Dec
31
Top tip for handholding telephoto lenses
Using the correct shutter speed to avoid camera shake
When handholding a telephoto lens, it’s very important to remember to use a fast enough shutter speed to avoid camera shake.
Basically, the minimum shutter speed that you should use is 1/(your focal length in mm).
So, if you are using a 200mm lens, you should not attempt to handhold the lens at a shutter speed any slower than 1/200sec. Remember, this is the absolute minimum and as such an even faster shutter speed will often be required.
Also, remember to base this on the effective focal length when using a crop sensor camera. So, when using a 200mm lens on a Nikon D7000, your effective focal length is 300mm, so your minimum shutter speed is 1/300sec.
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A nice compromise between stability and mobility can be had with long telephotos using a shoulder mount system like the excellent BushHawk products. Their 320D is used by a lot of wildlife, nature, air show, and motorsports (etc.) photographers. It is hand-held, only better.
Good advice .However your photographer could have had a more positive grip , the lens is just resting on the tips of his fingers. Also for important shots use best quality RAW . The difference is so noticeable.
I also find useful to leave the tripod mount on the lens all the time.This way I can rest the mount on my palm and still reach the zoom ring with the tips of my fingers.