Cheat sheet for lens focal length vs shutter speed (Page 3): I'd suggest a better formula is: 1/(focal length x crop factor).

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

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.

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I'd suggest a better formula is: 1/(focal length x crop factor).

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

And 1/100 minimum if using a lens 85mm or less...unless you are seeking some special effect...

DWU2 wrote:

I'd suggest a better formula is: 1/(focal length x crop factor).

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Why so. Light intensity is expressed as light energy per unit area. So sensor size should have no bearing on the rule guide.

DWU2 wrote:

I'd suggest a better formula is: 1/(focal length x crop factor).

Bill_de Loc: US

John_F wrote:

The 1/f rule came out of the sunny 16 rule. For lesser lightings is was for larger apertures.

You're confusing this with 1/ISO at F/16 for sunny 16. That has to do with exposure, not overcoming camera shake.

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DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Notorious T.O.D. wrote:

And 1/100 minimum if using a lens 85mm or less...unless you are seeking some special effect...

Crop sensors increase the effective focal length of the lens. So, a 200MM lens on a Canon crop sensor camera would have an effective focal length of 200 x 1.6 = 320MM. So, hand holding should occur at 1/320 or faster, not 1/200 or faster.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

If you know the rule, I don't think you need a chart.

repleo Loc: Boston

Notorious T.O.D. wrote:

I saw an interesting YouTube video last week talki... (show quote)

It is called stacking. Sony has a Playmemories App called Smooth Reflections which you can download that will do it in-camera. Depending on what you are shooting, it will take maybe 40 shots and stack them in-camera and output one jpeg file. It works very nicely for smooth water , reflections etc.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Notorious T.O.D. wrote:

The other consideration is whether the subject is moving, how fast it is moving and how it is moving relative to the focal plane and camera sensor.

Another consideration is subject distance ( magnification). IMO, the 1/FL shutter rule only applies to subjects at least 20X the focal length of the lens away or greater !

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

1/focal works....mostly.
I find 200mm and above, I start to see camera shake/softness appearing and usually have to use 1/(focalx1.25) and when I get to 900mm (600mm in my crop body 70D) I am at 1/focalx1.5 or even higher ie 1600ss ish.

Might be my technique. Using monopod, i can usually get back to 1/focal and all is sharp.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Kobie wrote:

Does anyone have a cheat sheet for the minimum shu... (show quote)

In your case 1/400. Rule of thumb is 1/focal length. If you are real steady you might go slower, but not me, I am not that steady any more at 71.

papa Loc: Rio Dell, CA

You clearly need to just search online digital photography basics and read and practice.
The "old school" rule of thumb was/is a minimum shutter speed equal/near to the lens length resolve; meaning at 250mm the minimum is 1/250th/s,; that is if you know how to brace and squeeze off the shot. I have my doubts that you do from reading your inquiry. Educate and practice. Most of the posters on UHH are newbies, haphazard shooters with little or no experience or knowledge and there repeatedly answering inquiries tend to confuse the know-nothings.

Kobie wrote:

Does anyone have a cheat sheet for the minimum shu... (show quote)

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

DWU2 wrote:

Crop sensors increase the effective focal length of the lens. So, a 200MM lens on a Canon crop sensor camera would have an effective focal length of 200 x 1.6 = 320MM. So, hand holding should occur at 1/320 or faster, not 1/200 or faster.

The FOV is equivalent to 320, yes. But it is still 200.....that's the relation to the sensor. Some say, like you, but I'm not convinced it matters here.

skywolf

There are no rules...just guidelines. I try to shoot every lens at least twice the shutter speed, depending, of course, on the light, what DOF I want, etc. If you have to handhold a longer lens at or just below the equivalent focal length, get a good balance with your body. Try to keep your elbows in and otherwise brace up (don't breathe while you shoot, either). Make sure your focus is spot on. Shoot at least three rapid shots. And pray that the great god Nikon smiles on you that day.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

skywolf wrote:

There are no rules...just guidelines. I try to shoot every lens at least twice the shutter speed, depending, of course, on the light, what DOF I want, etc. If you have to handhold a longer lens at or just below the equivalent focal length, get a good balance with your body. Try to keep your elbows in and otherwise brace up (don't breathe while you shoot, either). Make sure your focus is spot on. Shoot at least three rapid shots. And pray that the great god Nikon smiles on you that day.

ewforbess Loc: San Antonio, TX

frankraney wrote:

The FOV is equivalent to 320, yes. But it is still 200.....that's the relation to the sensor. Some say, like you, but I'm not convinced it matters here.

Exactly! Seems a lot of people think focal length and FOV are one and the same, even when they're not.