I found this useful

realspeed

realspeed

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Bazza
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Having got the new Nikon AF-S 80-400mm I have had trouble holding this lens on my Nikon D800 camera. Maybe because I have smaller hands and still trying to regain some strength after the op. So I came up with this which really helps me and may help others as well.





With this screwed into the lens collar foot it makes hand holding so much easier as an illistration only below




Notice how well it balances the setup ,even on a small gorilla stand. For the cost of a pistol grip at around £6 or £7 it won't break anyones bank
 
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Thank you very much for the tip! I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus, so this could be a good option for me. May I ask where you got yours from please as it looks rather nice!
 
???
That actually looks harder to hold than the conventional method - tripod collar off, left hand, palm upwards, supporting the weight under the balance point. That way tends to naturally cause you to tuck in your left elbow close to your torso, which helps.
Still, each to their own, and if it's easier for you then I'm not going to dispute that :)
 
Graeme

that is the conventional method of holding a camera and lens. With the pistol grip I find it easier to keep horizontals as horizontals without the possibility of twisting the camera and lens when taking photos. In actual fact with that pistol grip I find I can hold a lens far steadier with the arms by the side as well. No removing of collar either then keep taking it on and off as wanted.

For the little cash outlay it must be at least worth a punt just to try it out on big heavy lenses. I am all for something that makes life a little easier if it does not cost a lot.

I think that as it has been drummed into photography folk law that the method you mention must be right. Maybe so until another little gadget comes along to challange that belief.

I would even go as far as saying you can chuck away monopods and tripods except tripods for long exposures, yes I find it is that steady, and I have no financial interest in selling or promoting the product. Just a very happy purchaser.
 
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Maybe I'm being silly, but... How do you focus/zoom while grabbing the pistol grip?
 
Luis

What this grip does is help me hold the lens steadier when actually taking the shot. Preparing to take a photo is exactly the same, I don't think if you examine what you do when pushing the shutter button is alter the focus and/or zoom at the exact time, at least I don't same as altering any camera settings. Mainly I use auto focus unless trying to be artistic and I also zoom to what I want beforehand. I suspect that zooming in or out while taking a shot makes the lens very unsteady or it does for me and get terrible camera shake.

Primarily I posted this for those who have a problem holding a large lens steady like myself at the moment. Yes I could go around with a great big monopod over my shoulder and no doubt hitting a few passing people with it at the same time but this is more convenient. Remember point of balance between camera and lens makes all the difference, and with the setup I posted as shown is ideal.

You can usually find some support somewhere ,be it a tree trunk or top of a wall but 9 times out of 10 they are not where you want to take a picture from. This grip goes a long way in my opinion to eleviate that.

Hope this answers your question or at least it is the best answer I can give. Remember the cost is minimal so not much lost if not liked
I can only say as I find, others may disagree

Marcia

All I can say is it works for me. When I came out of hospital I was so weak I could not even alter the car rear seat to increase boot room let alone hold or carry a 6lb camera and lens. Now being well onto the road to recovery I found this was a good solution to keeping a camera steady. Admittedly I do take my lightweight camcorder in a jacket pocket as a backup if I get too tired. Now there is honesty for you.

Don't forget it can be used to say hold up a flash gun for someone, or used on a camcorder or even a compact camera.


Below shown for hand held lighting so much easier to hold

 
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realspeed said:
Luis

What this grip does is help me hold the lens steadier when actually taking the shot. Preparing to take a photo is exactly the same, I don't think if you examine what you do when pushing the shutter button is alter the focus and/or zoom at the exact time, at least I don't same as altering any camera settings. Mainly I use auto focus unless trying to be artistic and I also zoom to what I want beforehand. I suspect that zooming in or out while taking a shot makes the lens very unsteady or it does for me and get terrible camera shake.

(...)
Click to expand...

Oh, ok. Now it makes sense.
I'm not sure if it would be practical for me, though... But if it works for you, that's what matters.

How about portrait orientation?
Does it help too?
 
I don't think many would use a huge heavy telephoto lens for portrait work, but more than likely use something like a 35mm prime or thereabouts.

Still if that is what YOU use for portraits, everyone to their own ideas.

This grip as I have already mentioned is for, I suggest, something like a lens as in my first post which weights a few pounds

There is nothing stopping the camera turning within the collar so can't see a problem shooting vertically, and a lot easier with the MB-D12 battery pack which has a side shutter button for that purpose to take vertical photos .
 
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Oh no, I wasn't talking about portrait work, I don't even have a huge and heavy telephoto lens. :)
I was asking for portrait orientation, like vertical shooting - sorry if my words were not the best, English is not my main language.

Thank you for your explanation.

edit: I hope you get better and your hands recover fully. ;)
 
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PitaDaVespa said:
Oh no, I wasn't talking about portrait work, I don't even have a huge and heavy telephoto lens. :)
I was asking for portrait orientation, like vertical shooting - sorry if my words were not the best, English is not my main language.

Thank you for your explanation.

edit: I hope you get better and your hands recover fully. ;)
Click to expand...
For portrait/vertical orientation you could loosen the tripod collar, rotate the camera 90 degrees and tighten it up. I can imagine it being of use for certain situations.
 
Luis it is not my hands with problems I camera out of hospital after having internal surgery which left me a little weak, but thanks for the good wishes. When and if you do get a heavy telephoto lens you may well find that pistol grip comes in useful
 
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realspeed said:
Luis it is not my hands with problems I camera out of hospital after having internal surgery which left me a little weak, but thanks for the good wishes. When and if you do get a heavy telephoto lens you may well find that pistol grip comes in useful
Click to expand...

Oh... sorry about that.
I truly hope you get stronger and fully recover.

I'm sure it does. I just don't have any experience with heavy gear, so I was hasking. I think my heavier lens is the 24-105. I've not even used a lens with a tripod collar! Yet! :D :(
 
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no problem
If I can help in some small way or any more questions then I will do my best to answer or admit I have no idea
 
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is it made of metal or plastic ?

i have one floating about somewhere ( can't remember the make ) but it's made of plastic and feels quite flimsy and for that reason i never really put it to use besides having the odd play

a decent sturdy one could be quite useful
 
I have a 'WATA' make pistol grip, have had it for years, use it mainly with my 400mm, use Autofocus on lens, aperture set by camera so no problem holding grip.
 
A neat solution to your problem bazza and what's important is it works for you and hopefully it will benefit others now too, thanks for sharing.
 
I would have thought a long arca mount plate fitted to the lens foot would be more comfortable ,it would give better balance and grip ,adding a thick insulated glove to your left hand would also help with the grip
 
•
It's all in the ergonomic!

I do have big and powerful paws now but three years ago I had surgery in my
left hand. Yes, it took me some time to regain my grip and the confidence in it.

Nevertheless, I know from experience that holding my gear with the longest
span between my hands is the better way to secure and stabilize camera and
lens combo while working. That means dividing the weight of the gear , say
D3X + 70~200 ƒ2.8 or 300mm ƒ2.8, to the two hands, and the stabilizing effect
of a longer hold between the hand on the trigger and the one under the lens.

After an operation recovery time is your best investment since you're doing the
right think the usual way. With the discussed grip, you will only increase:
⚠ the stress on the recovering hand
⚠ lack of stability by supporting your gear weight with only one hand and at the
center of gravity
⚠ the risk factor of something bad happening to your gear since the grip does
not lock on to the ring foot of the lens.

The D800 + 80~400 is not a light combo… the price of the grip may not be a
problem but your well being and the safety of your gear may be!
 
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I think the question of balance was shown in my second picture using that combo. Of course everyone to their own methods but I am always willing to try something different for such little cost. I never even not have a camera strap around my neck so should the worst happen etc. There is more risk to holding a lens by the conventioal method anyway.
I do notice that those who have not even tried using this pistol grip method understandable are well used to doing lens holding the "Normal" way and are reluctant to even give it a go.

Ok so if one does not like it for that it can still be used on other photoraphic gear,such as in my last photo showing it with the light, making even that easier to hold, so the little cash outlay is not wasted.

I have to repeat that this FOR ME is ideal

Kodiak

I note your reasons but, and a big but, they are invalid and you still use both hands anyway. one on the grip and the other on the camera. You seem to be under the impression you only use one hand, or have I miss interpreted it?

1= gripping something is more natural that an outstretched hand. Note how you hand is when relaxed, it is curved not flat out.. Even animal grip if you notice
2= for that combo you can't get a better centre of gravity
3= it screw tight into the foot with a metal stud , with your reasoning the same could happen to a battery pack screwed into the camera base. It just won't happen
4= Safety if someone is silly enough to just hold a camera with one hand and no neck strap then they are asking for camera/lens damage far more.

I think that maybe you are just trying to find reasons to reject the suggestion

Jeff

Quote " I would have thought a long arca mount plate fitted to the lens foot would be more comfortable ,it would give better balance and grip ,adding a thick insulated glove to your left hand would also help with the grip" unquote

At what cost?? far more than the pistol grip I bet and working with a thick insulated glove would be awkward wouldn't it? Also if using those they would be no good for anything else photographically wise
 
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Kodiak Qc said:
•
It's all in the ergonomic!

I do have big and powerful paws now but three years ago I had surgery in my
left hand. Yes, it took me some time to regain my grip and the confidence in it.

Nevertheless, I know from experience that holding my gear with the longest
span between my hands is the better way to secure and stabilize camera and
lens combo while working. That means dividing the weight of the gear , say
D3X + 70~200 ƒ2.8 or 300mm ƒ2.8, to the two hands, and the stabilizing effect
of a longer hold between the hand on the trigger and the one under the lens.

After an operation recovery time is your best investment since you're doing the
right think the usual way. With the discussed grip, you will only increase:
⚠ the stress on the recovering hand
⚠ lack of stability by supporting your gear weight with only one hand and at the
center of gravity
⚠ the risk factor of something bad happening to your gear since the grip does
not lock on to the ring foot of the lens.

The D800 + 80~400 is not a light combo… the price of the grip may not be a
problem but your well being and the safety of your gear may be!
Click to expand...

reading what you say i suppose somebody with one hand would have no chance hand holding a pro body and a 70 - 200 F2.8 lens attached
or am i reading it the wrong way ?
 
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gcogger said:
???
That actually looks harder to hold than the conventional method - tripod collar off, left hand, palm upwards, supporting the weight under the balance point. That way tends to naturally cause you to tuck in your left elbow close to your torso, which helps.
Still, each to their own, and if it's easier for you then I'm not going to dispute that :)
Click to expand...


Note where the balance point is, it is where the collar is not half way down the lens barrel, try holding the lens there, you can't
 
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—
reading what you say i suppose somebody with one hand would have no chance hand holding a pro body and a 70 - 200 F2.8 lens attached or am i reading it the wrong way ?
•
Nope, you got it right! A "pro body" for me is a single digit, adding the mentioned
lens means some kilos for the combo. I would not dare shooting single handed in
this situation because it would be difficult to have 1. a sharp shot and 2. holding
the body only with that zoom attached would be a lot of stress on the bayonet
mount and the body structure.

If a single right handed photographer uses a "pro body" mounted to a prime lens
(even a 300mm ƒ2.8), it is then possible to rest the lens on the left forearm. I specified
a prime lens! …a zoom would require some fiddling I guess.

At this point, I have no experience nor tips should the photographer be single left handed.
 
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I don't mind answer serious questions as best I can, others I will ignore
 
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Kodiak Qc said:
—
reading what you say i suppose somebody with one hand would have no chance hand holding a pro body and a 70 - 200 F2.8 lens attached or am i reading it the wrong way ?
•
Nope, you got it right! A "pro body" for me is a single digit, adding the mentioned
lens means some kilos for the combo. I would not dare shooting single handed in
this situation because it would be difficult to have 1. a sharp shot and 2. holding
the body only with that zoom attached would be a lot of stress on the bayonet
mount and the body structure.

If a single right handed photographer uses a "pro body" mounted to a prime lens
(even a 300mm ƒ2.8), it is then possible to rest the lens on the left forearm. I specified
a prime lens! …a zoom would require some fiddling I guess.

At this point, I have no experience nor tips should the photographer be single left handed.
Click to expand...

i ask the question because the way i was reading your post a disabled person with one hand couldn't possibly manage, i will have to disagree
i lost most of my right hand in an industrial accident which left me with just my thumb ( i'm naturally right handed ) and i manage just fine with a 1dx and 70 - 200 f2.8 combo
i think what your not taking into account is we compromise to suite the situation and is one of the reasons why the pistol grip in the OP is interesting to me

i havn't got a 300mm F2.8 but a good friend of mine has the nikon version attached to a D3 and iv'e had a play, it is a heavy combo but not unmanageable
 
[QUOTE="cosmicma, post: 7066891, member: 49994"]i ask the question because the way i was reading your post a disabled person with one hand couldn't possibly manage, i will have to disagree i lost most of my right hand in an industrial accident which left me with just my thumb ( i'm naturally right handed ) and i manage just fine with a 1dx and 70 - 200 f2.8 combo i think what your not taking into account is we compromise to suite the situation and is one of the reasons why the pistol grip in the OP is interesting to me i havn't got a 300mm F2.8 but a good friend of mine has the nikon version attached to a D3 and iv'e had a play, it is a heavy combo but not unmanageable[/QUOTE]

My points were:
• if someone is missing a left hand but has a forearm, it is still manageable.
• should someone have a weak left hand, the grip is not a better solution

And I concluded:
I have no experience nor tips should the photographer be single left handed.

In your case, I did not know the extend of your injury but I am happy to read that
you find someways to still go on shooting. Now that I know, I would like to read
about your solutions
 
Kodiak Qc said:
And I concluded:
I have no experience nor tips should the photographer be single left handed.

In your case, I did not know the extend of your injury but I am happy to read that
you find someways to still go on shooting. Now that I know, I would like to read
about your solutions
Click to expand...

there's nothing really to tell
the crazy thing is i have had to pick my camera up just to answer this question because i don't even think about how i hold the camera and now that i have taken note of how i hold the camera for short lenses i just use me left hand bottom left corner of the camera to hold it and the heel of my palm which i still have on the right side of the camera and my thumb to press the shutter for landscape, for portrait i grip the camera with my left hand over the top and use the heel of my right palm to steady the camera at the bottom
longer lenses i hold the lens with my left hand and use my right thumb to press the shutter in a similar fashion to using short lenses for landscape, for portrait i will steady the lens with my right heel and hold the camera in a similar fashion to shooting portrait with a smaller lens or i might hold the lens with my left hand and use my heel n thumb of my right hand to steady the camera and press the shutter
it all depends on what feels comfortable at the time and like i said i don't even think about it

as far as aids are concerned i have monopds , bean bags and tripods which i tend to use with a remote trigger for one reason or another i find them easier to use with with a remote trigger
in the past i have tried one of the pistol grips but not with a long lens i tried it on the tripod mount of the camera but this was on a consumer body with a fairly small lens
the pistol grip had the old cable release trigger which i modified to work with digital cameras but the whole affair felt flimsy and was a little awkward to use, this was a good few years ago and at the time i didn't have any long lenses with tripod collars but it might be worth re investigating now that i have

the compromise for how i hold and use a camera is pressing the shutter the way i do tends to tilt the camera a little meaning most hand held shots are slightly slanted but it's nothing that can't be easily corrected in PP
as far as steadying the camera hand held for slow shutter speeds it's a bit of a gamble sometimes i'm successful but more often than not it's a challenge, knowing this just means i probably push the ISO higher than really needed to keep the shutter speed up but it's all doable
i see people in much worse predicaments than me doing all sorts of marvellous things there's a young lad who is paralysed from the neck down who enjoys his photography through aids and using a computer which i think is one hell of an achievement and makes my predicament a trivial matter which i think it is anyway
 
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cosmicma said:
there's nothing really to tell
Click to expand...
•
I think your detailed text shows that there is!

Man you're good! As I was reading, I could very well imagine all the movements, twists,
and acrobatics (for me!) you had to create to adapt to your situation.

I have two students and four mentorees with physical obstacles and your post is taken
onboard with great interest and thankfulness. Thanks again Mark.
 
me and my dad have tried a similer setup, it helps him more as hes right eye user, im a left eye so helps abit less.

it really helps more with pointing upwards at a airshow for example.

a cheap arca swiss clamp and a long plate gives you alot of adjustability

theres some in the 25quid price range that have a trigger which plugs into the cameras remote port, which ive not tried yet
 
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