fireworks help (posting from phone)

[imahawki]

I've got the gear in my sig with me and no tripod... What's my best option for shooting fireworks assuming handheld?

[tonylong]

Well, handheld will be a chore because to be effective you need a reasonably long shutter speed.

Try to find some kind of support or you will be in pain:)!

I'd suggest:

Use your wide lens, at the widest, pre-set to the area where most of the bursts will occur.

Manual focus at (or about) infinity
Manual exposure:
f/11
Bulb
ISO 100

Use a cable release: press the button right as a rocket goes off (or a burst starts) and let go when the burst is at its widest.

Here are a couple examples of shots of family fireworks from last Fourth Of July:

3 sec, f/11, ISO 100, 24mm (on a full frame):

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/99688714/original.jpg

2 sec, the rest the same:

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/99688720/original.jpg

[imahawki]

Very nice. Didn't get a chance to set the camera up so I shot hanheld. (They were kids early fireworks so they're already over). I'll post if anything comes out.