fast moving objects.

[geert99]

Using Mode 1 (stabilizing both axes) half the gyros are constantly trying to cope with the panning movement. As the lenses inside are connected to the gyros inexplicable blur can take place. As such: Mode 2 is the one and only mode to use for fast moving objects.

Thanks for the input guys!

I don't want to sound ignorant, but why is it bad that the mode 1 tries to stabilize both axis? I'm just trying to understand why exactly one is better than the other. In my way of thinking mode 1 is the best of both worlds...all axis are stabilized....great!

Let me give an example:
When at an airshow, you are trying to capture the movements of a fast jet. These shots will not all be made with a panning motion, as there are some 'not so fast' moves as well. Wouldn't Mode 1 be better overall then? As the lens can stabilize on those moments as well?

I understand the panning mode is best when capturing things that go from left to right (or vice versa) only.

Again, I'm not trying to be a smart-ass, I'm just trying to understand the inner workings.

[Viperdriver]

.

[pjotrtje]

I don't want to sound ignorant, but why is it bad that the mode 1 tries to stabilize both axis?

A gyro will try to stabilise against your intentional panning movement. So, it is useless to do that and if it wasn't harmful, no problem would arise. The issue is that the gyro will most probably cause an uneven panning: the image will skip when the gyro is trying to reset itself to the new position. Imagine trying a picture during that skip: one part of the pic will become blurred. I do agree however, it doesn't happen a lot. But if it happens during the one and only Indonesian F-16 you come across...
I am not aware of any detrimental effect on the gyro itself, though panning with Mode 1 working is harder than it is in Mode 2: you're working against the effects of the gyro and as you may have learned in school, trying to move a running gyro is difficult.

[geert99]

I don't want to sound ignorant, but why is it bad that the mode 1 tries to stabilize both axis?

A gyro will try to stabilise against your intentional panning movement. So, it is useless to do that and if it wasn't harmful, no problem would arise. The issue is that the gyro will most probably cause an uneven panning: the image will skip when the gyro is trying to reset itself to the new position. Imagine trying a picture during that skip: one part of the pic will become blurred. I do agree however, it doesn't happen a lot. But if it happens during the one and only Indonesian F-16 you come across...
I am not aware of any detrimental effect on the gyro itself, though panning with Mode 1 working is harder than it is in Mode 2: you're working against the effects of the gyro and as you may have learned in school, trying to move a running gyro is difficult.

Thanks for the more detailed explanation guys! I think I understand now, so I will surely try that in the coming shooting events.

[Redskin301]

Mode 1: is for static stuff and taxiing aircraft
Mode 2: is for flying stuff
And if you work with a tripod you should turn stabilization off.