Long Lens Technique - 500F/4

[MagpieMick]

I've posted this question elsewhere and they was about as helpful as a chocolate kettle so hopefully some others on here have had some experience of Long Lens Technique with the Canon 500 F/4...

Link Here:

Proper Long Lens Technique

And here:

Nature Photography

These explain it well but is hand placement critical, as in close to the camera body or further down the lens, someone said about grasping the manfrotto gimbal 393 on the left side this helps him..
So has anybody on here had or got the 500 F/4 with the 393 manfrotto that can give me some tips. I've been out a few times and had mixed results and i'm off to France in 2 Days for a weeks photography and it seems that its going to be a steep learning curve...

Any help very much appreciated..!!

Mick..

[DavyG]

I'm sorry that I can't help you directly but I think that Pauline (PMG) has that lens, from what I've seen she uses it to good effect too.

If you need a quick reply, you could try pm'ng her, I'm sure she'll help if she can.

Dave

[Steve S]

Mick,

Both articles give good sound advice that has been proven over time. The only thing I’d add is that it is very important to remember that your hand is only resting on your lens, don’t push down on it.

I also find that using that technique described by Moose Peterson, (the one I use most) conditions you to plan and think about what you are doing. Which also means that the IS has a fraction of a second longer to kick in, this also seem to help me get consistently better results.

Bon voyage!

Steve.

[BillyPilgrim]

I haven't read the links yet but here are my thoughts. I've had the 500mm for about 3 months.

I use it with the Manfrotto 393 and a Velbon Sherpa Pro CF 730 tripod. This combination provides a very sturdy platform and I've had excellent results right down to shutter speeds of 1/60s. I certainly would never be tempted to waste silly money on the Wimberley/Gitzo combination.

I usually grasp the 393 on the left side but I can't say I've noticed any difference in picture quality wherever I place my free hand. Although the natural place seems to be to grip the 393 with the left hand.

I've also used the it one-handed (when on the tripod), hand-held and supported by a bean bag. Results from the first two are not as consistant but providing the shutter speed is over 1/300s they are very good. I almost always get at least one sharp shot using these techniques. I'd say that the bean bag is just as good as the tripod but doesn't give the same rapid, freedom of movement.

I should mention that when I first bought the 500mm I immediatley stuck a 1.4x converter on it and expected great results. I couldn't have been more wrong! There was still a learning-curve even with a very expensive lens. I ditched the 1.4x and results have steadilly improved.

I've noticed that the I have to be very careful if I use the 1.4x. Maybe this is where the long lens technique comes in? Results have been inconsistant to say the least but again are steadilly improving.

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi

I also use the Moose peterson methon as described in your first link, very good. I also add a small rubber carpet wedge which I put between the lens and the carry handle/tripod mount, this makes two points of contact for the lens and so cuts down vibration a little bit more. I can't remember whoose article it was I saw it , maybe Laurie Campbell ?
Anything to cut down the dreaded vibration is worth a try.

neil

[Jon]

I agree with all that has been said, but whenever possible I would use a bean bag. The reason for this is that the bag is on something large and still and it is entirely natural to hold the camera to the eye and put one hand on the camera with the other on the lens. When using the bag I rotate the tripod mount to the side to increase surface area contact with the bag and this also helps minimise movement. Quite honestly I use the 1.4TC 90% plus of the time and I have never has any real problems with sharpness, I suppose I am always telling myself subconciously KEEP THAT LENS STILL!!
Many of my recent shots in Mull were taken using this technique. I have been using my old Manfrotto 055CLB tripod with a big Manfrotto Fluid head, I had been on the verge of buying a Wimberly or a Mongoose or the manfrotto 393. I am getting good results, the tripod is not really steady enough when fully extended but when the legs are partly extended it is just fine. Often it is better to shoot from a low height in any case so to date I have not really found myself rushing off to buy the Giotto and the Wimberly - Great Crested Grebes were taken in this manner.
Jon

[KENP]

Hello I'm new here!.....I'm by no means expert in long lens technique but I'm not bad in the macro dept, both call for a steady hand!....nobody has mentioned "The cable release".....I find mine invaluble!....just thought I would mention it................Ken

[Jon]

Originally Posted by KENP

Hello I'm new here!.....I'm by no means expert in long lens technique but I'm not bad in the macro dept, both call for a steady hand!....nobody has mentioned "The cable release".....I find mine invaluble!....just thought I would mention it................Ken

You are right Ken - cable release is excellent especially with mirror lock up - for macro work. For super telephoto not so practicable as you very often need to be more dynamic but it is possible when the subject is static.
Jon