Canon lens IS options

You may get a choice of stabilization modes with modern L-series lenses

Each of Canon’s IS lenses uses gyro sensors inside the barrel to detect horizontal and vertical movement of the lens. It then counteracts this movement by shifting a group of internal elements in the opposite direction to stabilize the image. But while the process is the same, the way it’s implemented across the IS lens range varies.

The majority of IS lenses have a simple switch to turn the IS function on or off. With IS enabled, the camera automatically shifts from standard all-round stabilization to one that’s designed for panning when it detects the camera being moved in a single direction for a short period of time. The panning stabilization corrects camera movement in just one plane – so if you’re panning the camera from left to right to track a car, for example, only vertical vibrations will be reduced.

Many of Canon’s L-series telephoto lenses have an IS mode switch that gives you manual control over the type of stabilization. Older lenses offer a choice of two modes: Mode 1 is the general purpose option, while Mode 2 optimizes the stabilization for panning. L-series telephotos add a third mode, which only stabilizes the image when the exposure is made. This can give a more natural-looking image when shooting action. With the other modes, image stabilization kicks in the moment the shutter release button is half-pressed.

Some of Canon’s macro lenses have a Hybrid Stabilizer. This system has a on/off switch and corrects for angular shake as well vertical/horizontal ‘shift’ shake that’s more common with close-up photography.