Join Now
Join ePHOTOzine, the friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more for free!
General rule of thumb is 1/focal length
So a 300mm is 1/300th, etc.
That's a starting point as then it will depend on your ability to hold and support the lens/camera correctly.
You could always consider some extra help if necessary like a monopod or tripod.
Also be sure it is camera shake that you are seeing and not subject blur due to the movement of the subject. So like my kite shots which although only a 300mm required 1/800th to eliminate as much subject blur as possible.
1 / (focal length * crop factor)
e.g. 1 / (50 * 1.5) ===> 1/75
Just a general rule. My hands are a bit shaky, so some days it feels like 1/100 or faster is required for my 50mm lens.
Of course, shake reduction on the camera helps reduce this... just to make the "rules" more complex.
Personally I'd address it from the angle 'what's the fastest shutter speed I can use?'. Depth of field is important but then so is avoiding shake and that has a more noticeable effect on the final picture than the DOF.
I always try to use at least 1/250th in good light with a standard lens or smaller (that gives me around f8 in good light). For focal lengths to 200mm I'll go up to 1/500th (DOF is less of an issue with long lenses as you're almost always working to isolate you subject); I won't handhold a lens longer than 200mm.
Ceri
Whatever you can get away with.
Your camera has and LCD - use it!
As a general rule, refer to the above but remember that everyone is different, some may need a higher speed still and some have a steady hand.
I generally find that I can handhold a 300mm at about 1/125th fairly consistently and a 500mm at about 1/200th with the IS switched on.
Technique also plays a very important part.
The answer must be related to your subject, you use the shutter speed that relates to your vision of the image, if you need to use a tripod, then use one, tripods are one the best teachers in photography. Dont forget about the iso settings, the higher you go, the faster the shutter speed at any given aperture, but the consequence of using a high iso could be more noise, altho this can be quite effective, think about the image, how you want to portray it and use a tripod. Good photography is not about what you can get away with, its about knowing what you want and how to achieve it.
Lots of really good advice here. You can also make use of flash in some situations, therby increasing available light, allowing a higher shutter speed, and reducing camera shake. A lot is about technqiue. The safest, if not the most practical, is to use a tripod with a cable realease. Mike
if you've got the DT's or are going cold turkey off heroin, I'd suggest around 1/2000th would be suitable!
the rest has been said.
best way is to use a tripod
I addition to how you hold the camera, and shutter speed being used, is how you press the trigger ... many just jab it down to get the 'critical moment' even when nothing is happening. While others caress the trigger gently and still capture the CM.
I rate how you press the trigger very important to the final result. Even when using a tripod, unless the tripod is absolutely rock steady, and alway use delay release/ cable release/ and mirror lockup as applicable and available on camera in use.
Add a Comment
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
Related Content
Join Our Free Newsletter
Awards
Current Competitions
Olympus 'Portraiture' Competition - Win £1000 Worth Of Gear!
30th April 2013 - 31st May 2013
This month, to celebrate the launch of Olympus' new micro site Olympus Image Space, Olympus are giving you the chance to win £1000 worth of Olympus gear!...
Featured e2 Photo
May's Photo Month
Check out ePHOTOzine's inspirational photo month calendar! Each day click on a window to unveil new photography tips, treats and techniques.
