In this lesson we’ll go over the image stabilization options with the Sony a7R II and a7S II.
First, here are all the permutations and combinations of stabilization possible (don’t worry if you don’t understand it, the video will clarify everything):
| SteadyShot On/Off* | Auto | Manual | Lens stabilization | |
| Sony lenses with Optical Steady Shot (OSS) | On | Preferable | I’ve found this to be better | On (Camera doesn’t control it if lens has as switch^) |
| Third-party lenses with image stabilization (VR for Nikon, IS for Canon, VC for Tamron, etc.) | On | No | Yes | Turn off |
| Third-party or Sony lenses without image stabilization. | On | No | Yes | n/a |
| Internal 5-axis stabilization for compatible lenses. | On | Preferable | I’ve found this to be better | Turn off |
| Internal stabilization (not 5-axis) for incompatible lenses. | On | No | Yes | Turn off |
- *Except when on a tripod, gimbal, slider, dolly or jib
- ^See takeaways below
Here’s the video that simplifies what you need to pick and when:
Takeaways
Turn off image stabilization in third-party lenses, as they will fight the internal stabilization.
I’ve found manually selecting the focal length yields slightly better results. But this could be the result of the lens I’m using. Other lenses might perform better. Let me know if you have any information on this.
Image stabilization cannot compensate for the vertical movement caused by walking.
If you’re shooting APS-C mode, choose the original focal length of the lens (don’t make any corrections). E.g., if you’re shooting with a 50mm lens, choose 50mm, even if you’re in APS-C mode.
Don’t use SteadyShot when on tripods, gimbals, jibs, sliders and dollies. It will fight back and cause undesirable motion.
Few additional bits of information from Sony:
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The SteadyShot function may not work optimally when the power has just been turned on, right after you point the camera towards a subject, or when the shutter button has been pressed all the way down without stopping halfway.
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If a lens equipped with a SteadyShot switch is attached, the settings can only be changed using that switch on the lens. You cannot switch the settings using the camera.
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When using an SEL16F28 lens (sold separately) with a teleconverter, etc., set [SteadyShot Adjust.] to [Manual] and set the focal length.
