Image stabilizer
The image stabilization (IS) technology detects handheld motion and optically corrects it. It only corrects handheld motion; if the subject of the photograph is moving, IS will not stop it. It also can only stabilize so much motion, ranging from two to five stops, depending on the specific IS in the lens. Canon has released several versions of the IS system, including the following:
The first version, first used in the 75-300mm lens (1995), takes approximately one second to stabilize, provides approximately two stops of stability, is not suitable for use on a tripod and or for panning.
The 300mm f/4L IS USM lens, released in 1997, adds IS Mode 2, which detects whether panning is taking place horizontally or vertically, and only compensates for vibration in the plane perpendicular to the plane of panning.
In 1999, with the release of the IS super-telephoto lenses (300mm f/2.8L through 600mm f/4L), tripod detection was added, so that the lens could be used on a tripod with IS turned on.
In 2001, a new version of the Image Stabilizer was created for the 70–200mm f/2.8L. This version takes approximately 0.5s and can be stabilized up to three stops.
In 2006, the 70–200 mm f/4L IS USM was released with an Image Stabilizer which allows up to four stops of stabilization.[4]
In 2008, the 200mm f/2L IS USM was released with a new version of IS which allows up to five stops of stabilization.[5]
In 2009, the 100 mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM became the first Canon lens with a Hybrid Image Stabilizer.[6] In addition to correcting angular movement, Hybrid IS also corrects for shift movement.[7]
Some newer lenses include an Image Stabilizer which can automatically detect whether the user is panning and respond accordingly, and therefore these lenses do not have an IS mode switch.
All EF lenses that support IS have the words “Image Stabilizer” written on the lens. On some of Canon’s larger telephoto lenses, the words “Image Stabilizer” are etched onto a metal plate affixed to the lens.
