Quick question regarding minimum shutter speed when using a 600mm lens on a tripod

ndwgolf

ndwgolf

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Neil Williams
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As a norm, we use a minimum shutter speed of either one or one and a half times focal length...........is that that same when using a large 600mm f4 lens on a tripod withy a Wimberley gimbal head or could you get away with say 1/200 for shooting something that is stationary i.e a bird in a tree or a lion sleeping???
 
It depends on the subject your photographing. Small birds move quicker so my min is around 1/400th, bigger birds move slower normally so it can be slower. I have shot larger birds as slow as 1/15th with the 600 and 1.4tc. So basically it depends on the subject as if your technique is ok with the tripod and head then subject movement is the issue.
 
I've always wondered exactly the same thing.

Then I just figured, that since the min shutter speed is there to eliminate camera shake, tripod is so much steadier than hand-holding.

Like the other boys said, I've tried to go down to a slower SS with small birds but it hardly ever ends up sharp.

But the Collared Doves, Magpies and Wood-pigeons etc, come out mainly fine :)
 
ndwgolf said:
As a norm, we use a minimum shutter speed of either one or one and a half times focal length...........is that that same when using a large 600mm f4 lens on a tripod withy a Wimberley gimbal head or could you get away with say 1/200 for shooting something that is stationary i.e a bird in a tree or a lion sleeping???
Click to expand...

Do you have live view Neil?If so lock your tripod and gimberley solid on an object in the distance.Focus on said object and gently release your grip on the camera,I think you will find you will see the image shaking slightly,I know with a 300mm it takes about two seconds roughly to settle down.I would imagine that the fact you are using a 600mm and I assume holding the camera, would cause even far more vibration,therefore I would stick to the rule.Could be wrong though.
 
It's true that using a quality tripod and gimbal will provide a much more stable platform, however the length of the lens can magnify any vibration/movement that is present when the shutter is fired ... having your other hand on top of the lens or using something like a small sandbag can reduce such vibration/movement.
 
gramps said:
It's true that using a quality tripod and gimbal will provide a much more stable platform, however the length of the lens can magnify any vibration/movement that is present when the shutter is fired ... having your other hand on top of the lens or using something like a small sandbag can reduce such vibration/movement.
Click to expand...

As you point out Gramps, it will be reduced but never eliminated.
 
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