DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register) 
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Sharp images without using a tripod
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 25 of 46, (reverse)
AuthorThread
 07/11/2005 04:00:43 PM · #1
I recently got some great advice from a memeber on getting sharp images. She says "Tripod, Tripod, Tripod"

Now I tend to agree when using a 70-200mm a tripod would come in very handy as I tend to shake without my Coca-Colas ;)

Are there any tricks besides holding your breath, gently pressing shutter release, etc to get super sharp photos without a tripod?

Thanks in advance.
 07/11/2005 04:03:24 PM · #2
i like to use the timer and a flat surface (or the ground). depends on the shot.

you can also use a small beanbag and a flat surface to help give more angle to the cam. you'd still need to use the timer or a remote, though.

sometimes just the movement of you pushing the shutter button is enough to throw off the focus. that's why it's good to find a way to trip the shutter while you're not touching the camera.
 07/11/2005 04:03:40 PM · #3
Lean against something and make your own body into a tripod, with elbows pressed into your sides. Use the 3-second delay self timer to stabilize the camera on static shots; press, compose yourself, and wait for the exposure to happen. Carry a beanbag to you can rest the camera/lens on a solid object.

Robt.

LOL mucky, great minds etc...

Message edited by author 2005-07-11 16:04:05.
 07/11/2005 04:04:03 PM · #4
Put your camera on rapid fire and shoot 5-10 shots. Odds are you'll stay still long enough for one to turn out.
 07/11/2005 04:04:07 PM · #5
Fast shutters, deep DOF. I don't shoot with a tripod, and I like to think my shots are pretty sharp. :-)
 07/11/2005 04:24:19 PM · #6
I use mirror lockup (MLU) a lot, even on a sturdy tripod.
07/11/2005 04:26:22 PM · #7
Originally posted by lenkphotos:
I use mirror lockup (MLU) a lot, even on a sturdy tripod.


not a luxury afforded by us rebel users :)
 07/11/2005 04:29:45 PM · #8
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but everything I've read and been told confirms that holding your breath actually creates shake. I believe the most stable method is to shoot while slowly exhaling.

I was taught to hold my camera by supporting it from below with my left hand, cupping the base of lense. Is this SOP for most photographers, or just a helpful tip from my mentor?

I use the timer most of the time. This helps a lot.
 07/11/2005 04:30:03 PM · #9
Originally posted by k4ffy:
Originally posted by lenkphotos:
I use mirror lockup (MLU) a lot, even on a sturdy tripod.


not a luxury afforded by us rebel users :)

I thought one of the custom functions on the 350 allowed MLU?
07/11/2005 04:34:15 PM · #10
A remote trigger is the best (with timer).

Holding your breath doesn't work, it's even worse. Exhaling is the way to go (ask any sharp shooter).

Use anything around you for support like a wall or chair.

Message edited by author 2005-07-11 16:35:10.
 07/11/2005 04:34:15 PM · #11
bean bags are great support and there are some dedicated models with 1/4 20 threads to connect to your iso threads. They are also a suppliment to a tripod because of their superiority at ground level and in tight places. If you must handhold the setup use a camera strap (or dedicated commerical alternatives) to form a trianglar, tensioned connection between your camera and your body. This will give you at least 1 stop over your arms in mid-air.

Message edited by author 2005-07-11 16:35:21.
 07/11/2005 04:34:47 PM · #12
Originally posted by lenkphotos:
Originally posted by k4ffy:
Originally posted by lenkphotos:
I use mirror lockup (MLU) a lot, even on a sturdy tripod.


not a luxury afforded by us rebel users :)

I thought one of the custom functions on the 350 allowed MLU?


going to have to look into this. i'm a newbie with this thing.
 07/11/2005 04:50:47 PM · #13
I think I've read before that the slowest shutter you can use and expect a good result, no matter how many tricky body positions, breaths, or anything else is 1/focal lenth.

So if you are using a 50mm lens, a shutter speed of 1/50 is fine. If you are using a 300mm lens ( 450 with the crop factor) then 1/450 is the slowest shutter you can use.

Don't know if that' is true but it seems to work in real life for me so far.
 07/11/2005 05:00:37 PM · #14
Originally posted by rscorp:
I think I've read before that the slowest shutter you can use and expect a good result, no matter how many tricky body positions, breaths, or anything else is 1/focal lenth.

So if you are using a 50mm lens, a shutter speed of 1/50 is fine. If you are using a 300mm lens ( 450 with the crop factor) then 1/450 is the slowest shutter you can use.

Don't know if that' is true but it seems to work in real life for me so far.


That's the general rule of thumb. Here's a shot (with IS) that was hand held (1/125 @ 300mm).


07/11/2005 05:00:43 PM · #15
Originally posted by greatandsmall:

I was taught to hold my camera by supporting it from below with my left hand, cupping the base of lense. Is this SOP for most photographers, or just a helpful tip from my mentor?


Yes, that's SOP among pros. One way you can tell a shooter is NOT a pro is if s/he doesn't cradle the camera in this manner. It's not just for stability, either; it puts your fingers where they need to be for zoom and focus without moving your hand.

Robt.
 07/11/2005 05:02:14 PM · #16
Originally posted by rscorp:
I think I've read before that the slowest shutter you can use and expect a good result, no matter how many tricky body positions, breaths, or anything else is 1/focal lenth.

So if you are using a 50mm lens, a shutter speed of 1/50 is fine. If you are using a 300mm lens ( 450 with the crop factor) then 1/450 is the slowest shutter you can use.

Don't know if that' is true but it seems to work in real life for me so far.


Good rule of thumb, but it can be done with slower shutter...this one was f/20 1/5sec ISO100 34mm focal length. Used "human tripod" for it - two elbows and one stomach.

07/11/2005 05:06:25 PM · #17
Originally posted by k4ffy:
Originally posted by lenkphotos:
Originally posted by k4ffy:
Originally posted by lenkphotos:
I use mirror lockup (MLU) a lot, even on a sturdy tripod.


not a luxury afforded by us rebel users :)

I thought one of the custom functions on the 350 allowed MLU?


going to have to look into this. i'm a newbie with this thing.


It does allow mirror lockup. The manual even gives you some tips on when to use it and what to avoid.
 07/11/2005 05:14:29 PM · #18
A tripod without a doubt will produce clear images but I don't own one because the word I do doesn't permit the time to use one. My 'trick' is just using the right settings - which comes down to a fast enough shutter. On my 70-200 I don't shoot under 1/90 shutter speed because I've learned my hand isn't steady enough.
 07/11/2005 05:17:39 PM · #19
Monopod Monopod Monopod. I use one all the thime with my 100-400mm. They are light, compact and easy to take any places you can't take a tripod.
"edit for spelling"

Message edited by author 2005-07-11 17:19:57.
 07/11/2005 05:23:08 PM · #20
Nobody did mention it, but are you using the viewfinder or the LCD monitor? This can make a huge difference. I noticed that many new photographer only use the lCD monitor.
 07/11/2005 05:25:07 PM · #21
Originally posted by Alain_cdn:
Nobody did mention it, but are you using the viewfinder or the LCD monitor? This can make a huge difference. I noticed that many new photographer only use the lCD monitor.


Very good point though using the LCD monitor is not an option on an SLR without extra gear.

07/11/2005 05:35:00 PM · #22
Originally posted by gloda:
It does allow mirror lockup. The manual even gives you some tips on when to use it and what to avoid.

With a firmware hack the 300D can also allow MLU, but I haven't tried it yet.
07/11/2005 05:38:57 PM · #23
I'd like to second (third? fourth?) the comments about beanbags. I made one myself with some scrap pieces of fabric. Cheap. I left a small hole for filling/emptying (sewed velcro in to hold it shut while in use) which was great when I went to Africa in Jan. because I brought the beanbag empty in my suitcase and bought rice to fill it before I went out on safari. My uncle brought a tripod on the trip, but ended up making a makeshift beanbag out of a t-shirt because he was jealous of mine.
 07/11/2005 05:41:45 PM · #24
Originally posted by jseyerle:
I tend to shake without my Coca-Colas ;)


Bring Coca-Cola! ;-)

Try using burst mode. Set the ISO one stop higher. Ensure you have the lens wide open.
 07/11/2005 05:41:51 PM · #25
95% of the time I don't shoot with a tripod. I really should be using a monopod but I don't feel like spending the money. If you keep the shutter fast enough, and use good technique, you can get good sharp results without support.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 08/18/2025 12:23:50 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/18/2025 12:23:50 AM EDT.