Long heavy lens tips: I received a mint legacy Olympus 300mm f4.5 today. After mounting the camera and lens on a sturdy tripod using the tripod collar, I noticed that the image moved...

rb61 Loc: Maple Grove, MN

I received a mint legacy Olympus 300mm f4.5 today. After mounting the camera and lens on a sturdy tripod using the tripod collar, I noticed that the image moved slightly when I depressed the shutter release. Other than using the camera functions that trip the shutter without human intervention, any tips for stabilizing this hunk?

Thanks

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

rb61 wrote:

I received a mint legacy Olympus 300mm f4.5 today. After mounting the camera and lens on a sturdy tripod using the tripod collar, I noticed that the image moved slightly when I depressed the shutter release. Other than using the camera functions that trip the shutter without human intervention, any tips for stabilizing this hunk?

Thanks

I have a Canon 500/4 make sure that your shutter speed is adequate, I do a lot of birding with a 500mm lens and try not to shoot below 1/1000th.

pquiggle Loc: Monterey Bay California

Try a cable release. The type you need will depend on the camera you have. Most modern cameras use an electronic switch that plugs in somewhere (again it depends on the model). Older film camera releases thread into the shutter release button itself.

Bill_de Loc: US

Lightly (not too lightly) rest your left hand on top to the lens, toward the front.

That is a better long lens technique than a cable release.

It is the reason Canon and Nikon (maybe others) have buttons in that position on the real long lenses. That way you can access them while shooting without removing your hand from the lens.

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rb61 Loc: Maple Grove, MN

>>It is the reason Canon and Nikon (maybe others) have buttons in that position on the real long lenses.<<

I am not sure that I understand this statement. Can you clarify?

Thanks

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

rb61 wrote:

>>It is the reason Canon and Nikon (maybe others) have buttons in that position on the real long lenses.<<

I am not sure that I understand this statement. Can you clarify?

Thanks

I think that he is talking about stabilization and auto/manual focus buttons, focus limiting and such. Mine is not the newest Canon lens so mine are not in that position. But I like his tip, even with my tripod and gimbal head I will use his method in the future.

Bill_de Loc: US

rb61 wrote:

>>It is the reason Canon and Nikon (maybe others) have buttons in that position on the real long lenses.<<

I am not sure that I understand this statement. Can you clarify?

Thanks

On the lens shown there are 4 buttons around the lens. I have mine set as a focus lock that I activate with my thumb resting on the top button while my hand is resting on top of the lens. My point is that the manufacturers expect you to have your hand there. Having some weight up there helps reduce vibrations that travel along the length of the lens.

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joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

rb61 wrote:

I received a mint legacy Olympus 300mm f4.5 today. After mounting the camera and lens on a sturdy tripod using the tripod collar, I noticed that the image moved slightly when I depressed the shutter release. Other than using the camera functions that trip the shutter without human intervention, any tips for stabilizing this hunk?

Thanks

The best tip I will offer is stay away from long, heavy lenses. You don't really need them.

rb61 Loc: Maple Grove, MN

Bill_de wrote:

On the lens shown there are 4 buttons around the lens. I have mine set as a focus lock that I activate with my thumb resting on the top button while my hand is resting on top of the lens. My point is that the manufacturers expect you to have your hand there. Having some weight up there helps reduce vibrations that travel along the length of the lens.

--

Thanks for the help with understanding this technique.

rb61 Loc: Maple Grove, MN

pquiggle wrote:

Try a cable release. The type you need will depend on the camera you have. Most modern cameras use an electronic switch that plugs in somewhere (again it depends on the model). Older film camera releases thread into the shutter release button itself.

I have an Olympus OMD E_M10II. Olympus has a electronic cable release for this camera, but have been hesitating to spend $50. I am an old grouchy guy who remembers buying a mechanical release for $4.00.

I just found a flock of 3rd party releases on ebay/Amazon with prices from $3.60 to $40. Does anyone have a third party release that they can recommend?

If it ever stops raining and the sun appears, I plan to do some testing using the suggestion offered. This camera body has built in stabilization but i doubt if it can compensate for the movement I have witnessed. Test, test, test....

Thanks

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

rb61 wrote:

I received a mint legacy Olympus 300mm f4.5 today. After mounting the camera and lens on a sturdy tripod using the tripod collar, I noticed that the image moved slightly when I depressed the shutter release. Other than using the camera functions that trip the shutter without human intervention, any tips for stabilizing this hunk?

Thanks

There is no substitute for a solid camera support and good technique. This image was taken with a D300 and a 600mm F4 and a 1.4 TC. The shutter speed was 1/10 sec, F8 and ISO 400. If you up the shutter speed to compensate for a wobbly tripod, you would not get an image like this, in totally cruddy light just after dawn. A Nikkor 600mm F4 AF-S II is about as heavy as it gets at 10.50 lbs.

Good technique requires a full, hands-on approach - left arm draped over the lens, face contacting the back of camera, breathing normally and if you have the luxury of setting up the shot, your finger squeezing, not pressing the shutter at the end of an exhale.

Shooting everything at 1/1000 or shorter, or avoiding long lenses altogether can have you missing out on some seriously interesting picture opportunities. Just sayin'

(Download)

rb61 Loc: Maple Grove, MN

Gene51 wrote:

There is no substitute for a solid camera support ... (show quote)

I never considered of using equipment with these techniques. I understand, because it sounds a lot like shooting a traditional recurve bow. Technique consisting of several steps is everything.

I look forward to trying your suggestions.

I have several new smaller lenses ranging from wide angle 12/24mm equiv. to 150/300mm equiv. 600mm is a new challenge for me. Bird images on this and other sites sucked me in. The 24mm is still my favorite.

Thanks

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

Gene51 wrote:

There is no substitute for a solid camera support ... (show quote)

Nice, when I made that suggestion I was thinking about most of what I do, generally only use a tripod for BIF and otherwise I am walking and shooting handheld as opportunities present themselves. You are correct, proper technique is always called for and there are many instances where fast shutter speeds are not going to be an option.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

rb61 wrote:

I received a mint legacy Olympus 300mm f4.5 today. After mounting the camera and lens on a sturdy tripod using the tripod collar, I noticed that the image moved slightly when I depressed the shutter release. Other than using the camera functions that trip the shutter without human intervention, any tips for stabilizing this hunk? Thanks

WHEWWW...., for second there I thought you were talking about a LONG HEAVY LENS!!! LoL.

SS

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

rb61 wrote:

I received a mint legacy Olympus 300mm f4.5 today. After mounting the camera and lens on a sturdy tripod using the tripod collar, I noticed that the image moved slightly when I depressed the shutter release. Other than using the camera functions that trip the shutter without human intervention, any tips for stabilizing this hunk?

Thanks

Obviously your tripod is not sturdy enough for your touch.