I don't know what tripod/head combination you are using Tris, but mine
(and I would suggest yours) are anything but rock steady. (BTW I am
using a Manfrotto 3021 W/med Giotto ball head.) I would suggest that if
you really want to look at this logically you do some actual tests. The
first I would suggest is to mount your camera and longest lens on the
tripod and tap the the lens, watch how long it takes for the vibrations
to settle down. I think you will find it a real eye opener.
I think you might be suprised by how steady someone can hold things,
especially with the aid of an additional support.
After that test, you may find it advisable to try a few tests with and
without a cable release! FWIW I have found that with the long lenses,
the WORST method FOR ME is to use a cable release! The absolute best is
to use the OM4T self timer/mirror prefire method (when possible) Using
the Olympus suggested method does give me better results than a cable
release. What actually seems to work best is to use the Olympus method
in combination with a motor drive.
I have thought about doing some experiments with draping a beanbag over
the lens and testing with and without a cable release.
One thing about logic is that is rarely, if ever, a good substitute for
empirical knowledge.
Jim Couch
Tris Schuler wrote:
> I've no doubt at all that people believe that. However, let's try to
> look at this logically.
>
> While a pair of hands may or may not be able to "absorb" shock in
> theory, for this supposedly beneficial application to have any good
> effect in the present case those hands would need to be kept more
> still (more stable) than the stability afforded by the existing
> platform (tripod/camera assembly). Should those hands move more than
> the existing platform then they'd serve to introduce camera shake, not
> eliminate it.
>
> Now, does it stand to reason that a man could hold his hands more
> steadily as a tripod/camera already sits at rest? My experience tells
> me that is not possible in normal circumstances. It just might be
> possible to construct a scenario where hands could help to steady a
> tripod (say, in gusting wind), but I put it to you that normally a
> tripod/camera setup is best left untouched. This is, afterall, why
> cable releases are recommended for use.
>
> As for this application being most applicable with long-focal-length
> lenses: I don't use telephotos often, but the last time I did it was
> my 85-250mm and after I'd set it up I had the impression everything
> was as steady as it would have been using my 28mm lens instead, for
> example.
>
> Tris
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