My readings on Canon gear often advise that one switch off image stabilization if a good solid tripod is in the mix. Seems the stabilization system can introduce issues when things are actually rock solid. Must admit, however, that I've never personally investigated such. Cookie owns a couple 100 - 400's and a prime 500. With stabilization on and given their length, I can handhold the older telescoping 100-400 or the 500, and images are fine. The newer and somewhat shorter 100-400 gives me fits, as I have tough time getting things stable.
Please correct me if I'm in error, but I think Canon's stabilization systems are incorporated into their lenses, while Nikon's is a camera body component.
Congrats to those above as those are fine pics.
