Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/05/31
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Jayanand Govindaraj <jgovindaraj@eth.net> wrote: > ... the VR (or IS) is a godsend. It eliminates, to a large degree, > the lack of mobility and speed imposed by a tripod. Jayanand, there are numerous ways to eliminate the tripod, an electronic technology such as IS or VR is only one way. What the IS or VR does not do is take the weight of the camera out of your hands, and one unfortunate thing it does is add a large number of air/glass surfaces in the optical system. Of course individual preferences vary, and I'm biased toward maximum tonal gradation and color richness along with minimum flare so I prefer to use a simpler optical system, stabilizing the setup with a monopod and shoulder stock. Not as portable as VR, not as battery-hungry, can be used with any lens that has a rotating tripod collar, and while waiting for the precise moment when the animal's head is turned the right way the camera's weight is not in my hands. I've used this rig at shutter speeds as slow as 1/15 sec with the280mm lens with excellent results. Doug Herr Birdman of Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com