keeping your hands steady....

[crazeazn]

how do you guys keep your hands steady for shots (especially with heavier lenses), i'm pretty sure my hand shake is attributing to crappy images. either that or my camera's af is hitting the wrong target.

[CaptainTom]

It's difficult. I went to IS lens to give me some help. I will never go back if I have a choice.

[johnastovall]

Lock your elbow to your torso, and don't grip the lens with the left hand so much as let it rest on the palm. Move and pan from the waist not the shoulders. Watch your breathing control, work to shoot on the release of breath don't hold it in. To me it's like the Freehand Rifle position and here's some good information for the camera and not just the rifle. Pay heed to the information about the left arm...

[crazeazn]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

It's difficult. I went to IS lens to give me some help. I will never go back if I have a choice.

i'm debating whether getting a 24-105IS (after selling my 28-70 2.8) or waiting further and getting a 5D

[Daniel Bates]

What John said... pretend it's a rifle and you'll do fine. I tuck my left elbow in to my body and put my weight on one foot, which lets my hip support my elbow. Remember to coordinate your breathing too.

[kenw]

shoot as you exhale slowly. Altho when I find myself needing to do this it is usually a signal that I need to go get the tripod.....

[Shaggysnack]

Like Ken said....I try to use a tripod to prevent shake, along with a cable release.

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by Shaggysnack

Like Ken said....I try to use a tripod to prevent shake, along with a cable release.

Sometimes a tripod is not an option.....

[crazeazn]

Originally Posted by Shaggysnack

Like Ken said....I try to use a tripod to prevent shake, along with a cable release.

almost 80% thats not an option

i'm having problems with my shots that should be fine, i follow focal length rule and all too!

[CaptainTom]

I had a very nice Sigma 70-200 f2.8. I was also having some steadiness issues. I bought the 70-200L 2.8IS. It really helps. It is very visibly working to steady the image. I still use all the techniques that have been mentioned, but sometimes you are just "jumpy", and need a little mechanical help (like a tripod or IS). If you buy the 5d now, you will still have the shake. If you buy the IS and it doesn't help, sell it, and buy the 5d.

[crazeazn]

well IS is supposed to help 2 stops correct? since im at a 2.8 > 4 then i lose a stop, im only gaining 1 stop?

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by crazeazn

well IS is supposed to help 2 stops correct? since im at a 2.8 > 4 then i lose a stop, im only gaining 1 stop?

I think the point really is, that if you are having camera steadiness issues the IS will help you get better shots at slower shutter speeds. If you can't steady the camera at 1/200 without IS, and you can steady it at 1/200 with IS, the point is not to go to 1/100, but to get the shot steady at 1/200.

Maybe better said this way: If you need to shoot at 1/100 and have IS, it would be like shooting the same aperture, but at 1/400. Thus, keeping your fuzzy picture factor at a minimum.

[lhdvies]

You won't regret getting the 24-105 f/4 LIS for sure. It is a really fabulous lens. I had both the 24-70 & 24-105. The IS and the fact that most of my shooting was outside let me sell the 24-70(A GREAT LENS IN ITS OWN) and the 24-105 is always on one the cameras when I'm out and about. However studying and practicing good technique will always pay dividends (even for my 73 yr old hands)

[Digital Daddy]

Tripod, Monopod, breathing out at the release of the shutter all help. Work within your exposure guidlines by shifting aperature/ISO to increase shutter speed. And you may have all your focus points turned on and catching focus on the "wrong thing". I turn all mine off except for one, and reframe after I lock focus.

[crazeazn]

Originally Posted by Digital Daddy

Tripod, Monopod, breathing out at the release of the shutter all help. Work within your exposure guidlines by shifting aperature/ISO to increase shutter speed. And you may have all your focus points turned on and catching focus on the "wrong thing". I turn all mine off except for one, and reframe after I lock focus.

im running on center AF, i tried to minimize most of my errors to pinpoint the problem.