Hand HELD 70/200???

What is the slowest handheld time with this lens? How do you figure it out? Is there a formula???

I always use the [minumum shutter speed] = 1/[focal length] formula, if no IS. Not sure if that's correct, but I read that somewhere many years ago and that's always what I've used as a guide.

dragulaz is correct the basic formula is the minimum shutter speed should be the focal length. So at 200 mm it is a shutter speed of 1/200. However, if you have a crop body camera you need to factor in the crop. So a 40D with a 70-200 at 200mm would require a shutter speed of 1/320 of a second.

With all of that said if you learn to control your breathing and how to hold the camera correctly you can get crip images at slower shutter speeds. I am not the steadiest person in the world and have gotten crip images at 1/125 of a second with my 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS.

One last thing, get IS and you can go even slower. It can be a great tool. Remember though, it doesn't stop subject motion just your shake.

1/focal length is the general recommendation. Technique and strength can definitely improve your ability for slow shots.

Well, since this is the lighting forum, when the flash/strobe are the main source of light, I mostly shoot @ 1/125 with my 70-200, with IS off.

the lowest i will go is 1/100 to 1/125.. granted, it's now super duper sharp, but depending on what you're shooting, the moment is most important as long as it doesn't look like an earthquake just happened.. not al the time. please don't get me wrong, but, when you need to get the shot.. stand still and get the shot.

If you are shooting with flash & not trying to 'drag the shutter' mixing ambient lighting then simply set the camera at max flash sync speed (which will be about 1/200 or 1/250 probably depending on camera). A flash burst is so quick that the effective shutter speed is a minute fraction of a second if flash is dominating the exposure.