TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Apologies if someone has already covered this,
but as you dont have the instructions, thought I
should mention to
turn off VR if using it on a tripod.
Cheers

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Well, you got a great lens to work with. I wish you luck with it. I have the same lens with the 2x teleconverter, and use it for my bird photography. It has proven most useful. And the name is Bozsik... :thumbup:

daddybear Loc: Brunswick, NY

Except if you take transplant drugs tp prevent organ rejection which cause tremors. All my photos are taken with one of three tripods or a braced monopod.

Daddybear,
Lung transplant recipient

Aaron Braganza Loc: Sydney, Australia

I too recently purchased the same Nikon 70-200 mm f/2.8 lens. I bought the lens fully knowing the specs after doing extensive research. Here is a recent thread of mine ... have a read may cover stuff not already mentioned ...
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-113471-1.html

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

As I said I hand hold this lens here are some photos from today hand-holding the 70-200 with a 1.7x converter

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Nice work ! - but.......not everyone CAN handhold it -or- WANTS to hand hold it !

Grant Good Loc: Gold Coast AUSTRALIA

Wow... so many answers to a simple question... One person got it right.. The main reason for the tripod/mono-pod bracket is to save the camera body from damage. I've been using the 70-200 and it's predecessor 80-200 2.8 lenses for 25 years. The annologe version did not have the bracket and it was a big problem when the camera was mounted on a tripod, after much use the weight tore the bottom of the camera body out. I had my own bracket made up and now nikkor has solved the problem. The balance of weight is also much better for levelling your frame when using a tripod. As far as shooting hand held, the most important consideration is the shutter speed... the image will blurr if hand held @ a low shutter speed. I would suggest to NOT hand hold (this lens) under 200th sec. when shooting @ 200mm and never hand hold under 100th sec ever..... Re a tripod. it is essential that a tripod (a good solid, stable one) forms part of your kit. Camera body, quality lens, tripod. that is the basic tools you need. Always try to buy the best quality lens. more important than the the camera body. The quality of the lens is the difference between a good pic and a Vogue cover.. A tripod will allow you to use time exposures and slow shutter speeds. that's when you produce some great images, think in terms of film... let the image burn onto the film... even though it's not film anymore if you think that way you'll end up with far better images. Good Luck with your new lens.. you've done the right thing!.

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Well thanks very much Grant, for putting the rest of us right, and giving us "chapter and verse" (simple answer ?) to a simple question !

Bluegrassfan Loc: Kentucky

For an ergonomics fix for an former photographer/videographer I once recommended a short monopod or tripod with camera attached, use a flag support belt like color guards or high school flag teams use. A leg of the tripod or monopod fits in the cup with straps over the shoulders.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

The instruction/specification PDF for any current Nikon lens can be downloaded from Nikon USA.com. Use VR when handholding, turn it off when mounted on a tripod. The VR will help you hold it steady, but won't help when you are trying to follow a moving subject. This is where you use your ISO and high shutter speed to insure sharpness, and set your camera up for continuous focus pattern.

phil7782 Loc: Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Re-posting from a year ago.... Don't damage the camera to lens ring mount by holding / supporting / carrying the camera only:

I saw a video review of Expensive Lens/Cheap Camera vs Cheap Lens/Expensive Camera. The Expensive lens had the Bottom Bracket and was quite heavy. The reviewer used that Lens Bracket for his Camera Strap as well as for a tripod. The reason: A Nikon Repairman said that many of the repairs he makes are for damage to to Lens Mount Ring. Therefore, this reviewer thought it was wiser to support the camera/lens assembly by the heavy lens, thereby placing less stress on the Camera/Lens Mounting Ring. Something to consider.

BTW... The Expensive Lens/Cheap Camera won out image wise.

Phil

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Did you get the Leica 39mm or Praktica 43mm screw mount?
To avoid being surprised at the size and weight of your next purchase, you might check the specifications.
It is a great lens, enjoy. :)

Knight Shooter Loc: Bangor, Pennsylvania

If you're not otherwise restricted by injury, etc., the 70-200 can be hand held easily. The f/2.8 combined with the VR is a tremendous combination. If your camera has enhanced ISO capabilities (Think D4 / D800) then possibilities open up even more. I created some great photos yesterday at settings f/2.8, 2000 ISO, 1/30 sec, shooting a D800.. hand held.