Cheat sheet for lens focal length vs shutter speed
Oct 31, 2017 21:56:32 #
Does anyone have a cheat sheet for the minimum shutter speed versus the lens focal length for when a camera is handhold? I have not seen anything yet but I am sure there must be something out there.
This has always been a question in my mind. To help with an example. What would be a safe minimum shutter speed when I take a picture with a 400mm lens with the IS off? Let’s say for a full frame sensor and ISO auto to compensate for the lighting conditions.
I know that 1/60 is safe for a lens setting of 50mm.
This has always been a question in my mind. To help with an example. What would be a safe minimum shutter speed when I take a picture with a 400mm lens with the IS off? Let’s say for a full frame sensor and ISO auto to compensate for the lighting conditions.
I know that 1/60 is safe for a lens setting of 50mm.
Oct 31, 2017 22:04:03 #
1/focal length = safe shutter speed
VR or IS allows for slower shutter speeds, but keep in mind that everybody has different abilities.
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VR or IS allows for slower shutter speeds, but keep in mind that everybody has different abilities.
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Oct 31, 2017 22:04:30 #
It's a guide only and is 1/focal length of the lens (in 35mm FOV terms)
So for the scenario above it would be 1/400 second.
So for the scenario above it would be 1/400 second.
Oct 31, 2017 22:04:59 #
Oct 31, 2017 22:04:59 #
Oct 31, 2017 22:09:37 #
ewforbess
Loc: San Antonio, TX
The old memory trick for minimum handheld shutter speeds suggests that you use a shutter speed at least as fast as the reciprocal of the focal length of the lens you're using. That fits for your 50mm lens, since 1/50" would be the slow shutter speed limit. In the case of your 400mm telephoto, this method would suggest that you not shoot any slower than 1/400". Good luck, and welcome to the group!
Oct 31, 2017 22:10:54 #
Great! Exactly what I was looking for. So if the IS helps with 2stops then it would be 1/100. Right?
Oct 31, 2017 22:14:03 #
Oct 31, 2017 22:15:41 #
Kobie wrote:
Great! Exactly what I was looking for. So if the IS helps with 2stops then it would be 1/100. Right?
Yes, but remember this is a guide only. Your own experience may be better or worse. Use these numbers as a starting point and test your lenses, particularly the longer ones, BEFORE you take a once in a lifetime vacation. Good luck and enjoy!
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Oct 31, 2017 22:20:34 #
Oct 31, 2017 22:29:37 #
Kobie wrote:
Thanks and I do understand it is very dependent on the hands that holds the lens. 😊
Kobie, welcome to the group. You have good correct feedback from others.
When you reply it is recommended to use the "quote reply" feature so it identifies to whom you are responding your comments.
Happy shooting!
Oct 31, 2017 22:31:29 #
Anandnra wrote:
Kobie, welcome to the group. You have good correct feedback from others.
When you reply it is recommended to use the "quote reply" feature so it identifies to whom you are responding your comments.
Happy shooting!
When you reply it is recommended to use the "quote reply" feature so it identifies to whom you are responding your comments.
Happy shooting!
Ok. Good to know
Oct 31, 2017 23:01:00 #
With the size and weight of most 400mm lenses, the 1/focal length shutter speed goes out the window IMO ! ( to be replaced by a significant higher speed) - and no, I really do NOT trust any IS/OS/VR/VC system .......
Nov 1, 2017 00:24:23 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
Bill_de wrote:
1/focal length = safe shutter speed
VR or IS allows for slower shutter speeds, but keep in mind that everybody has different abilities.
--
VR or IS allows for slower shutter speeds, but keep in mind that everybody has different abilities.
--
It equals a safe shutter speed assuming your subject isn't moving. The 1/focal length * crop value formula is just a suggestion for the minimum shutter speed handheld to capture a static subject in focus, and is not an absolute rule.
Nov 1, 2017 06:00:38 #
i'm a sony man so I let the in camera "steady shake" take care of things. on any other camera I go for a shutter speed 2.5x the focal length.
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