Stabilizer for Nikon 200-500?
Dec 20, 2019 11:31:56 #
MrBumps2U wrote:
I can and do handhold this lens for short periods of time, and I appreciate the freedom of movement that handholding provides. On this trip, we’ll be traveling by van and remain in single locations for multiple hours each day. Having a tripod not only makes sense, but is on the “required equipment” list. I can always handhold if appropriate.
Got it. I think that unless you are locking down your gimbal and using remote shutter release, mirror lockup and shutter delay I wouldn't worry about a stabilizer. Using good lens technique involves keeping the support loose so that you can pan around easily, using your left arm, forehead and other parts of you to stabilize the camera.
This video may help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8HVPrPzpR4
Enjoy your trip!
Dec 20, 2019 11:43:29 #
Dec 20, 2019 11:56:46 #
I have a movement disorder so I always use a tripod with a Wimberley Gimbal Head for my 200mm-500mm zoom and always with the VR on. It has been used mostly for BIF and I have had excellent results.
The 70-200mm F2.8 had a normal and active setting which allows for horizontal movement but stabilizes vertical motion. Nikon support said that it shouldn't make any difference on the 200-500mm whether it is on or off on a tripod with this lens.
The 70-200mm F2.8 had a normal and active setting which allows for horizontal movement but stabilizes vertical motion. Nikon support said that it shouldn't make any difference on the 200-500mm whether it is on or off on a tripod with this lens.
Dec 20, 2019 12:37:06 #
Dec 20, 2019 16:17:11 #
Lots of shots lost with a tripod when going after BIFs. Slows response to lock in on birds in surprise locations. But I've never used a gimbal head, so...
The 200-500, in addition to VR off or full-on, has a "sport" setting which I have assumed disables the horizontal component of VR to enable panning. My assumption; may be wrong. So I use that mode for BIFs.
The 200-500, in addition to VR off or full-on, has a "sport" setting which I have assumed disables the horizontal component of VR to enable panning. My assumption; may be wrong. So I use that mode for BIFs.
Dec 20, 2019 17:45:39 #
photoman43 wrote:
I have been to Bosque three or four times. Each ti... (show quote)
These Road Scholar programs are run by folks from The Mountain and Plaines Institute for Lifelong Learning and Service (MPILLS), who run numerous programs (photo and otherwise) in Colorado, Utah, etc. They are knowledgeable and resourceful. I asked them about Bernardo, and was told that Bernardo is already on the itinerary. So, we’ll see birds if there are any around.
Dec 20, 2019 19:08:55 #
I handhold that lens regularly, but it is indeed a beast. The settings that work best for me are 1/2000 ss and f8 in manual mode with auto-iso and VR enabled. I can't imagine holding it for a full day!
Dec 20, 2019 19:26:29 #
Me too exactly, except f stop often more open, depending on light and desired DoF. True it is a beast! I carry on a Peak Design Slide strap, lens collar mount rotated 180 degrees (up). The mount makes a nice handle to steady the beast while walking and also to lift it up to shoot.
Dec 20, 2019 19:53:59 #
If you use VR on the 200mm-500mm, try Sport instead of Normal. Sport works better on my Nikon 500mm f5.6 E PF lens when using it handheld .
Dec 21, 2019 10:44:59 #
MrBumps2U wrote:
This may have been discussed before but I have not... (show quote)
Stick with the tripod for this lens when possible. Hand-holding can work out fine, but it does get very heavy. I was in Bosque the first week of December and the amount of birds there was very low. Almost only Sandhill Cranes, which was fine as that was went I went there for, but only one group of Snow geese and no fly off at the outer pond as there were very few birds there at all. Try the Ladd S. Gordon Waterfowl Complex in Bernardo for sure. We got much nicer looking shots there as far as background and the birds were more active. We drove the loop but ended up staying at the first site with the shed. I have some bird shots from that trip in the Gallery section. I use the 200-500 on a ball head with a sidekick and that has worked great for me on my many wildlife trips. Good luck.
Dec 21, 2019 13:06:37 #
via the lens wrote:
Stick with the tripod for this lens when possible.... (show quote)
Thank for the comments, Connie. I’m going to slip a Sidekick into my suitcase as well. I expect to have time to use almost all varieties of lens support (or lack thereof) over the course of the week. The longer the hike, the lighter the gear!
Dec 21, 2019 14:40:17 #
MrBumps2U wrote:
Thank for the comments, Connie. I’m going to slip a Sidekick into my suitcase as well. I expect to have time to use almost all varieties of lens support (or lack thereof) over the course of the week. The longer the hike, the lighter the gear!
So you are going from the bird capital of the world to seek out migrating birds in New Mexico? I got my best shots ever in Florida around the Ft. Myers area. I hope to maybe go there again in February 2020.
Dec 21, 2019 15:09:42 #
Paradise day after day - so boring :-). Trying something different. I have been on trips with these folks from MPILLS (through Road Scholar) before doing landscape photography, and they put on excellent programs with both photographic opportunities and instruction as needed. This wii be my first birding trip with them, and we’ll see how it goes.
And, yes, SW Florida is wonderful for birding!
And, yes, SW Florida is wonderful for birding!
Dec 23, 2019 14:52:02 #
MrBumps2U wrote:
This may have been discussed before but I have not... (show quote)
I have one, used with the Kirk collar and foot for the Nikkor 200-500 f5.6. I understand the purpose to be when out in the sun, some of the plastic pieces on this lens may "droop" a bit, making focus interesting. The device works but I think shading or simply moving the lens-focus and re-focus- seems to work just as well.
Dec 23, 2019 14:58:44 #
Sinewsworn wrote:
I have one, used with the Kirk collar and foot for the Nikkor 200-500 f5.6. I understand the purpose to be when out in the sun, some of the plastic pieces on this lens may "droop" a bit, making focus interesting. The device works but I think shading or simply moving the lens-focus and re-focus- seems to work just as well.
Took this handheld. I am 100% disabled- back and legs- and am able to get shots like this one. D500 and Nikkor 200-5-- f5.6. Terrible day- flying soaking drizzle made images look like old-time grainy shots! Had to wipe lens a few times.
I leave the VR on all the time, use Sport mode.
Sounds like a Great trip! Enjoy!
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