Having trouble with steading handheld shots?

[evil4blue]

Try this technique:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...essage=9951739

[PeteQ]

I looked through that thread, and to be honest, the picture I see as the lead sure doesn't look stable to me. No up/down support at the front elbow. I then gave it a try with my "measley" (their words not mine) 70-200 and was not impressed with the technique. Imagine trying to follow a sport with that technique! Evey time you wanted to zoom you would have to reposition. I'll bet you can find 10 different ways to do anything. For me, it's elbows in against my body and my forward hand (left) is under the lens for support with the elbow braced on my chest. Is it cramped and a bit uncomfortable, yes, but it seems to work for me. Plus I can still actuate my zoom with my fingers.

[evil4blue]

Well, I don't really use this technique eiter, but it is different and may work for some others. I have used a similar stance when doing a panning shot though, and it worked great for that.

Oh well, just thought I'd share.

[PeteQ]

Hey, I'm all about trying new techniques.... I need all the help I can get!

I could post this in the Movie Quotes thread also, but here it is: "Hell son, I'd pi$$ on a spark plug if I thought it would help!"

Name the movie. First one to answer gets... nothing. Just the satisfaction of doing it should be enough, especially at this time of the year when people all over the world who are worse off than us are still waiting for their D200's to be shipped. That went awry huh?

[engstrom]

Familiar quote and I know I've seen the movie but I just can't remember...Raising Arizona?

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by PeteQ

Hey, I'm all about trying new techniques.... I need all the help I can get!

I could post this in the Movie Quotes thread also, but here it is: "Hell son, I'd pi$$ on a spark plug if I thought it would help!"

Name the movie. First one to answer gets... nothing. Just the satisfaction of doing it should be enough, especially at this time of the year when people all over the world who are worse off than us are still waiting for their D200's to be shipped. That went awry huh?

War Games

[PeteQ]

Ding-ding we have a winner...Sonny.

I just love that line.....

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by Sonny

War Games

"A strange game. The only winning move is not to play."

[Sonny]

"I eat pieces of **** like you for breakfast!"

What movie?

[WhiskeyBoy]

To steady my shots I turn my body so that my "lens" arm is aimed, from the shoulder, at what I'm shooting, and set my camera on my shoulder. A little aqward, like looking back over your shoulder a bit, but helps me steady those shots on the sideline.

[epronske]

Although I haven't tried these methods, they look awkward and generally if it looks awkward it will be awkward and may not lead to the best steadiness. I still think holding the camera firmly to the head with both hands (or the left hand on longer lenses) so that the skull becomes the firm "platform" is best with the elbows tucked at your side. Squeeze the shutter gently instead of pushing it rapidly.

[satyr]

breathe deep, relax, say ommmmm ohmmmmm.. now go take some prozac and it'll all be alright.

No really I recommend tequila. steadies them nerves.. you may sway but you won't be shaking.

[mattchow]

hahha, that lens holding technique looks hilarious.

[acer0001]

I use a stance like PeteQ. In my past I was a silhouette rifle shooter and this is a fairly steady position that is similar to what target shooters use to hold a 12lb. rifle. It especially work well with the long glass.

[PeteQ]

Acer, I adopted mine from my rifle stance as well. I was in the military for years... 500 yard standing shooting, same basic technique. Hmmm...now that I think of it maybe I need to find a way to bring the strap into play.