Hand held shutter speeds V Focal length.

[smudge]

Hi folks, I was just wondering if there was a way of calculating the effective minimum shutter speeds when shooting hand held for different focal lengths. I'm sure I've seen something about this, but can't think where.

Thanks

[condyk]

Focal length x 1.6 Crop factor (if an issue with your body) and then stick a 1/ in front of the answer:

100x1.6=160 thus shutter speed is 1/160

You just do a value judgement up or down if the answer doesn't quite hit an ACTUAL shutter speed.

That's how I've been trying to work it out since experimenting with full manual operation style!

[FScott]

the 1/(focal length (x crop factor)) rule is of course just a rule of thumb and is predicated on the subject not moving and is a minimum for the most part. Folks with very steady hands or use something as a brace, like a door jamb, can do a bit better like 1/30 for a 50mm lens. If you want more keepers then go to a shutter speed that is double the rule of thumb and/or work on your shooting position.

-- Scott.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

I do what condyk does, and then double it. For example with my 70-200 f/4L lens zoomed out to 200mm it's an effective 320mm due to the crop factor then doubled is 640. So, I try to stick around 1/640th or higher. Produces fantastic results! Very very sharp, but impossible to get indoors ect. Just experiment. You'll find the right settings for you. :-)

[smudge]

Thanks guys. Thats pretty fast shutter speeds for the big guns. I didn't think it would be that much of an increase.

[condyk]

I have recently started to use 1/800 as minimum for handholding my 100-300mm f4 and 1.4x TCon combo and shots are definately improved over letting the camera decide. I'm liking the results I'm starting to get using my brain rather than giving control away. As RbrtPtikLeoSeny says, just try doubling the focal range and adding or taking off a bit and see what happens each time.

[Hellashot]

There are also several people on this forum that say you only need to look at the actual focal length of the lens and disregard the x factor.

[Bob_A]

I think for anyone just starting out, or getting used to a longer lens that 1/(focal length x crop factor) is a good start. If you are a bit shakey, then using 1/(2 x focal length) would be more appropriate.

Once you improve your technique, you can sometimes get away with much lower shutterspeeds for handheld shots. As everyone has stated these are just rules of thumb. How you feel, how big and heavy the camera/lens is, how good your technique is all have a bearing on what you really need to use. I wouldn't be surprised if some people need to use even higher shutter speeds to get a good image.:)

By the way ... these are just the shutterspeeds to take handheld shots of stationary objects. I find if I'm taking images of my kids at school concerts, etc., I need to use 1/250s at 70mm.

[lost]

Or you could get all IS lenses ;)