Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

There seems to be just a little confusion in just what "handheld" is. What I mean is this....

1.) When I think handheld, what comes to my mind is simply standing, bending over, stooping, squatting, etc. with my body not being supported by anything. The only support coming from tucking elbows (if possible) but, still relying entirely on my body. Almost impossible to be very steady at all...at least for me

2.) Then, there's handheld semi-supported, using a knee while sitting, an elbow on the ground, wall or similar. Or, even leaning on a wall, tree, fence, etc. This is far more stable but, still challenging.

3.) Then, there's resting your lens/camera on a solid object such as a wall, fence, tree, ground, etc. This is by far, the most stable, almost like using a tripod (almost). When I have this option, my shots are nearly always sharply focused and way easier to do so. This method, for the most part, pretty much negates the need for any kind of IS/OS/VR, etc. Though this is still handheld, it's a far cry from #1.

So, would it be important to convey which method was used in a particular shot? Maybe. I would like to see some 20 image stacks done using method #1 or even #2 for that matter.
Would people still recommend non stabilization lens to newbies that would like benefit from it. I personally, would not want to be without it.
Am I the only one with this view or has this crossed others mind as well. :wink:

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I understand your point. Completely hand-held and mono-pod or tripod-mounted are not the only options. Bracing is usually considered a form of hand held, because the camera is actually held in your hand, despite the use of any other support. Mentioning bracing technique used at time of photograph may be helpful to the novice, but not critical as to definition of 'hand-held'.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I utilize all 3 of your examples as the situation dictates. None of my lenses have stabilization. Most are older manual focus models.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Bill, no offense meant and I understand your point but I am thinking, who cares. If you take a great shot totally in-focus and sharp to the edges, using just your hands and two legs for support, and I use a tripod to get the same quality of photo, is one more photo-something than the other? I generally use a brace if something at all is available whether it be the edge of a building, fence post, wall or tree trunk. I have even been known when shooting a landscape of tall grass, to grab a handful of tall grass to use as somewhat of a monopod. Believe me, it works whether the instrument be a camera, rifle or handgun.

In the shooting world for those people who use a handgun to shoot big game as I do, people fall into one of two camps. One is for those who use a revolver or semi auto made for hunting big game. The other camp is for those hunters who want pinpoint accuracy out to maybe 250-300 yards who hunt with a single shot handgun which is made for precision shooting at those ranges and farther. It is still a handgun, however. Arguments rage from one camp to another depending on what month of the year it is. The revolvers shooters claim the other isn't really a handgun because it has a longer barrel though it is held in the hands and has no shoulder stock. I hunt with both types of firearms and am happy in my heart when my freezer is filled.

Again, does it make a difference? Some of our members might be in a wheel chair or lost a limb somewhere along the line so can't, "handhold" as you or I might.
I know you aren't looking to cause problems or to put down one style over the other but I am just wondering what for.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

For me, "hand-held" means without tripod or monopod. I suppose one could make the case that a braced hand-held shot is no different than one supported by a monopod. I expect some bracing. (E.G. I learned to hold the camera in my left hand with elbow tucked in and braced against my gut for extra stability.)

A bigger distinction (for me) would be stacking: tripod-mounted vs "hand-held", and then mixing in the stack shot automated image making vs my simplified method: take image, advance, take image, advance, repeat as often as "necessary".
Just my two pennies worth.....

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I use method #1 & #2 so you're welcome to view all of my past post for examples of 20 plus hand held stacks. I don't see how method #3 would work unless you had a dead subject that you could pose in front of a working bench/table/ect... I only shoot live, active, non gassed, non frozen subjects. You won't find my subjects sitting nicely on a leaf with a water drop on top of their head..
Just to note: If you set you hand on a solid object the lens does not slide thru, your hands have to be free so you can ease thru/moving your hands, upper body if only 1/4 inch for the stack, you have less than a minute/30 seconds to capture the subject.

This was 20 plus stack using my knee for support with the Wind a Blowing

(Download)

This is only about 15 photos, I was standing as the flowers was chest high

(Download)

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

The results speak for themselves. and rival any tripod shots. One day, I'll set up and try some hand-held stacks. I don't mind lying in the weeds.
;)

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I tried several times using a tripod and adjusting the lens focus thru the stacks of some flowers.. Not only did it take forever the results weren't much better. They did align perfectly with the software but that's about all. Would like to try using a Macro Rail as I'm sure it would be much easier adjusting the rail then the focus ring on a lens.. Some Day..