Flash vs. Image Stabilization

Hello. Relative newcomer to 35mm photography. I've had the body for awhile but just bought a nice Canon L-lens. The lens has image stabilization. I also have a flash unit for the camera. I was just wondering, since image stabilization and the flash often serve the same purpose(generally speaking), which to use, and when? Thanks.

IS would seem to be more useful when you like the available light and have enough of it to shoot handheld at the aperture you want to get the shutter speed you want.

When you don't have enough light or when you want to control the lighting by using a flash as the main light or to reduce contrast by using the flash as fill, that's the time to use flash.

I haven't gotten into IS yet, but I believe IS is good to compensate camera motion, but has no effect on subject motion. You might want flash for "action" shots.

DaveT

I don't think they serve the same purpose at all. Flash (or strobes) are there to add light, while image stabilization's sole purpose is to counter the effects of camera shake. As a side benefit, flash can minimize the effects of camera shake and subject motion because of their extremely short duration. Image stabilization can do nothing to counter the effects of subject movement.


Tell you what. Now that you have a strobe, it's time to learn how to use it effectively. A hint - don't use direct flash from the hot shoe of the camera. Go to http://www.strobist.com and learn some techniques how best to use that new toy.

Image stabilisation offers far more opportunities for working in lower light levels than flash. It allows you to use the natural light.

Using flash is entirely different as you are introducing the light source, so need to be aware of how to control it to obtain the best results.

Ian