Tripod

timbo2410

timbo2410

timbo2410

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Joined
27 Dec 2009
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764
I've been using a Manfrotto MT057 tripod for a while now. Ive set it up for the garden to shoot nesting Bluetits. I'm using the Nikon 300mm f2.8 vrii (either straight up or with the 1.4 or 2.0x teleconverters), along with either my Nikon D500 and D7100. Now I remote shoot the camera from inside the house and use Mup to stop any vibration and yet there is a lot of shake after shutter release. The camera and tripod are rock solid and I've used weight bags to help. But still there is a lot of shake. to this end, what are the methods people are using to help stop the shake? What tripods are people using that are better than what I've got?
 
What head are you using?

Ive not used a lens as large as yours but even on my 300 f4 getting the tripod mount on the camera really tight made a big difference.
 
I'm using a CB gimbal .. it's like a tank. It doesn't matter if I have the tripod extended all the way up or closed down .. still vibration. I really want to exploit the D500's shooting speed but not with the shake
 
Have you tried switching the VR off? I know on some Canon lenses, you need to switch off the image stabilisation for best results on a tripod. Some are auto sensing for being mounted on a tripod and switch off stabilisation.

Try a range of shutter speeds as well, as anything faster than about 1/500th should eliminate any shake due to the mirror. Ive used some heavy lenses on a cheap manfrotto tripod and never noticed any significant shake problems except when using very long exposures in very windy conditions.
 
yep I've had it turned off. No need on tripod .. made sure mounting is tight, it seems rock solid. I've tried using the spikes instead of the ball feet .. still the same .. it's standing on concrete when I'm taking photos. I'll go out tomorrow and try on the grass and see if there is a difference
 
am using Mup (mirror up), already. haha yeah though of the strap. It's only shaking after shutter release. Nothing visual unless I look through the viewfinder. If I let off half a dozen frames with the D500 it MUST be affecting image quality for sure. My aim is to set the camera up with an auto shutter release whenever an IR beam is broken. The beam of course runs across the front of the birdbox so whenever the Bluetit lands on the front "bingo" I'll have a series of photos ..
 
If it is on concrete, if you are near a busy road you could be getting vibrations through that. Does it happen at all shutter speeds as anything quicker than 1/1000th shouldn't be affected by shake at all.
 
Well I've gone out on a limb and bought a Feisol 3732 Rapide. I can tell you the difference in vibration is huge from my Manfrotto 057 .. I mean crazy huge .. There is "NO" shake at all ..none .. I've swapped heads and used both the CB Gimbal as well as the Wimberley ii and both are the same .. shake gone. If I mount them back on the Manfrotto the shake returns. I've tried the Manfrotto with the centre post all the way down as well .. no change. I would never have thought it of the Manfrotto as it seems so solid .. just thought I would post my results
 
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