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Who needs image stabilization to avoid camera shake ...


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21 replies to this topic

#1
K-9

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... when you can get a sturdy mini tripod (not one of those bendable ones), screw it into the camera body, open the legs up, point it toward you while pointing the lens at your subject, and brace it against your chest.  Hold your breath while taking the shot, and this gives you some extra support for the body and lens while you shoot.



#2
Afterimage

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Here's a neat trick... a $1 image stabilizer for any camera:

 

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=LLlJl7TbXTA



#3
PrettyCranium

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Thanks for the tips.  I had never thought of the tripod idea.



#4
Russ

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Who needs stabilisation? Maybe those who don't want to get a sturdy mini tripod (not one of those bendable ones), screw it into the camera body, open the legs up, point it toward you while pointing the lens at your subject, and brace it against your chest and hold their breath while taking the shot. That includes me!  :P I'd rather just press a button.



#5
K-9

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Well, one of the downsides of going from Pentax to Nikon is that Pentax had image stabilization in the camera body, so EVERY lens would have it. Not so with Nikon. I know they say the in lens method is more sound, but I'd rather take a slightly less compromise on functionailty to gain the benefit of having that feature in every lens I shoot with.

Also, this is a method I used a lot before image stabilization even came out, in bodies or lenses.

#6
PrettyCranium

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It's a little harder to stabilize tripods on your chest for us women, though . . .



#7
greatscott94

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Here's a neat trick... a $1 image stabilizer for any camera:

 

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=LLlJl7TbXTA

 

That was pretty cool, my only challenge is that I use the C-Loop camera strap mount in the tripod bolt hole http://www.customslr...products/c-loop. Still going to have to give this a shot though.

 

Thanks for sharing.



#8
K-9

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It's a little harder to stabilize tripods on your chest for us women, though . . .


Well, you could go higher with it close to your collarbone and use two of the legs there, and the third in the center of your chest. A small but sturdy one should work.

#9
morticiaskeeper

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I've just made the string tripod from a spare tripod screw, length of Kevlar line and a washer.

It seems to work, pushing against the tension feels more stable, than a free air pan.


#10
Russ

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Well, one of the downsides of going from Pentax to Nikon is that Pentax had image stabilization in the camera body, so EVERY lens would have it. Not so with Nikon. I know they say the in lens method is more sound, but I'd rather take a slightly less compromise on functionailty to gain the benefit of having that feature in every lens I shoot with.

As an ex-Pentaxian - I agree!



#11
alden

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That is a neat trick.

#12
Tony892

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That was pretty cool, my only challenge is that I use the C-Loop camera strap mount in the tripod bolt hole http://www.customslr...products/c-loop. Still going to have to give this a shot though.

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

 

Very good



#13
PhotoMom

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Here's a neat trick... a $1 image stabilizer for any camera:

 

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=LLlJl7TbXTA

I would have never thought of that!

Great share, thanks.



#14
stuguy

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Seen this before and totally forgot about it.thanks for the share.



#15
scoobymax

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That's a really cool and practical idea, I'm gonna have to try! I do quite a bit of wildlife photography when I can get out, so for me having to not just carry a tripod but trying to set it up and get it ready in time to shoot birds etc, I usually end up with my subject long gone before I'm ready! Thanks for sharing. :)

#16
PrettyCranium

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After a long delay, I finally looked at the video posted by Afterimage.  Great idea -- has anyone actually tried this?  What is the idea length of the string?



#17
Afterimage

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After a long delay, I finally looked at the video posted by Afterimage.  Great idea -- has anyone actually tried this?  What is the idea length of the string?

You want the string to be about 30cm longer than your own height. That will give you the ability to adjust the tension when you step on the string.



#18
scoobymax

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After a long delay, I finally looked at the video posted by Afterimage. Great idea -- has anyone actually tried this? What is the idea length of the string?

The length of string, according to the video should be about your height, but I would just use trial and error as long as when you are holding the camera in shooting position the string should be tight enough to avoid the shake! I would just do a loose knot at either end then hold it with your foot and when it's tight enough release your foot then tighten the knot. :)



Sorry you can ignore what I just said! My screen has just refreshed revealing afterimage's reply, lol! What he says! :) :)

#19
Chrisf

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I frequently shoot handheld without  VR, and never have any camera shake.Just follow the 1/FL rule and you'll be good. Heck some of mine don't even have that option.



#20
Merco_61

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The 1/FL rule is good and handy, but how do you shoot prop aircraft without them looking like the engine has stopped? You can't always use a tripod, even a monopod is difficult to use in crowds as well but a strap or string works.