is IS/VR a gimmic

[bryan]

I think not, 160mm focal length shot at 1/10sec hand held produced this http://www.tog247.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/power.jpg ('http://www.tog247.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=865') theres no PP or anything this is as shot.

[Shaun]

I really hope you were just testing your IS shooting at speeds like that lol! very impressive... you must have a steady hand too.... I bet with a faster shutter speed you could get even sharper

[bryan]

never used IS before, so i wanted to see just how low i could go, producing a usable image, very impressed to get to 1/10 of a sec. although im hoping to be shooting at hire speeds LOL

[Pipeman]

With heavier longer length lenses then I think that it is useful, but with wider lenses then hand held shots should always be possible at 1/10th with the right technique anyway.
Older photographers may find IS very useful, but you're not one of them, Bryan!

I have IS on my 55-250 and find that I get sharper images at my usual shooting speed, this is the advantage for me.

[bryan]

theres no way i could hand hold my 24-70 at 1/10 at 70mm. wouldnt tend to let it go below 1/30, but hey maybe thats an experiment for another day LOL

[Pipeman]

theres no way i could hand hold my 24-70 at 1/10 at 70mm. wouldnt tend to let it go below 1/30, but hey maybe thats an experiment for another day LOL

I was thinking more of a kit lens, 18-55 - I have done lots in churches and such places when necessity demanded.
It's down to practice - feet apart, elbows in, tight to eye, etc., etc.