Image Stabilization-Why Turn It Off When Mounted On Tripod

StrasburgBarry · 01-19-2014, 01:27 AM

Hello-The instruction manual for both my Pentax K20D as well as the K-5 II says to turn off the image stabilization when mounting the camera on a tripod. However, nothing further is said in either manual. What are the consequences of NOT turning it off?

I have left the image stabilization on for all tripod mounted photos and haven't noticed any difference in the quality of the photos or heard the stabilization trying to work. Is it hard on the camera? Does the camera keep trying to stabilize when there's little, if any, camera movement? Does it somehow damage the camera or the photos?

Would like a further explanation and comments from Pentax tech.

Thanks!

StrasburgBarry

p.s. I always use a wireless remote when the camera is on a tripod.

i83N · 01-19-2014, 01:37 AM

yes it will try to stabilize so you will loose sharpies of shot.

**Billy Joe** · 01-19-2014, 01:55 AM

If you are using the 2 or 10 second timer, it automatically turns off IS...

But if you are on a tripod and just pushing the shutter, then the camera SR is moving the sensor slightly trying to correct a non-existent shake... so that induces micro-movement

Alcazar · 01-19-2014, 01:57 AM

When you use a remote control or timer, the camera deactivates the SR automatically.

If i remember right, it is better to have the SR off because in that situation the SR can do more harm than good. Don't remember why exactly but there's a technical explaination for this

Steve.Ledger · 01-19-2014, 04:41 AM

IMHO, SR should always be off *until* you need it.

johnyates · 01-19-2014, 10:58 AM

Originally posted by StrasburgBarry

p.s. I always use a wireless remote when the camera is on a tripod.

Then you always have SR off when you shoot on a tripod.

Steve.Ledger · 01-19-2014, 08:47 PM

This is what happens with the tripod mounted K-01 when SR is turned on in movie mode.

You Tube

Stills will be using the mechanical SR but there's still potentially enough hunting that a wobble will blur your photo if the reason you're on a tripod is to use a slower shutter speed.

adwb · 01-20-2014, 01:17 AM

I have tested this a few times and with normal shutter speed can never see the difference. However with long exposures , a second or more, I suspect this might be what they are worrying about.

01-19-2014, 01:27 AM	#1
StrasburgBarry Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Strasburg, Ohio, USA Posts: 48	Image Stabilization-Why Turn It Off When Mounted On Tripod Hello-The instruction manual for both my Pentax K20D as well as the K-5 II says to turn off the image stabilization when mounting the camera on a tripod. However, nothing further is said in either manual. What are the consequences of NOT turning it off? I have left the image stabilization on for all tripod mounted photos and haven't noticed any difference in the quality of the photos or heard the stabilization trying to work. Is it hard on the camera? Does the camera keep trying to stabilize when there's little, if any, camera movement? Does it somehow damage the camera or the photos? Would like a further explanation and comments from Pentax tech. Thanks! StrasburgBarry p.s. I always use a wireless remote when the camera is on a tripod.

01-19-2014, 01:55 AM	#3
Billy Joe Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 374	If you are using the 2 or 10 second timer, it automatically turns off IS... But if you are on a tripod and just pushing the shutter, then the camera SR is moving the sensor slightly trying to correct a non-existent shake... so that induces micro-movement Last edited by Billy Joe; 01-19-2014 at 04:16 AM.

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01-19-2014, 01:37 AM	#2
i83N Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Lithuania Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,203	yes it will try to stabilize so you will loose sharpies of shot.

01-19-2014, 01:57 AM	#4
Alcazar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Stuttgart, Germany Posts: 210	When you use a remote control or timer, the camera deactivates the SR automatically. If i remember right, it is better to have the SR off because in that situation the SR can do more harm than good. Don't remember why exactly but there's a technical explaination for this

01-19-2014, 04:41 AM	#5
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	IMHO, SR should always be off until you need it.

01-19-2014, 10:58 AM	#6
johnyates Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Saskatoon, SK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,345	Originally posted by StrasburgBarry p.s. I always use a wireless remote when the camera is on a tripod. Then you always have SR off when you shoot on a tripod.

01-20-2014, 01:17 AM	#8
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636	I have tested this a few times and with normal shutter speed can never see the difference. However with long exposures , a second or more, I suspect this might be what they are worrying about.

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