Steve'sDigicams

banksy · Jun 8, 2011, 12:04 AM

Hi everyone,

I am considering the Nikon 70-300 AF-S f4/5-5.6G IF ED lens for a European River cruise in October (European Autumn).

I understand the VR can be set in either "Normal" or "Active" mode and that "Active" is best to shoot from a moving car/ship.

The scenery distance ranges (vessel to shore) from 50 metres to infinity.

If I was to hand-hold the camera, set on "active", would there be a better/best setting to use due to the movement. For example, would I need to use sports mode?

Also, I have been informed by another kind forum member, that a Circular Polariser will be required due to the fog on the river during this time of the year. Is there a particular type you would recommend due to the light conditions?

Thank you in advance for your valuable advice. Cheers Lyn

TCav · Jun 8, 2011, 4:32 AM

The rocking of a floating vessel is a lot different from the bumps and jolts that can occur in a moving land vehicle. However severe the rocking might be, it is still not likely to cause motion blur within the span of time that your shutter would be open during a typical outdoor exposure. While hand-holding the camera, you're much more likely to get motion blur do to the movement of your hands than from movement of waves. I wouldn't make any adjustments to the camera's settings based on the difference between standing on a floating vessel and standing on Terra firma.

While a Circular Polarizing Filter would be a good idea for later in the day when the fog has burned off, while the fog is still around, I think you'd be better served by a strong UV filter.

banksy · Jun 8, 2011, 6:54 AM

Thanks TCav for your prompt answer.
I should also have mentioned that the Rhine/Rhone & Main Rivers are very calm and the camera I will be using is a Nikon D7000 to save anyone asking.

paniolo · Jun 11, 2011, 7:27 AM

banksy,

I have the 70-300 on my D90. You may be better off hand holding the camera rather than tripod or bracing on a rail. On my recent Yosemite/SF trip, shot a video of sea lions at the pier while resting the camera on a rail. All vibrations on the rail caused by people away from me resulted in the "shakes" in the video clip. I think similar results with stills. BTW, yes, leave your VR on active.

Good luck on your trip!

banksy · Jun 13, 2011, 4:30 AM

Thanks paniolo, I did enjoy your Yosemite trip...
Our trip isn't until October 2012 but I'm sure we will enjoy.
TCav, your input has been invaluable over the years I have been seeking assistance.
Lyn

TCav · Jun 13, 2011, 6:25 AM

That's very kind of you to say.

Flying Fossil · Jun 13, 2011, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banksy

Thanks paniolo, I did enjoy your Yosemite trip...
Our trip isn't until October 2012 but I'm sure we will enjoy.
TCav, your input has been invaluable over the years I have been seeking assistance.
Lyn

Since you have 3 months to prepare, I strongly recommend that you get that big lens in action now and practice using it. Get comfy and you will get some good results I'm sure.

banksy · Jun 14, 2011, 6:51 PM

Thanks Flying Fossil. I have just ordered the lens and now await its arrival. Will certainly get out there and practice, practice

Graystar · Jun 15, 2011, 1:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banksy

Thanks Flying Fossil. I have just ordered the lens and now await its arrival. Will certainly get out there and practice, practice

You gotta have a technique to practice with. Try the following...it's what I use, and properly done it lets you get the most out of your VR system.

http://nikonexposed.wordpress.com/20...a-steady-grip/

paniolo · Jun 15, 2011, 5:29 AM

banksy,
Good advice from others regarding practice. When I started using this lens the image quality was in question because I could not get good results and was totally frustrated. I found that the filter that I used degraded the image. I now use Hoya Pro1 filters with much better results.

Jun 8, 2011, 12:04 AM	#1
banksy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Western Australia Posts: 2,144	70-300mm to photograph from moving vessel Hi everyone, I am considering the Nikon 70-300 AF-S f4/5-5.6G IF ED lens for a European River cruise in October (European Autumn). I understand the VR can be set in either "Normal" or "Active" mode and that "Active" is best to shoot from a moving car/ship. The scenery distance ranges (vessel to shore) from 50 metres to infinity. If I was to hand-hold the camera, set on "active", would there be a better/best setting to use due to the movement. For example, would I need to use sports mode? Also, I have been informed by another kind forum member, that a Circular Polariser will be required due to the fog on the river during this time of the year. Is there a particular type you would recommend due to the light conditions? Thank you in advance for your valuable advice. Cheers Lyn

Jun 8, 2011, 4:32 AM	#2
TCav Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington, DC, Metro Area, Maryland Posts: 13,826	The rocking of a floating vessel is a lot different from the bumps and jolts that can occur in a moving land vehicle. However severe the rocking might be, it is still not likely to cause motion blur within the span of time that your shutter would be open during a typical outdoor exposure. While hand-holding the camera, you're much more likely to get motion blur do to the movement of your hands than from movement of waves. I wouldn't make any adjustments to the camera's settings based on the difference between standing on a floating vessel and standing on Terra firma. While a Circular Polarizing Filter would be a good idea for later in the day when the fog has burned off, while the fog is still around, I think you'd be better served by a strong UV filter. __________________ The lens is the thing. 'Full Frame' is the new 'Medium Format'. "One good test is worth a thousand expert opinions." - Tex Johnston, Boeing 707 test pilot.

Jun 13, 2011, 6:25 AM	#6
TCav Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington, DC, Metro Area, Maryland Posts: 13,826	That's very kind of you to say. __________________ The lens is the thing. 'Full Frame' is the new 'Medium Format'. "One good test is worth a thousand expert opinions." - Tex Johnston, Boeing 707 test pilot.

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Jun 8, 2011, 6:54 AM	#3
banksy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Western Australia Posts: 2,144	Thanks TCav for your prompt answer. I should also have mentioned that the Rhine/Rhone & Main Rivers are very calm and the camera I will be using is a Nikon D7000 to save anyone asking.

Jun 11, 2011, 7:27 AM	#4
paniolo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hawaii Posts: 569	banksy, I have the 70-300 on my D90. You may be better off hand holding the camera rather than tripod or bracing on a rail. On my recent Yosemite/SF trip, shot a video of sea lions at the pier while resting the camera on a rail. All vibrations on the rail caused by people away from me resulted in the "shakes" in the video clip. I think similar results with stills. BTW, yes, leave your VR on active. Good luck on your trip!

Jun 13, 2011, 4:30 AM	#5
banksy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Western Australia Posts: 2,144	Thanks paniolo, I did enjoy your Yosemite trip... Our trip isn't until October 2012 but I'm sure we will enjoy. TCav, your input has been invaluable over the years I have been seeking assistance. Lyn

Jun 14, 2011, 6:51 PM	#8
banksy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Western Australia Posts: 2,144	Thanks Flying Fossil. I have just ordered the lens and now await its arrival. Will certainly get out there and practice, practice

Jun 15, 2011, 5:29 AM	#10
paniolo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hawaii Posts: 569	banksy, Good advice from others regarding practice. When I started using this lens the image quality was in question because I could not get good results and was totally frustrated. I found that the filter that I used degraded the image. I now use Hoya Pro1 filters with much better results.