Best shutter speed for Nikon 80-400

merv

merv

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Mervyn
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Now I know some of you will say 'how long is a piece of string?'
Just had my new 80-400 for about a week and still getting a feel. I know what speed I want for planes etc, but for a simple stationary subject is there an optimum shutter speed? To avoid camera shake some say a 400 lens needs 1/500 sec or even 1.5 times this some say. Now I realise this lens has excellent VR so should I be ditching all these ideas and taking advantage of the VR? In other words instead of worrying about 1/focal length should I use a speed 3 or 4 stops slower? In other words instead of using 1/500 could I deliberately go for 1/60 or even 1/30? It means I wouldn't have to eat into the auto ISO so soon.
Comments appreciated
merv:nikon:
 
The VR is there to override the 'safe shutter speed' for handholding a lens. But the other reason for keeping an eye on your shutter speed is subject movement.

You might be able to get a sharp shot of a building at 1/60 but people, trees animals etc all have movement of their own to consider.
 
Yes Chris that is sharp. Yes I take the others points you have to consider subject stability. As you say 1/60 is easy for a building but certainly not a person or animal. I think flight allows I would use probably 1/500 at least all the time. The trouble is you push up the ISO but this depends on the camera.
Photographed a ship yesterday at 400mm with both 1/500 and 1/1000 sec and couldn't see any difference at 100%.
Thats another point, should you assess sharpness at 100%? I assume at over 100% its pointless and not a fair test?
Thanks guys keep the advice coming
merv:clap:
 
Thanks Chris. I agree if its good at 100% every things fine. Saw an occasional reference to this lens being soft at 400mm but I don't think so from my experience. In a couple of weeks will have an air show here so will get a chance to see it in action with planes.
merv
 
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