Technology rules

Just seen the first images of a second generation image stablised lens.

link

Regardless of make, I think we would all agree that the results are to be applauded. It also comes at a price and we may argue that IS is not needed if a tripod is used. How easy to set up a tripod if you are out and about on the move?

Tripods are not allowed on the spectator platform on the Empire State building. This technology is a welcome solution.

Let us hope that it becomes contagious?

Regards

I'm not sure what conclusions we are supposed to draw from that as we already have the shake reduction technology, with any lens. No doubt that it will continuously be improved as time goes by, but it's already more than up to removing the need for a tripod in many situations.

In lens shake reduction adds expense to every lens and also complication, so presumably there will be a higher incidence of lens failures.

The images in the article are very dramatic, if a bit over-sharpened for my taste.

I hope that the shake reduction is improved John. I believe that in-camera SR is the way forward, but at this moment in time, I could not replicate those speeds. It's not that often I would need to.

I am intending to do a comparison this week with my K7 and 70-200 EX. SR ON vs SR OFF, just to see what results I can achieve.

No conclusions to be drawn. The goal posts will always shift as technology allows. I inteneded the post to draw attention to what is a genuine move forward rather than the usual "sales" tool gimmicks.

Regards

I can tell you that with 300mm, there is no comparison between SR on and off. It makes the difference between sharp and not sharp, even at quite high shutter speeds.

I don't know about anyone else, but by 200mm and beyond my steadiness is about as good as a leaf being blown about in the wind. SR plus supporting the camer on something usually saves the day.

The other day I was resting the K20D on some handy lobster pots. It worked.

My longest non reflex glass is my 50-500 and taht is always on a monopod.

Not always on the ground as fully retracted, it sits just above a leather belt I wear so sort of becomes a waist level support. That lens is also used on an SR body, in this case, the original, my KM 7D.

Most of my 200mm shots are hand held. For longer shoots, such as golf comps, I attach the large size Pod camera support to the tripod mount of the lens and it acts as a damper or if I use tree branches etc, it acts as a "bean bag".

Regards

taht??? OK, that

Duhhhhh

Regards

I know that feeling...!

It sounds weird maybe but I some times have the monopod attach but not extended so it provides some weight under the camera and that helps to stabilize it.
Found that out when doing some panning on the race tack.

...while you reached inside to grab a lobster?

Are we going to see some pictures of your trip?

G

without meaning to sound like I'm bragging, I could. Actually I'm pretty sure I've "beaten" those speeds with my K10D and 50-200.

Its all down to technique. If he's a novice or has shakey hands then those speeds are impressive, and if he can take 10 frames and have every one critically sharp then they are very impressive.

On the other hand if that's the best shot from 5 and he's an experienced photographer with steady hands then the "new" system is no better than the SR on the K10D.

no doubting its a nice lens though.

What a brilliant idea!!
I have some stabiliser bars on my bow, I wonder if the thread is the same??

Something like this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Stabiliser-short-rod-Cartel-Pro-carbon-10-with-damper_W0QQ...

So logical! I used to use similar gyros on my R/C helicopters before moving over to Piezo gyros. Now I now what my next project is going to be. Design starts tomorrow.

Cheers Stefan!!

Your welcome Gary, would be interested what your results would be.
One thing though, are those gyros on your R/C Heli used on his own to stabilize it or was their output submitted to the rotors?
I believe it's the later one you see so the Gyros wouldn't have enough mass/energy to keep your camera stabilize, although I can just as easily be wrong though.

go cheap...
older heavier hard drives spin balanced metal discs at 7200 rpms and all you need is to mount two on an L bracket and power 'em up... 12 volts i believe, or was it five? ah go with twelve, if it gets hot, my bad...
should get you goin with some nice gyro stabilizer effects...