The following article was sent exclusively to VIP Readers of the blog several months ago. Today I publish it openly for all readers.
Some SLR cameras have the Image Stabilizer built into the camera body, while others have it on the lens. And the truth is that, whether the stabilizer is in one place or another, the important thing is that when buying an SLR or objective camera, we make sure that it has an image stabilizer. Essential. On the lens, on the camera body, it doesn't matter, the important thing is to have a stabilizer.
Today I am going to explain some details that will help you understand why I insist, to what extent stabilizers are effective, and if they are always recommended or not.
ON THE CAMERA OR ON THE LENS?
As I was saying, there are cameras that have a stabilizer built into the body of the camera. The advantage that this offers us is that we don't have to worry about looking for a lens that has it, since the camera already has it. In addition, lenses without a stabilizer are somewhat cheaper. Brands like Sony or Pentax have the stabilizer in the camera body.
The other type of stabilizers is found on the lens. This causes us a dilemma when it comes to wanting to buy a new lens: should we buy one with a stabilizer, which is more expensive, or without a stabilizer and therefore more affordable? Brands that have it on the lens are for example Nikon (abbreviated VR) and Canon (IS).
The truth is that, they say, the stabilizers on the lens work and STABILIZE better than the stabilizers on the camera body. It has not been proven, because it is difficult to measure, but I am only transmitting what is being said so that you can take it into account ?
IS A STABILIZER ALWAYS NECESSARY?
No. But there are situations that are more likely to make the photo blurry and shake: for example, if it is a photo with low lighting, it is most likely that we need the help of a stabilizer. Also if we are shooting at long focal lengths such as 100 or 200mm, it is usually convenient to activate the stabilizer. On the other hand, shooting at 18mm or 25mm generally does not require a stabilizer since there is less chance of blurring the photo. Remember, the greater the focal length, the more possibility of blurred photos.
In other words, having a stabilizer on an 18-55mm lens wouldn't be a bad idea, but having it on a 70-300mm would be a must.
IS IT ALWAYS GOOD TO USE STABILIZER?
No. Try that the camera or lens has the stabilizer function so that you can use it when you consider it necessary, but do not always leave it activated. My advice is to use the stabilizer when you really need it. If you start a photo session and no photo is blurry, why turn it on? There is an urban legend that says that the image stabilizer corrects the photo and helps to avoid/hide the movement but in return it reduces the quality of the image a bit. So be careful.
Moral: You know, try to always have the stabilizer at hand, but without abusing it ?
