long lens technique

[jann1033]

i keep reading about needing to have "good long lens technique" in lens reviews to use a higher zoom but of course they never explain so could someone fill me in?

[tinksdad]

Here is an interesting write up on the subject. (http://www.keiko-ni.com/keiko/Equipment/everything/longlenstech.html)

[jann1033]

thanks for the link it has some good points....ie the comfortable position ...i was thinking of that the other day when my tripod was to high to sit to low to stand upright and i thought i was going to have a back spasm trying to take the photo:rolleyes:
but since it appears "long lens technique" is basically just using a tripod the right way, shwoo, one less thing i have to learn or even worse relearn:rotfl:

[Groucho]

I think usually it means doing your best to hold the camera steady yourself rather than using a tripod. Best stability will be to hold the body with your right hand and the lens near the end with your left hand (the farther apart your hands, the more stable the camera will be), and some will do things like hold their breath, try to still every muscle...

Since we're using digital cameras, part of good long lens technique IMHO is to fire off several shots in succession, all while doing your best to remain still. Later, you can pick out the best one and blow everyone away with your amazing handheld ability, while forgetting all about the blurry ones!

[jann1033]

I think usually it means doing your best to hold the camera steady yourself rather than using a tripod. Best stability will be to hold the body with your right hand and the lens near the end with your left hand (the farther apart your hands, the more stable the camera will be), and some will do things like hold their breath, try to still every muscle...

Since we're using digital cameras, part of good long lens technique IMHO is to fire off several shots in succession, all while doing your best to remain still. Later, you can pick out the best one and blow everyone away with your amazing handheld ability, while forgetting all about the blurry ones!

blurry ones? what blurry ones?awhh sweet short term memory lapses...:rolleyes1

[tinksdad]

I think usually it means doing your best to hold the camera steady yourself rather than using a tripod. Best stability will be to hold the body with your right hand and the lens near the end with your left hand (the farther apart your hands, the more stable the camera will be), and some will do things like hold their breath, try to still every muscle...



I've read/heard that if you are holding the camera, the elbows should be stuck to your sides to help stabilize the shot. Also, if holding keep your shutter speed above your focal length. ie; shooting at 200mm then your shutter speed should be above 1/200. IS or VR does help that some as you know.

[boBQuincy]

One of the best examples of steadiness may be biathletes, who have to ski like crazy then stop and accurately shoot a rifle. Supposedly they time their shot as they are exhaling, and between heartbeats for the best steadiness.

Except for a Jedi, this may be the best we can do. :) Actually, timing a shutter release this way is not that difficult with practice and concentration but all that goes out the window when Cinderella or the Mouse walks into view!

[jann1033]

One of the best examples of steadiness may be biathletes, who have to ski like crazy then stop and accurately shoot a rifle. Supposedly they time their shot as they are exhaling, and between heartbeats for the best steadiness.

Except for a Jedi, this may be the best we can do. :) Actually, timing a shutter release this way is not that difficult with practice and concentration but all that goes out the window when Cinderella or the Mouse walks into view!

bob i know you just got a gorilla pod..have you tried it with your 70-200 yet? just wondering if it would hold it steady enough. i don't know why i am so skeptical about that thing

so i need 2 more post it notes on my forehead... "exhale" and "take pulse" (was using permanent marker on forehead but got some kind of funny looks in the grocery line when i had "turn off IS" on forehead before:confused3 ;))

[seashoreCM]

By supporting the lens barrel as opposed to holding on to the camera body only, you can keep things balanced better for less camera shake.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

[boBQuincy]

bob i know you just got a gorilla pod..have you tried it with your 70-200 yet? just wondering if it would hold it steady enough. i don't know why i am so skeptical about that thing

so i need 2 more post it notes on my forehead... "exhale" and "take pulse" (was using permanent marker on forehead but got some kind of funny looks in the grocery line when i had "turn off IS" on forehead before:confused3 ;))

The Gorilla appears to hold the 70-200 very steady but I haven't been able to actually try it yet. I have the tripod ring for my f/4, which balances it much better than without. The f/4 is light enough to work ok with a good tripod and no mount ring but for the Gorilla it is a lot better with the ring.

A group of us in the office are going out next week to photograph the full moon, and I will take the Gorilla with me. A full report will follow! :)

Remember when you write on your forehead to write backwards so you can read it in the mirror!