Thread: IS v's non IS

The Nikkor 300mm f/4 I recently purchase is a non IS (VR in Nikon language) lens. The image is super sharp as per its reputation, but I am finding that my hand holding skills (or lack of) is frustrating me no end.

If I shoot a bird handheld, I find that at 100% the image is mostly soft (9 out of 10 images). I tried all the techniques recommended but still cant 'shake' the shake (punn intended).

I did back to back comparos using mine and then my old mans (Chucaro) 70-300VR... and wow, what a difference!

I figure that if I cant get my technique right ill be forced to buy a VR lens... which is not a financially viable situation at the moment.

DM - Im super jealous of your 300mm f2.8 VR!!

Couple of points regarding the 300mm f/4 vs 70-300mm.

At full zoom both have the same field of view 5(deg)20" on a DX sensor, but on an FX sensor this goes out to 8(deg)10" meaning that it is easier to hold on an object. This is the same even for the 300 f/2.8. A narrow FOV makes things a lot harder.

The other point to note is the 70-300 weighs half that of the 300 f/4 (which weighs half that of the f/2.8 ). In addition the 70-300 is about 8cm shorter in length. This means the 70-300 is a lot lighter combo to hold.

All this means that hand holding is less desirable. That said, how are you holding it? A good method is to swing the foot up to the top of the lens (I can't recall if it is removable, if it is just take it off) and the hold your left hand along the bottom of the lens with your arms kept against the body.

When using the monopod, rest the left hand along the top of the lens to anchor the monopod with a light downwards force.

I am still coming to terms with the weight of the 300mm f/2.8 (2.9kg + 1.4kg of D3s) but I can effectively hand hold it without the 2xTC attached. With that also attached it's definitely very hard. You have to carry the camera by the lens. Luckily it has a nice big permanently attached foot (handle) which I replaced with an even longer RRS one. I'm also getting a second strap to attach to the lens mounts. It's padded and has quick releases unlike the one that came with it (and says NIKON in big yellow letters).