Do you know what really grinds my gears?

[crazeazn]

When people with dslrs put their left hand above the zoom ring to zoom in and out...who the hell taught them that. Not only does it unsteady your grip, you are more likely to push down the camera! When my friends do that I slap their hands and move their hands to the bottom.

[Jim Victory]

Actually putting your left hand on top of the lens barrel is the right way to help steady and stabilize a large telephoto lens when shooting from a tripod or monopod.

[crbeveri]

Originally Posted by Jim Victory

Actually putting your left hand on top of the lens barrel is the right way to help steady and stabilize a large telephoto lens when shooting from a tripod or monopod.

indeed, I also position the tightening screw on my 300's hood so that I can use it as a thumb hold to help also add support. Dunno how much it helps but I do notice a difference in holding the top of the lens like that than holding it at the foot.

[crazeazn]

Originally Posted by Jim Victory

Actually putting your left hand on top of the lens barrel is the right way to help steady and stabilize a large telephoto lens when shooting from a tripod or monopod.

They learned from the pros sunofa

[Tom]

I'm right there with you, John.

And Chris, that tightening screw sucks. You are going to break it off and Canon is going to charge you like $300 to fix it.

[crazeazn]

Originally Posted by Tom

I'm right there with you, John.

And Chris, that tightening screw sucks. You are going to break it off and Canon is going to charge you like $300 to fix it.

My friends instinctively cringe even though I'm not there. I've slapped them that many times, its great!

[r0xikat]

Originally Posted by crazeazn

My friends instinctively cringe even though I'm not there. I've slapped them that many times, its great!

you're like an evil piano teacher!

[groovyone]

He carried one of those kendo wood swords with him at all times.

Master Quality Bokken Set (Long and Short)

[r0xikat]

way to stereotype.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by r0xikat

way to stereotype.

I was going to say yard stick at first, but that is more Catholic Nun.

[KenJulio]

John - the Chairman Mao of Pixtus. I'm sure he is caning them rather than slapping their hands.

[Buddha]

Why is is better to change the position of your hand when the camera/lens is on a tripod? Reaching over the top feels unnatural and interferes with my vision when I look up. Hand underneath as always is a better ergonomic fit and I can still see naturally.

[crbeveri]

Originally Posted by Tom

I'm right there with you, John.

And Chris, that tightening screw sucks. You are going to break it off and Canon is going to charge you like $300 to fix it.

noted, I don't put any weight on the screw itself I just use it as a place to put my thumb... just feel more natural... dunno. Oh well. 300 bucks is still cheaper than a new lens.

[Jim Victory]

Originally Posted by Buddha

Why is is better to change the position of your hand when the camera/lens is on a tripod? Reaching over the top feels unnatural and interferes with my vision when I look up. Hand underneath as always is a better ergonomic fit and I can still see naturally.

This is only necessary for large telephoto lenses and the purpose is to stabilize the lens using the weight of your hand pressing down. A slight movement of a long telephoto lens can impact focus blur much more than a shorter lens. Try using a 600 on a tripod in the wind and you will see the need to use your hand to help stabilize it.

John was primarily talking about using a zoom ring which would be more appropriately operated from below or to the side of the lens. Long telephoto lenses are normally primes with no zoom ring.

The method John describes is also beneficial in holding the camera and lens stable when shooting without a tripod. Resting the lens in your hand you can still turn the zoom ring while shooting.

[darktiger]

Is this like holding a pistol sideways and shooting it?