I have beean advised that using the steadishot function on a camera in conjunction with a tripod is generally not a good idea. The steadishot function should be off especially for horizontal pans.

How about with the Merlin or any other stabiliser for that matter?
Should the cameras Steadishot function be on or off?

Hello again Doug, I have been advised to turn it off.

Thanks, Nick
I thought that would prpobably be the case.