How good is the camera image stabilizer and how to maximize it ?
Today I decided to go extra light in my bird photography equipment to photograph the Hooded Pitta at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. I left my big lens and Gitzo tripod. I brought only my 70-300 walk about zoom (with image stabiliser) and a Canon 60D. The light was very dim, the exposure was ISO3200, f/5.6, 1/13 sec at best.
I missed many shots either the bird was moving or I was shaking my hands holding my camera zoomed at 300 mm @ f/5.6 without tripod and any kind of support.
Hooded Pitta, Singapore Botanic Gardens, ISO 3200, f/5.6, 1/13 second Singapore with image stabiliser. Handheld.
Finally, I was lucky enough to get this shot. Hooded Pitta, Singapore Botanic Gardens, ISO 3200, f/5.6, 1/13 second Singapore with image stabiliser. Handheld.
Based on my calculation, the lens should be able to capture a sharp image at 4 stops below 1/300 second. After waiting for almost 30 minutes, I had the chance. The Hooded Pitta came near and I fired 4-6 shots continuously. Mostly all rejects except one.
Finally, Hooded Pitta at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. ISO 3200, f/5.6, 1/13 second handheld.
The lesson learned is :
1) Fire continuously for 4-6 shoots. ISO3200, f/5.6, 1/13 sec handheld.
2) Use a higher shutter speed will help to get better images.
3) Use tripod when possible or support camera elsewhere.
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