When to turn off IS and VR

When to turn off IS (image stabilization) and VR (vibration reduction)

Many DSLR camera lenses now come with an option to turn off IS (image stabilization for Canon) or VR (vibration reduction for Nikon). You’ll find this on / off switch on the side of the actual lens. One thing I’ve noticed with friends and family who are just starting out in SLR photography, is that they tend to turn this on and never touch it again. However, there are times when you should turn it off.

For example, I was photographing the Sydney Opera House recently with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS lens, and for the life of me, I could not get a sharp image. Then it hit me, because I had my camera sitting on a tripod, I turned off the image stabilization and bam I suddenly got sharp photos. When IS / VR is turned on, it causes the camera to look for vibrations, which in turn, can cause vibrations.