[aslyfox]

I found this article some time ago and its hints are very helpful for hand holding any large heavy lens IMHO

Shooting Long Exposures Hand-Held

By PF Staff in Articles and Tips on Feb 18, 2012

Shooting Long Exposures Hand-Held

Do you want to learn how to make the most of hand-held shots? Our first member-submitted photographic article, written by Heie, discusses four different techniques for holiding your camera more steadily, and, in turn, getting sharper photos . . . !

Read more at: Shooting Long Exposures Hand-Held - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

[redpit]

I find the lens easily handholdable and in fact I ude it that way most of the time. The K-1 SR also works very efficiently with the DFA for still subjects.

[acoufap]

Handholdability (what a nice word ) depends on the physical condition of the human - don‘t you think so?

A girl of 56kg, 160cm and small hands may have more problems than a guy of 100kg, 190cm and tall hands ... .

[termy]

That might also depend.

I know a gal friend who is about 157cm to 158cm in height.
Probably weigh no more than 55-58kg.

BUT. I will think will handhold the 150-450 much better than i can.

Cuz every week she is hitting the gym 2 or 3 times and engaging in cross training and can lift such heavy loads i honestly think she will have no problem handholding the lens for extended time.

[Mikesul]

I have enjoyed the DFA 150-450 on many hikes of several miles. But with years I find the big lens more tiring for long periods. BUT it is always a joy to see the results so i still take it out often. It has only seen a tripod a few times and then only birding from a balcony. I am 75 and the shoulder knows it 10 years ago I would not have hesitated to take it back packing. Wish I had had it then!

[Paul the Sunman]

I have enjoyed the DFA 150-450 on many hikes of several miles. But with years I find the big lens more tiring for long periods. BUT it is always a joy to see the results so i still take it out often. It has only seen a tripod a few times and then only birding from a balcony. I am 75 and the shoulder knows it 10 years ago I would not have hesitated to take it back packing. Wish I had had it then!

Future generations will laugh at us when they see pictures of us carrying around these giant lenses. In fact, the current camera phone generation probably laughs at us already. However, think of it as part of keeping active and strong, ... but be mindful of your limitations. Wishing you many more years of (gentle) photo-hikes Mikesul.

[Mikesul]

Thanks, Paul. I have always considered that kind of laughter a complement

[tduell]

I have enjoyed the DFA 150-450 on many hikes of several miles. But with years I find the big lens more tiring for long periods. BUT it is always a joy to see the results so i still take it out often. It has only seen a tripod a few times and then only birding from a balcony. I am 75 and the shoulder knows it 10 years ago I would not have hesitated to take it back packing. Wish I had had it then!

I agree with your sentiments.
It can become a bit tiring after 3 or so hours of walking in the bush.
I've been out of action for a few months now, due to shoulder surgery, hoping to be back in action soon.
I recently purchased a DA* 300 f4, to have something a bit lighter, in the hope that I might be able to get out birding again a bit sooner...I've not had a chance to try it yet, but I somehow doubt that it is going take over from the DFA 150-450.
I will be 75 very soon, and hoping I can keep using this wonderful lens for some time come.

Cheers,
Terry

[joehenryd]

Finally after 5 visits to a state park, I got the Wood Duck photo. Joe

[joehenryd]

A few more for the birds. Joe

[noelpolar]

With several years of experience now under our belts, and 147 pages of posts to this thread, I wonder how that advice has panned out with time. Personally, I use the lens almost exclusively hand-held, with (to my mind) great results. Despite its size, I don't find the handling difficult. What is your experience? Do you endorse the recommendation to only use it with a tripod or monopod?

99.99% of my shots are hand held.... I'll not think twice about a half day walk through the bush with it on a sling strap etc.... hung off the camera or the lens foot.... I'm almost 60.... landscapes or bees... walking for 4 hours with a tripod.... no thanks!

Generally, I'll only use a tripod where I might be waiting for something to happen in a particular spot.... like focussed on a well lit flower and waiting for a bird to feed on it.... could take an hour or so.

2MP crop from a K1.... 1/18 of the sensor.



Generally.... when just bushwalking I take a small 20mm and a 43 and find that I don't look for other lenses.... I use a Voightlander color scopar 20mm.... both fit in a pocket.... I twist the camera off the 150-450 leaving it dangle on the sling then shoot with the 20/43.

[termy]

"Air braking".

[swip]

"Air braking".

A somewhat funny capture. Nice.

[termy]

didnt nail focus.
But interesting shot.
Kingfisher about to gulp down a small lizard.

[swip]

didnt nail focus.
But interesting shot.
Kingfisher about to gulp down a small lizard.

if it turned its head to the left a bit, that would be perfect.