How do you hold your lens?

Razor-BladE

Razor-BladE

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Andrew
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I've always thought that when shooting, holding the lens so that the top of your hand is facing up/to the side looks a bit funny. But the more people I see with a camera, the majority are holding it that way!

Like so (photos taken from google):

position4.jpg


Is it just me seeing people holding the camera like this, or do a lot of people do it?

I've always held it so it's 'resting' in my hand (palm facing up).

position5.jpg


So how do you hold it?
 
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Underneath all the time, helps steady the shot as you can make a tripod type stance, holding you elbow firmly against your chest

Over the top you may slightly press down on the lens, as you take the shot
 
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No2 is the correct way. When apertures used to be on the lens- and before AF - it was the natural way anyway, as from this position you could comfortably focus and adjust the aperture, but it's by far the best way still.
 
Can't say I've ever seen anyone do it with left hand on top. Tried it and it feels quite uncomfortable and obviously doesn't support the camera very well.
 
When i see people holding the lens from the top, its like seeing a left handed perosn writing, just doesnt seem right, but not wrong if you know what i mean!
 
Just Dave said:
Underneath all the time, helps steady the shot as you can make a tripod type stance, holding you elbow firmly against your chest

Over the top you may slightly press down on the lens, as you take the shot
Click to expand...
Exactly how I hold mine. It'd feel weird to hold it any other way IMO.
 
Underneath, and with a heavier lens I press the top of my arm against my chest for extra stability.
 
Yeah I agree with what everyone's said, seems strange why I see people holding it like that so much!
 
NeilG40 said:
Only time I ever seen anybody doing it like in number 1 are the extras on tv shows.
Click to expand...

In fairness to the IP I see a fair few quite experienced people using method 1.

I remember seeing a guy who used to post a lot on TP using a 100-400L and zooming it using method 1 - not moving his hand to take the shots either. I remember pulling his leg about it, but he's since turned pro and doing OK from all accounts.
 
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