Hybrid IS (In-lens Image Stabilisation)
Since the early days of in-lens image stabilisation (Optical IS) systems, camera designers have been inspired to incorporate Optical IS features into macro lenses. Macro photography, on the other hand, presents even greater challenges; in addition to conventional image stabilisation, which compensates for a change in lens angle, positional shift must also be compensated for: movements from side to side or towards/away from the subject. This latter type of camera shake can have a significant impact on the results when shooting at close range. When photographing distant subjects, any movement parallel to the imaging plane has little effect on the results; however, when photographing macros, even minor movement can ruin an image. Canon set out to create a system that detected and compensated for both types of camera shake. What emerged was the Hybrid Image Stabilizer (Hybrid IS).
Canon used two types of motion sensors and a new algorithm to solve the problem of compensating for both angle and shift camera shake. In addition to the traditional angular velocity sensor, which detects angle-based camera shake, the Hybrid IS system includes a linear acceleration sensor. Any camera movement detected by the two sensors is combined with a newly developed algorithm to determine the degree and direction of the camera shake movement.
Hybrid IS is far more successful at capturing a stable image than traditional IS methods, including hand-held isometric (1x) photography, which has traditionally been difficult. This enables the user to take high-precision handheld macro photos even in low-light situations where a tripod cannot be used. The EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM was the first lens to use this technology, and it quickly became popular, revolutionising macro photography. The RF mount version RF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, with a maximum magnification of 1.4x, also includes the Hybrid IS system. This increases the possibilities for handheld macro imaging.