Handholding monster set-ups

[Stoned]

Recently I've seen some of Harlequin's birding shots and looking at the settings, I was quite shocked.
600mm+1.4TC at 1/90s handheld. Shots were sharp to say the least. Was thinking and this set-up probably weighs at least 8 kilos with the body included.
Was hoping some of the bird shooters who regularly pull off shots with such settings could share some of their techniques so users of smaller glass(like myself) can apply it to concert shooting and other low light situations.

 

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

go lift weights regularly? buy IS/VR lens? strap camera to head & use neck support?

 

[AJ23]

Recently I've seen some of Harlequin's birding shots and looking at the settings, I was quite shocked.
600mm+1.4TC at 1/90s handheld. Shots were sharp to say the least. Was thinking and this set-up probably weighs at least 8 kilos with the body included.
Was hoping some of the bird shooters who regularly pull off shots with such settings could share some of their techniques so users of smaller glass(like myself) can apply it to concert shooting and other low light situations.

>8kg? Let me see...

Body: 1.25kg
600mm: 5.8kg
TC-14EII: 0.2kg
SB800: ~0.45kg (w/batts)

Total weight is about 7.7kg, if no flash attached, it would be 7.25kg.

 

[Stoned]

ok maybe i overestimated a little bit. :sweatsm: Its still blardy heavy. Lift weights?
Hmm do bird shooters look like Mr Universe then?

 

[gooseberry]

I've seen Harlequin shoot birds and I don't think he shoots them handheld with that setup. He uses a huge Gitzo tripod with Wimberely Sidekick - super stable support. Unless he's been going to the gym recently.

 

[Stoned]

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=100000

This is the one. Check out the settings at the top. Maybe he has been going to the gym (sorry harlequin for hijacking your post :angel: )

 

[AJ23]

There are certain techniques and positions to adopt when "hand-holding" such heavy setup.

Some gym sessions won't hurt either.

Maybe bro Harle can shed some light.

 

[espn]

The heaviest I've ever handheld is a D1H + 300 f/2.8... oh man already very heavy... no more ... NO MORE!!! :bsmilie:

 

[mpenza]

He is muscular and fit

 

[authmn]

tell that to a noob in photography... me...
i cant seem to hold my camera firm enough ... yet... even though i can carry a lot in the gym

 

[ccplim]

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=100000

This is the one. Check out the settings at the top. Maybe he has been going to the gym (sorry harlequin for hijacking your post :angel: )

There are many ways of so call "handheld" method.

You "handheld" the setup but with your hand supported on some railings, trees are also consider handheld right?

It all depends on how you interpret the meaning

 

[Stoned]

Hmm true... Still i can't imagine it being easy.

 

[majere2sg]

Wow.. 7kg+.. after handhelding a 100-400 + 420ex flash for 2 hrs, my arms already shaky liao.. :sweat:

 

[Garion]

There are many ways of so call "handheld" method.

You "handheld" the setup but with your hand supported on some railings, trees are also consider handheld right?

It all depends on how you interpret the meaning

Yup. Bracing yourself with the lens against a tree, wall or a car windowsill helps stabilise the lens quite a bit. If lack of support, try holding the lens with your supporting hand placed as far away from the body as possible, tuck in your elbow close to your body. Breathing technique also is important. Usually I fire a series of shots (abt 3-4) for insurance, normally the first shot is the one that is not sharp. Watch your shutter speed also, if its too low, say below 1/90 then its probable some shake might occur. Last of all, practice more!