Using Long Lenses

Using a telephoto lens to get in close to the actionset it up just about anywhere.
or sneak up on a subject from a discreetIt won't allow you to set shutter speeds as slow
distance is terrifically exciting, and can yield greatas you can get away with using a tripod. But it will
pictures. But the high magnification of long telelet you shoot safely-that is, without a serous risk
and zoom lenses accentuates the effects ofof image-softening shake-at speeds two or three
camera shake caused by your inability to hold thesteps slower than you'd have to use if you were
camera and lens absolutely still. The effects ofshooting handheld. That may make it possible to
wind, moving or shaking floors, residual vibrationshoot in lower light, and/or to use a slower,
from camera mirrors flipping up just prior tofiner-grained film.
exposure, atmospheric haze, and heat waves canGet a monopod that can be raised to your eye
also add problems.level, is quick and easy to set up. If you shoot a
Cold, tired, been drinking stimulants (coffee, tea,lot of verticals, you may want to add a good
or cola)? They add to your problems. Avoid themswivel ball head for maneuverability.
all if you can and don't despair.A tripod is the best device for insuring minimal
When handholding your camera and lens, starteffects from vibration with a long tele or zoom
with a fast film, ISO 400 or higher. This will allowlens. With a sturdy one, you can use slower
you to use higher shutter speeds (1/1000 sec andshutter speeds and lower ISO-higher resolution
above) and minimize the effects of shake in afilms. If you own a shaky tripod, tie a three to
variety of lighting conditions. Use the properfive pound weight to the center column for added
stance: arms closely tucked into the body, elbowsstability.
partially supported by the chest or abdomen, lensPhysically long teles should have tripod-mounting
and camera balanced by the left hand and arm.collars to attach the lens at the proper fulcrum to
Practice supporting and focusing the camera withthe tripod rather than the camera. You can also
your left hand, aim the camera slightly above theuse a secondary support for the camera like
subject, take a deep breath, let the view drop toBogen's Long Lens Support. This telescoping brace
the proper composition while exhaling, and gentlyattaches to most tripod legs via a universal clamp
press the shutter.at one end and a swivel ball head for the camera
For support, find a fence post, parked car, orat the other. The brace makes it more difficult to
folded jacket. Lean on it or rest your camera onchange camera position, but it considerably lessens
top of it while shooting. If you have such athe effects of vibration.
support, a 1/30 second exposure isn't anIf you're on shaky ground, tripods won't help.
impossibility, even with a 500mm lens. You'll beThey'll actually transmit the motion right to the
using slower shutter speeds more often thanlens and camera. It's better to handhold the
you'd like. The minimum shutter speed rule ofcamera if you can set a reasonable shutter
thumb for hand-holding a long tele or zoom lens isspeed, and let your body damp the vibration.
this: Slowest safe shutter speed = 1 over the lensAtmospheric haze and heat waves can't always
focal length.be eliminated, but using a haze or polarizing filter
For example, if you're shooting with a 500mm f/4can help cut through the haze and increase color
lens, the limiting shutter speed for a handheld shotsaturation and contrast. Also, use your lens hood,
would be 1 /500 second at the correct apertureor shade the lens, to minimize the possibility of
for a good exposure. This rule applies to aflare.
properly-braced photographer standing on solidFew techniques in photography require more
ground.expertise and skill than the successful use of a
Chest braces, rifle stocks, and similar deviceslong tele or zoom lens. If you want to become
aren't as practical as a lightweight monopod ormore proficient, practice, practice, practice!
tripod. A monopod is easy to carry, and you can