> Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999 22:26:51 -0600 > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: Image stabalisers [v04.n218/10] > > >>Does sturdy tripod ring a bell?? It's really neat > >>'Image Stabilizer' that I use on every shot! > > Oh wise one, please advise me how to use my image > stabalising tripod when shooting from a moving boat, or > from an airplane or helicopter. Or when I am > panning. Or when I am shooting in the wind and my > lens is flapping up and down even though my body is > bolted to a sturdy tripod. You can use your tripod and > I'll use my IS lens. I wonder whose images will be sharper? I've shot Nikon equipment on boats, planes and helicopters and have done fine without tripods and image stabilizers. I use a good grip, a solid stance and a refined sense of timing. If it's a small boat, I wouldn't bring $2,000+ worth of equipment into the salt spray to shoot photos. Instead, I go on a boat that's among the smoothest ride in the world and use ISO 200 film. You can see the results of Diamond Head at: http://home1.gte.net/rhashiro/dh-1.JPG That way, I can take a decent photo with $2,000+ of Nikon equipment without damage from salt spray, being seasick or having to compromise on photo equipment. I believe this was the 85mm f1.8D. No need for IS. I use similar techniques for taking photos from airplanes and helicopters. BTW, my photo companion did get airsick on a perfectly fine scenic helicopter ride and wouldn't have been able to take a photo even with IS or a P&S. I still take photos even if I'm seasick. And, for the reverse, I do just fine taking handheld 300mm photos of high speed aircraft or 500mm photos of nationally televised football games. http://home1.gte.net/rhashiro/tbirds.htm The right tool and technique for the job... During hurricanes, I am in a bomb-proof shelter. Literally. I would not be standing outdoors in winds exceeding 65 MPH and letting my valued Nikon equipment be a target for flying projectiles. My car or I could be a target, but not the photo equipment. I admit that image stabilization would be valuable for panning and working in handheld low light situations, or extremely agressive photo conditions, but I don't encounter that enough to justify my purchase. On the other hand, if magically I could get the photo performance power of a full function 35mm SLR into a unit the size of a matchbox that I can take to rock concerts at stadiums for a reasonable amount of dollars, I can go for that. I find I go to more concerts than I would have need for image stabilization...and I use my tripod almost every month. The right tool and technique for the job... Ron Hashiro Honolulu, HI
