| With all the digital photography lenses out there, | | | | 400 or higher. |
| it's hard to believe there's a use for each one. | | | | 4. When you're holding your camera, you'll be able |
| But, indeed, there are times when having the right | | | | to use higher shutter speeds over 1 / 1000 |
| lens determines how great of a shot you capture. | | | | seconds. When you're using a support, it enables |
| If you're too far away from an object, it | | | | you to use slower shutter speeds. Shooting at |
| becomes difficult to hold absolutely still, but that's | | | | slower speeds also allows you to shoot in lower |
| where zoom lenses become useful. However, | | | | light. A 1 / 30 second exposure using a 500mm |
| telephoto lenses proven especially useful for up | | | | lens will be possible. The slowest safe shutter |
| close and personal shots.This article will focus on | | | | speed rule of thumb for hold a handheld camera |
| taking longer range shots, in which tele-lens and | | | | and using a tele or zoom lens is 1 over the lens |
| zoom lenses become effective, if you use the | | | | focal length. For example, if you were shooting |
| simple tactics for using these special lenses. | | | | with a 500mm f / 4 lens, assuming you were |
| 1. First, in order to minimize shaking while you're | | | | properly braced and standing on sturdy ground, |
| taking long range shots, place your camera on a | | | | the highest shutter speed would be 1 / 500 |
| tripod. By having your camera on a tripod, you're | | | | second at the appropriate aperture to ensure a |
| able to use a slower shutter speed and use lower | | | | good exposure. |
| ISO higher resolution films. You can further | | | | 5. Ideally, try to find something you can use to |
| stabilize a shaky tripod by adding a three pound | | | | stabilize yourself by finding objects to use. Fence |
| weight to the center column to add weight. If | | | | posts, a parked car, even a jacket rolled up and |
| your tele-lens is physically long, you should be | | | | wrapped around your arms can help you stabilize |
| using a tripod mounting collar to attach the lens at | | | | your camera. Balance your camera and the lens |
| the proper fulcrum. Also, you can choose to use a | | | | with your left hand and arm, making sure to keep |
| secondary support for the camera if you wish. | | | | your arms close to your body and touching your |
| 2. The next best thing you can do if you're not | | | | side, allowing your chest and abdomen to support |
| going to utilize a tripod is to use a monopod. It's | | | | your elbows. Aim slightly above your subject, |
| easier to transport than a tripod, but the | | | | take a deep breath and exhale allowing your |
| downside is that you won't be able to set your | | | | sights to dip down to the proper position and take |
| shutter speeds as slowly as you could if you | | | | your shot of your subject. |
| were using a tripod, but you'll still be able to shoot | | | | There are also external elements that are out of |
| three times slower than if you were shooting by | | | | your control when using your tele or zoom lens. |
| hand. What I like about monopods is the ability to | | | | Those being heat waves and atmospheric haze. |
| quickly raise it to eye level and take shots very | | | | And although they can't always be eliminated, |
| quickly. For even more maneuverability, you can | | | | using a haze or polarizing filter can help cut |
| add a swivel head to capture vertical shots. | | | | through the haze and at the same time it |
| 3. Remember that shaky ground will transmit any | | | | increases contrast and color saturation. A |
| vibrations to the lens and camera no matter how | | | | suggestion is to use your lens hood or try to |
| sturdy your tripod or monopod is. To counter this, | | | | shade your lens to reduce the possibility of a flare. |
| hold your camera and set your shutter speed | | | | Successfully using a tele and zoom lens often |
| accordingly and stand at the proper distance to | | | | requires great focus and skill. These tips should |
| let your body absorb the vibrations. In order to | | | | help you maximize using your lens, but remember |
| minimize the effects of shaking in most lighting | | | | that practice is the best teacher. |
| conditions, start with a fast exposure film like ISO | | | | |