What's the slowest shutter speed youve used handheld?

[D4VE]

As title, what is the slowest shutter speed you have used while holding the camera - i.e. not using any additional support?

I struggle to get under 1/60, but I am sure some more experienced people have a steadier hand :D

[Andy_T]

1 second ... but the picture did not turn out too god :lol:

I have the same problem you have ... but there are some techniques that help you.

Best regards,
Andy

[sGu]

2 sec when lean on a post; 1 sec handheld, they came out okay, but would not do that again!

Just a quick note to say that 2 sec handheld was on a 17-40mm, one sec on both 24-70mm 2.8 L and 70-200mm 2.8 L IS without additional support.

[Scottes]

What lens length? And what do you consider "no additional support" ?

With my 100-400 IS - note the IS - I've done 1/30th at 400mm. With my 105mm Macro I recently did 1/13th.

The techniques definitely help. With the 1/30th shot I was kneeling, left arm on my knee supporting the lens, right arm tucked in and basically jamming the camera into my face, head tucked into my chest, and I was leaning to the left - and I couldn't fall to the left since I had twisted my left foot outwards.

On the 1/13th shot I was sitting on an anvil and leaning against the wall, otherwise my body was pretty much like above - everything tucked in. I guess this might be "cheating" since the wall was supporting my body. But I also have some 1/25th shots from the same session - my feet were touching the floor and that's it.


Basically I find that it's best to support every possible part of your body with another part of your body. Tuck your left elbow into your side. Wrap your right arm across your chest. Jam your chin into your chest. Slump a little - don't try to hold a rigid position or muscle tension will make you shake. Instead, find a relaxed position that won't let you fall, spread your legs out comfortably. Get used to the amount of pressure required to trip the shutter. Don't press down, but rather roll your finger over the shutter button. And breathe correctly. Breathe out gently, and halfway through roll your finger enough to add the final amount of pressure needed to trip the shutter.

Technique can easily add a stop - good technique can add 2 and sometimes 3 stops. I can consistently get 2 stops if I have the time to prepare myself, and often enough I get 3 stops so I don't consider it luck.

I spent years doing rifle shooting and I'm sure that helped. Everything above could be said about shooting a rifle, too.

[scottbergerphoto]

With or without the lens cap off?

[Longwatcher]

About 30 seconds, very "Artistic" shot.

Oh you mean a sharp in focus shot? :D :roll: :D


About 1/10th of a second with 70-200/2.8L IS, with IS on is my best with no support. at about focal length of 120mm with 10D

Otherwise I am good to about 1/30th if in good mood, 1/60th otherwise with no support.

[blinking8s]

1/60 no support and i wish i had used a tripod

[nat869]

When I am shooting a lot, 1/30th and it is decently sharp. I don't own any monster telephotos though, all bets are off with them. :lol: :lol:

[D4VE]

interesting replies guys thanks - Scottes, Ill work on my methods for holding the camera still.