What is Canon Image Stabilization?

!9# What is Canon Image Stabilization?

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What is Canon Image Stabilization?

Canon image stabilization technology, many times referred to as "IS," is a feature found on many of the lenses in Canon's lineup. Many photography novices or recent film to digital converts wonder if IS actually provides better results. This is a good question as Canon IS technology adds weight, size, and increases the price of almost every lens it is included as a feature on. This article is going to look at the advantages of Canon image stabilization in light of these downsides.

How does Canon IS work?

Canon's IS system works with an optical image stabilizer. The stabilizer is an extra floating optical element that is added to existing lens optics. It is designed to detect lens movement and correct for it by altering the path light takes through the optical elements of the lens on its way to the digital image sensor. A series of electromagnets help perform this task. As the movement sensor only detects when the lens moves, and the floating element can only correct for lens motion, IS only works to reduce blur in image subjects that are not in motion. In other words, Canon image stabilization cannot freeze the motion of a moving object in low light conditions, it can only reduce (or eliminate) the effects of camera shake when hand holding at low shutter speeds.

Is Canon IS really it?

Many photographers find Canon IS to be an invaluable tool in many different lighting conditions. Most Canon lenses equipped with IS allow for excellent results in hand held (non-tripod) photography while shooting 2-3 stops lower than lenses without IS. Some Canon lenses with IS will work 4 stops lower than normal. Furthermore, under the lowest of light conditions and while hand holding, some users have noticed that consumer grade Canon IS lenses outperform some of the much more expensive (and sought after) "L Series" lenses that do not have image stabilization. Canon image stabilization definitely improves results while hand holding.

Canon does offer a few recommendations for use of IS. First, you do not need to use it when your lens is mounted on a tripod. Canon actually recommends that you disable IS when tripod shooting to avoid image distorting effects.

Second, the IS feature requires extra power and can drain your camera battery quickly. Therefore, it is best to turn it off when not shooting in low light conditions.

What is Canon Image Stabilization?

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Canon IS Binoculars - No More Shake

!9# Canon IS Binoculars - No More Shake

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There has been huge interest in Image Stabilized binoculars in recent times. The technology has become more affordable in recent years so it look set to continue growing its share of the binocular market.

Why the interest? It's all down to resolution. IS technology allows you to see more detail in the image because it greatly reduces the natural image shake caused by unsteady hands and yes we all have the shakes, its just a matter of how much! Try focusing normal binoculars on some text, perhaps on a street sign some distance away, while holding them then try again with the binoculars on a tripod. Notice the difference? You can see much more detail in the steadier tripod mounted binocular. Reducing or eliminating the shake gives us much better detail.

Canon IS binoculars are probably the best known of the bunch while brands like Fujinon are fast gaining a following. IS binoculars are used by nature observers such as birders and sailors amongst others. Whether you're viewing wildlife from the back of a moving jeep or you've had too much coffee, the stabilization is very effective. Sailors like their ease of use and water resistance while astronomers appreciate the power and clarity of the optics. With a steadier image we can achieve greater magnification more comfortably. Sailors used to be pretty much limited to 7x magnification but IS technology now allows up to 18x with the same aperture.

Their inbuilt computers and gyros are very effective at reducing image shake. The gyros measure both horizontal and vertical movement which the processor instantly compensates for by moving either variable prisms or a tilt mechanism depending on which particular model you have.

Fitting the electronics and batteries into the body adds weight so these do not feel like a normal binocular. Having said that, one soon gets accustomed to holding the weight at least for short durations.

The Canon 10x 30 is lightweight as IS binoculars go at a shade under 1.5lbs and is water resistant, think showerproof not waterproof and the rubber coating makes them comfortable to hold. The combination of weight, quality optics and price seems to have hit the mark with IS fans. The 14.5mm eye relief also allows most folk to use them while wearing glasses.

Canon make IS binoculars in several sizes: 8x 25, 12x 36, 10x 42, 10x 50, 15x 50 and 18x 50 but the 10x 30 seems to be the most popular.

Canon IS Binoculars - No More Shake

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