Handholding the Nikkor AF-S 300 f4 ED

Ros · #1 05-11-2009, 09:36 PM

Hi Guys

I have recently purchased the 300 f4 lens and was hoping for some tips and guidance about hand holding this lens for crisp wildlife photos. Perhaps some do's and don'ts from you experts out there. I will be using the lens from a car predominantly in the Kpark. Bean bag advice etc will be much appreciated. Should I use window mounted support or a beanbag etc and what about handholding alone? Is it possible? Any pointers?

Leo Theron · #2 06-11-2009, 12:11 AM

I use this lens - it is an amazing value for money lens - and pin sharp, fast focusing as well!

Hand holding ONLY with shutter speed of 1/500 +, ie lots and lots of light. The best is to support on a sturdy tripod, then monopod or support system for window. I had good results with a bean bag on the window, but again, in good light.

When you use it from the window - SWITCH OFF THAT CAR!

Remember, with a short extention tube you have a magic close-up lens.

All the best

Piet Venter · #3 06-11-2009, 05:18 AM

Quote:

I use this lens - it is an amazing value for money lens - and pin sharp, fast focusing as well!

Ditto Leo.

Leo has touched on all the essentals - sufficiently fast shutter speed and sturdy support. I use mine often from a vehicle and then I use a beanbag similar to this_one. I often also shoot handheld - up the shutter speed to 1/1000 s for birds in flight (e.g.) or use a smooth panning motion at a slower shutter speed. This image (subject notably faster than most birds I normally shoot) was shot handheld with the 300mm f4 plus 1.4X extender on a D300 at 1/250 s whilst panning.

I have also used the lens with a 1.7X extender and usually the focus is still OK but it can become a tad sluggish under difficult conditions.

Enjoy your lens.

Ros · #4 06-11-2009, 03:26 PM

Thanks guys....appreciate your input....so what I am hearing is that a bean bag in the Kpark is fine so long as I can shoot at 1/500s or faster.
Has anyone used the WINDBAG PRO?

Piet Venter · #5 07-11-2009, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ros

Thanks guys....appreciate your input....so what I am hearing is that a bean bag in the Kpark is fine so long as I can shoot at 1/500s or faster.

Remember to switch the vehicle's engine off.

Quote:

Has anyone used the WINDBAG PRO?

Nope, but I used to work for somebody who could qualify for that title.