Posted by Lindy Martin on February 3, 2012 at 7:26 AM
I am getting the chance to try out a 500mm Nikon with my D300. This will be for snowy owls and other raptor images. My question is do I take it off VR when it is on the tripod? Some of the manuals and books say to turn it off and other say to keep it on. Because I will be working with raptors, am I better off to use the bean bag out of the car window? If so, with or without VR?
I also have an old 2x teleconverter (Nikon) which I would like to use for the extra reach but have a feeling that the IQ will not be great.
Any hints and suggestions from the fantastic bird photographers here would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I'll throw in my 2 cents, even if not a "fantastic bird photographer".
Lindy, the newer 500 models with VR have a trpiod setting you should use. The lens "reads" the tripod movement differently than hand-held movement.
The 2x TC will likely disappoint you in speed and sharpness, especially if it's an older model. Try it out to see BEFORE you've got that terrific owl in your sight! You might consider renting a 1.4 or 1.7 but only if you have a chance to practice before the shoot. If the owls are perched and you have a good tripod, the extra reach willl be good.
Have a great time!
Sandy
Posted by Lindy Martin on February 3, 2012 at 9:39 AM
Thanks Sandy, by the way, you are one of the fantastic shooters here and your website is spectacular - just cruised it last night!
Lindy
Posted by Myer Bornstein on February 3, 2012 at 12:15 PM
First on the old 2x don't use it. the 1.4 and 1.7 are much better. I use the 1.7.
In regards to VR on tripod I have used it both onb and off a little lag with it on. try it out and see what you like
Posted by Carol Hyman on February 3, 2012 at 12:27 PM
Lindy, Please go to the source for the answer.
Please see the Nikon chart.
With the longer lens everything is magnified. Things like wind and vibration come into play. I shoot with a 500mm canon and a 2x. In the right conditions I am happy with the results. throw a little wind into the equation and my images suffer. Dig up some articles on long lens technique. It was a learning curve for me. Also pick a very sturdy tripod. All the little thing count with long glass.
Carol, the Nikon "Chart" is not completely accurate - it is more to "cover" . The 500 VR works finin AF with the 1.7x and sometimes with the 2.0.
Other inaccuracies, as well - I know people with the 600 who always have a 1.7x on it in good light and get quick AF.
This is why, IMO, it's always a good idea to ask here for personal experiences.
Sandy
Discussion
6 repliesI also have an old 2x teleconverter (Nikon) which I would like to use for the extra reach but have a feeling that the IQ will not be great.
Any hints and suggestions from the fantastic bird photographers here would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Lindy, the newer 500 models with VR have a trpiod setting you should use. The lens "reads" the tripod movement differently than hand-held movement.
The 2x TC will likely disappoint you in speed and sharpness, especially if it's an older model. Try it out to see BEFORE you've got that terrific owl in your sight! You might consider renting a 1.4 or 1.7 but only if you have a chance to practice before the shoot. If the owls are perched and you have a good tripod, the extra reach willl be good.
Have a great time!
Sandy
Lindy
In regards to VR on tripod I have used it both onb and off a little lag with it on. try it out and see what you like
Please see the Nikon chart.
Good luck.
Carol
With the longer lens everything is magnified. Things like wind and vibration come into play. I shoot with a 500mm canon and a 2x. In the right conditions I am happy with the results. throw a little wind into the equation and my images suffer. Dig up some articles on long lens technique. It was a learning curve for me. Also pick a very sturdy tripod. All the little thing count with long glass.
Mike
Other inaccuracies, as well - I know people with the 600 who always have a 1.7x on it in good light and get quick AF.
This is why, IMO, it's always a good idea to ask here for personal experiences.
Sandy