The IS of Canon 70-300l

[tome223]

Was going to get the 17-40mm for $699 at BH for myself for Xmas but am stumped now that Adorama has the 70-300l is for $1099.  I could probably get $350 for my non-l 70-300is on ebay so the lenses would in essence cost the same amount.

question about the description of the 70-300l - note below in red

Designed to deliver ultra-high quality images along with lightning fast operation, the new Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS USM telephoto zoom lens brings a favorite zoom range to the celebrated Canon L-series of lenses.

It features two Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration, incorporates a floating focusing mechanism for sharpness from close up to infinity, plus an IS system that increases usability by approximately four stops.

The EF 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS USM features a function that prevents erroneous operation when the lens is mounted on a tripod or monopod. Gleaming white, with an optional removable tripod collar, dust and water resistant construction, and a newly developed Fluorine coating that keeps soiling, smears and fingerprints to a minimum, its phenomenal performance and flexibility is assured.
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what does that mean?  it auto detects when the 70-300l is on a monopod.  I use my 100-400 on a monopod and keep the IS on all the time?  does this have anything to do with the 70-300 not having a tripod collar?  sorry if this has been discussed before, I haven't had time to look at past postings about this lens and have to order by Jan 5.

[neuroanatomist]

http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/education/technical/image_stabilization_lenses.do

[PackLight]

Not sure about your question,

If the question is, "Does the lens sense the tripod collar when on and then turn off the IS." The answer is no.

The overview statement is different on Canon's website than what you posted; "The Image Stabilization system also features a function that allows it to continue to operate, even when used on a rigid tripod."

My understanding is it senses the stability of the lens and doesn't kick on. The reasoning with old lenses IS and turning them off on tripods is that on occasions when you are panning or moving your lens the IS can kick on and cause the picture to blurred. On my 500mm you can actually see movement when the IS system kicks on. I always leave mine on and never have a problem.

[PackLight]

http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/education/technical/image_stabilization_lenses.do

I wonder which "Old" lens was the last to have the vibration loop problem.
I had always heard the 300mm f/2.8L and 500mm F/4L had this problem resolved.

Edit; the answer was there I just didn't see it on the 300mm's picture 
"The EF300mm f/2.78L IS USM, which was launched in 1999, and later IS lenses used an Image Stabilizer system that could detect when the camera was mounted on a tripod and meant photographers didn't have to worry any longer about switching IS on or off."

[tome223]

Thanks, the article and post clears it up.

So in theory - and despite me never having a problem with IS switched on when my 100-400 is on a monopod - I should switch the IS off when the 100-400 is mounted because the IS in this lens (an older model) does not sense when it is tripod/monopod mounted.

and the 70-300 l doesnt require IS to be switched off if mounted on a tripod because it auto-detects it.....

Right?

For those with the 70-300l IS, is the tripod colar for $169 worth it/needed? 

[PackLight]

The manuals for the supertele's recommend turning the IS off to save batteries. I have extra batteries. I would imagine the 70-300mmL has much lower power requirements. I think you are worrying about nothing.

The tripod collar would be helpful, otherwise your lens will be front heavy if you mount at the camera. Is it worth $169? It wouldn't be to me, but for me a 70-300mm wouldn't be on a tripod all that much. Maybe someone knows of a third party collar.

[neuroanatomist]

The usual advice for the 100-400 is leave IS on with a monopod, turn it off with a tripod.  Other lenses, I leave it on all the time. 

PackLight, FYI the supertele lenses have a modified version of tripod sensing IS. Unlike most lenses which just disable IS, when on a tripod with IS on, the superteles engage a special IS mode that damps mirror/shutter vibrations at shutter speeds between 1/30 - 1 s (IS is disabled at exposures >1 s).

[Dart23]

For those with the 70-300l IS, is the tripod colar for $169 worth it/needed?

Not worth it for the Canon version. I had it for a long time without it, it's light enough for me. But I did just pick up a third party collar off Amazon because I do use a monopod at times. So when you get the lens (and you should), do a search on Amazon for the Fotodiox one, fits perfectly and only 39.95 right now...

[ahab1372]

I agree that the $100+ for the Canon collar is not worth it. I use the lens handhold most of the time. I did get a Fotodiox collar for the lens (around $40 IIRC) which works fine. It is maybe a little tight when you loosen it to turn the camera from portrait to landscape orientation, but it works. TDP mentioned that the original collar made metal-on-metal scratch sounds, so I don't think the original is any better in this respect.