First Image Stabilised Lens - Anything I need to know?

[onyx39]

Just upgraded by standard 18-55 Canon kits lens on the EOS450D to an EFS 18-55 Image stabilized model.
Anything I need to know?
I assume I just leave it in "Stabilised mode" all the time? Any times I shouldn't use this mode?

[Gemm]

I usually turn it off when it's on a tripod.

[GetCarter]

Gemm said:

I usually turn it off when it's on a tripod.

+1

[LongQ]

onyx39 said:

Just upgraded by standard 18-55 Canon kits lens on the EOS450D to an EFS 18-55 Image stabilized model.
Anything I need to know?
I assume I just leave it in "Stabilised mode" all the time? Any times I shouldn't use this mode?

Read any information that came with the lens or is in the camera manual.

Usually not helpful on a tripod as Gemm has said.

Bear in mind the IS system can eat through battery charge if your shooting habits are such that capacity becomes important.

Once you get over the lens "length to shutter speed" rule the IS system won't be doing much for the image quality anyway so one could save battery (and possibly also some other issues related to things like panning depending on the the lens' IS system offers) from the POV of the shot BUT having IS on gives a much more stable view through the viewfinder though this is probably most evident with longer lenses.

There is also a lower limit speed as I recall - worth knowing in case you are not always getting the results you expect at slow speeds.