How to set the image stabilizer on the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Article ID: ART112390 | Date published: 05/11/2015 | Date last updated: 08/17/2015
 

Solution

Image Stabilizer

You can use the image stabilizer in AF, PF, or MF mode.

Set the STABILIZER switch to ON.

  • If you are not going to use the image stabilizer function, set the switch to OFF

Select the stabilizer mode.

  • MODE 1: Corrects vibrations in all directions. It is mainly effective for shooting still subjects.
  • MODE 2: Corrects vertical camera shake during following shots in a horizontal direction, and corrects horizontal camera shake during following shots in a vertical direction.
  • MODE 3: Corrects vibration only during exposure. During panning shots, corrects vibration during exposure only in one direction the same as MODE 2.

First press the shutter button down halfway, then press down all the way to take the picture.

  • MODE 1, 2: Press the shutter button down halfway to stabilize the image in the viewfinder and enable stabilization.
  • MODE 3: Press the shutter down halfway to initiate computation of stabilization, then press down all the way to enable stabilization.

Tips on Using the Image Stabilizer

Mode 1

  • In semi-darkened areas such as indoors or outdoors at night.
  • In locations where flash photography is prohibited, such as art museums and theater stages.
  • In situations where your footing is uncertain.
  • In situations where fast shutter settings cannot be used.

Mode 2

  • When panning subjects in motion.

MODE 3

  • Since camera shake is stabilized only during exposure, following a subject is easier such as when shooting a fast and irregularly moving player during sports photography

Tips

  • The Image Stabilizer cannot compensate for a blurred shot caused by a subject that moved.
  • Set the STABILIZER switch to OFF when you are taking pictures using the Bulb setting (long exposures). If the STABILIZER switch is set to ON, the image stabilizer function may introduce errors.
  • The Image Stabilizer might not be fully effective in the following cases:

• You shoot from a violently moving vehicle.

• You move the camera dramatically for a panning shot in Mode 1.

  • The Image Stabilizer consumes more power than normal shooting, so fewer shots can be taken if you use the function.
  • The image stabilizer operates for about two seconds even when your finger is off the shutter button. Do not remove the lens while the stabilizer is in operation. This will cause a malfunction.
  • With the EOS-1V/HS, 3, ELAN 7E/ELAN 7/30/33, ELAN 7NE/ELAN 7N/30V/33V, ELAN II/ELAN II E/50/50E, REBEL 2000/300, IX, IX Lite/IX7, and D30, the Image Stabilizer will not work during self-timer operation.
  • Using a tripod also stabilizes the image. However, depending on the kind of tripod and shooting conditions, sometimes it may be better to turn off the Image Stabilizer function.
  • The stabilizer is equally effective for handheld photography and photography with a monopod. The Image Stabilizer effect may be reduced, however, depending on the shooting environment.
  • The Image Stabilizer also operates when the lens is used with extension tube EF12 II or EF25II or the extender EF1.4x III or EF2x III.
  • Depending on the camera there may be image shake, such as after releasing the shutter. However, this does not affect shooting.
  • If you set the camera's Custom Function to change the assigned button to operate the AF, the Image Stabilizer will operate when you press the newly assigned AF button.

SIMS Doc Id

0