Focal Length vs Shutter Speed for camera shake

[NateNLogansDad]

So, I was at a Nikon class this weekend, and really enjoyed it. One thing that stuck out for me was one of the speakers said when they first stared shooting as a photo journalist, his boss had told him that no matter what he should not shoot any slower than 1 over what the length of his lens was set at when shooting hand held.

I.E. if his lens was set at 200mm, the slowest shutter should be 1/200, at 30mm it should be no slower than 1/30 etc, etc.

Does this still hold true today for most people? Is this a good rule of thumb or is there something else I should be thinking?

Thanks for any input, there will be plenty more stupid questions like this when I actually go through my notes.

[Master Mason]

That is the standard rule to avoid camera shake. With IS, VS or whatever your brand calls it, you can go slower to the extent that your system will improve it.

However, that won't stop action in shots, only remove camera shake as an issue.

[Chikabowa]

It's a good rule of thumb... however, with practice and time, you might find yourself able to 'break' the rule. :) It's a good place to start in terms of learning though.

[oregondaddyof2]

That is a great hint... Thanks... I never thought of it before, but that is so easy to remember I think it will help me out big time... :thumbsup2

[NateNLogansDad]

He did mention that the VR should allow you to to go a stop or two slower.

[JoeDif]

He did mention that the VR should allow you to to go a stop or two slower.

I agree with that. VR , IS, etc will give you some wiggle room to use shutter speeds a couple of stops slower. But don't wiggle too much :rotfl:

[GrillMouster]

Everything said so far is correct. However, I'd like to that the "rule" assumes that you're reasonably steady and using proper camera-holding technique. In other words, if you're holding your camera out in front of your face, leaning forward, and/or with arms outstretched in front of you, then you may need an even faster shutter speed than the inverse of your focal length.

[Zoesmama03]

I've heard double the length shutterspeed. But may be more for moving subjects.

[Master Mason]

I've heard double the length shutterspeed. But may be more for moving subjects.

For moving subjects you have to have a sutter speed that will stop the action if you don't want blur.

For example, 1/200 which is the rule for my 70-200 lens, would not stop the bat or a ball when taking pictures of a baseball game.