Did shake reduction change your photography?

lightbender · 06-29-2014, 09:09 PM

Has anybody here enjoyed the shake reduction because they have actual shaky hands? My hands shake, and I'm seriously approaching Pentax equipment with that in mind. I guess I mean, as opposed to grabbing another stop, has anybody had the SR really make photography more accessible and more possible as a hobby/lifestyle/obsession?

thanks!

**jatrax** · 06-29-2014, 09:21 PM - **1 Like**

It does let me get an occasional shot that would not happen without, but honestly I usually have it turned off. I try hard not to rely on it and stick to shutter speeds that I know will work.

Sagitta · 06-29-2014, 09:26 PM

It helps a LOT with night photography for me. Less a matter of shaky hands than it is "Well I can actually pull off this shot at 1/30 of a second, handheld... woo hoo!

I was actually shooting tonight on my walk home, and was able to hand-hold some shots down to really stupidly slow levels because of the SR.

**Just1MoreDave** · 06-29-2014, 09:58 PM

You never really know for sure whether it has compensated enough. It's also hard to see minor motion blur on the camera screen. I always take several shots if I can. It probably hasn't changed the shots I attempt, just allowed a few more keepers.

My dad was using a Canon film camera with AF and IS after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. In his case, the IS helped a lot. He was using some older 28-135 zoom.

**lmd91343** · 06-29-2014, 10:19 PM

Originally posted by lightbender

Has anybody here enjoyed the shake reduction because they have actual shaky hands? My hands shake, and I'm seriously approaching Pentax equipment with that in mind. I guess I mean, as opposed to grabbing another stop, has anybody had the SR really make photography more accessible and more possible as a hobby/lifestyle/obsession?

thanks!

Me!

I have minor tremors that have become worse as I have aged. Getting Pentax rather than Nikon or Canon digital was a no brainier for me. The improvement has not been as great as hoped, but now I can take handheld photos with a fl 50mm or less at 1/250. With film non SR bodies I am limited to 1/1000 or faster for 50mm at times.

Also only OVF works for me because I need to keep the camera pressed against my face. I can't hold the camera still while looking at the screen held out in front of me. I can't use P&S or phone cameras. I can't use my wife's "Q". Getting an SLR was also a no brainier.

The main problem with Pentax is that the cameras are too light in weight. It would be nice if they were a bit heavier. I cheat a bit by keeping a custom built L plate and the OPS1 always attached, even when not needed. The battery grips are too big for my small hands.

I have started using 50/55/70/100/105mm lenses again recently because of SR. I still need more time to evaluate the longer fl results, but so far I am happy. I get bummed out by the low keeper rate on my 55-300 and 50-135 lens results. However I still use a monopod or tripod when I can as they make a big difference.

I just got a set of Canon IS binoculars. I have not been able to use 7x binoculars for 15 years. I am hoping that helps.

Bob from Aus · 06-29-2014, 10:30 PM

That's why I didn't go the other brands. I can use any lens with shake reduction and it has improved a lot from k10. it has meant i can use the most ridiculous setting and get good shots. I commonly do things outside the rules and I often get the results I want.

magkelly · 06-30-2014, 01:54 AM

Originally posted by lightbender

Has anybody here enjoyed the shake reduction because they have actual shaky hands? My hands shake, and I'm seriously approaching Pentax equipment with that in mind. I guess I mean, as opposed to grabbing another stop, has anybody had the SR really make photography more accessible and more possible as a hobby/lifestyle/obsession?

thanks!

Can't hardly do without it. First I really dislike using tripods, always have, but my hands do shake sometimes, illness thing, so shake reduction really is often a huge help. I have to resort to a tripod a lot to use my film cams. It takes away from my enjoyment of shooting film. I like to hold my camera in my own hands when I shoot.

**Rondec** · 06-30-2014, 03:03 AM

The big thing shake reduction does is help me shoot photos of stationary items like waterfalls when I want a longer shutter speed. So, if I shoot a waterfall with a 40mm lens at 1/10 second, I can do it with SR on, but no way with it off.

reeftool · 06-30-2014, 03:30 AM

My hands are a shaky at times and as I get older, It gets worse and even SR can't always compensate for it anymore. It's not a constant thing so for the most part, I get by pretty well. The newer bodies do a really good job at higher ISO settings and my K5 pretty much stays at ISO 800 unless it's very bright out and I'm having a good day. On good days, I have had keepers at 1/2 sec. with SR. On bad days, I have to park my motorcycle because I keep goosing the throttle. It sucks getting old.

Steve.Ledger · 06-30-2014, 03:44 AM

I only use SR when/if I need to.. Otherwise it's always off.

atupdate · 06-30-2014, 04:19 AM

Originally posted by lmd91343

The main problem with Pentax is that the cameras are too light in weight. It would be nice if they were a bit heavier.

Have you tried using one of the DIY string tripods? This would allow you to apply a little downward tension similar to more weight. There are pictures at this website showing how to make one.

String Tripod : Parts

Tim

**ramseybuckeye** · 06-30-2014, 04:36 AM

I always have shake reduction on unless I set the camera for remote, and the camera automatically turn is off. When I've forgot to switch remote off I can tell in the pictures that have slower shutter speeds. It definitely helps if you're hiking or doing any activity where you may be breathing a little heaver, your body tends to move more and it is harder to hold the camera steady. So it doesn't have to be shaky hands, but any slight movement.

normhead · 06-30-2014, 04:40 AM

Like Rondec, because I've always shot relatively slow shutter speeds...SR is huge... I always shoot the lowest possible ISO, and highest possible Aperture up to ƒ8. Walking around in the forest, SR come into play on almost every image. Until a few years ago when I started taking images of small birds, I honestly didn't see any use for shutter speeds over 1/500. The idea of having endless images that don't make use of the sharpest part of the lens @ƒ5.6 -ƒ8 is somehow foreign to me. For me, you should maximize your resolution, and your sensor for lack of noise and dynamic range, and then mess with your shutter speed, shutter speed is the one thing you won't see in the final print as long as everything else is good.

Once you start having to freeze your subject (small bird, race car, whatever) it brings in a whole new set of compromises.

**Digitalis** · 06-30-2014, 04:57 AM

Being able to get clear headshots of performers with a 400mm f/2.8 lens hand held at the back of a concert hall at f/4 1/30th of a second at ISO 3200 has certainly been useful.

**hjoseph7** · 06-30-2014, 05:06 AM

Most of the time I don't even notice that is on. When I'm outdoors I rarely shoot lower than 1/125 so camera shake is a non issue. There are those times when I don't have a tripod and the light is dim where it does come in handy, but my mind is sort of ingrained with never hitting the shutter when I'm below 1/60th that I don't even know if the shake reduction worked or not. I usually boost up the ISO.

06-29-2014, 09:09 PM	#1
lightbender New Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Colorado Posts: 14	Did shake reduction change your photography? Has anybody here enjoyed the shake reduction because they have actual shaky hands? My hands shake, and I'm seriously approaching Pentax equipment with that in mind. I guess I mean, as opposed to grabbing another stop, has anybody had the SR really make photography more accessible and more possible as a hobby/lifestyle/obsession? thanks!

06-29-2014, 10:19 PM	#5
lmd91343 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,027	Originally posted by lightbender Has anybody here enjoyed the shake reduction because they have actual shaky hands? My hands shake, and I'm seriously approaching Pentax equipment with that in mind. I guess I mean, as opposed to grabbing another stop, has anybody had the SR really make photography more accessible and more possible as a hobby/lifestyle/obsession? thanks! Me! I have minor tremors that have become worse as I have aged. Getting Pentax rather than Nikon or Canon digital was a no brainier for me. The improvement has not been as great as hoped, but now I can take handheld photos with a fl 50mm or less at 1/250. With film non SR bodies I am limited to 1/1000 or faster for 50mm at times. Also only OVF works for me because I need to keep the camera pressed against my face. I can't hold the camera still while looking at the screen held out in front of me. I can't use P&S or phone cameras. I can't use my wife's "Q". Getting an SLR was also a no brainier. The main problem with Pentax is that the cameras are too light in weight. It would be nice if they were a bit heavier. I cheat a bit by keeping a custom built L plate and the OPS1 always attached, even when not needed. The battery grips are too big for my small hands. I have started using 50/55/70/100/105mm lenses again recently because of SR. I still need more time to evaluate the longer fl results, but so far I am happy. I get bummed out by the low keeper rate on my 55-300 and 50-135 lens results. However I still use a monopod or tripod when I can as they make a big difference. I just got a set of Canon IS binoculars. I have not been able to use 7x binoculars for 15 years. I am hoping that helps. Last edited by lmd91343; 06-29-2014 at 10:29 PM.

06-30-2014, 04:57 AM	#14
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Being able to get clear headshots of performers with a 400mm f/2.8 lens hand held at the back of a concert hall at f/4 1/30th of a second at ISO 3200 has certainly been useful. Last edited by Digitalis; 06-30-2014 at 05:10 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
K5 II video shake mechanical or electronic shake reduction?	Rice	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	3	06-14-2014 02:51 PM
Shake Reduction	Chapchalk	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	19	12-07-2013 04:21 PM
Shake reduction	McChucklenuts	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	2	11-25-2013 07:27 PM
Tips to Make the most of your Shake Reduction system	Adam	Pentax DSLR Discussion	3	05-14-2013 01:26 PM
Post your examples of Shake Reduction in Action	Rondec	Pentax DSLR Discussion	18	08-16-2009 09:27 PM

06-29-2014, 09:21 PM - 1 Like	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	It does let me get an occasional shot that would not happen without, but honestly I usually have it turned off. I try hard not to rely on it and stick to shutter speeds that I know will work.

06-29-2014, 09:26 PM	#3
Sagitta Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,081	It helps a LOT with night photography for me. Less a matter of shaky hands than it is "Well I can actually pull off this shot at 1/30 of a second, handheld... woo hoo! I was actually shooting tonight on my walk home, and was able to hand-hold some shots down to really stupidly slow levels because of the SR.

06-29-2014, 09:58 PM	#4
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	You never really know for sure whether it has compensated enough. It's also hard to see minor motion blur on the camera screen. I always take several shots if I can. It probably hasn't changed the shots I attempt, just allowed a few more keepers. My dad was using a Canon film camera with AF and IS after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. In his case, the IS helped a lot. He was using some older 28-135 zoom.

06-29-2014, 10:30 PM	#6
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	That's why I didn't go the other brands. I can use any lens with shake reduction and it has improved a lot from k10. it has meant i can use the most ridiculous setting and get good shots. I commonly do things outside the rules and I often get the results I want.

06-30-2014, 01:54 AM	#7
magkelly Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,901	Originally posted by lightbender Has anybody here enjoyed the shake reduction because they have actual shaky hands? My hands shake, and I'm seriously approaching Pentax equipment with that in mind. I guess I mean, as opposed to grabbing another stop, has anybody had the SR really make photography more accessible and more possible as a hobby/lifestyle/obsession? thanks! Can't hardly do without it. First I really dislike using tripods, always have, but my hands do shake sometimes, illness thing, so shake reduction really is often a huge help. I have to resort to a tripod a lot to use my film cams. It takes away from my enjoyment of shooting film. I like to hold my camera in my own hands when I shoot.

06-30-2014, 03:03 AM	#8
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,663	The big thing shake reduction does is help me shoot photos of stationary items like waterfalls when I want a longer shutter speed. So, if I shoot a waterfall with a 40mm lens at 1/10 second, I can do it with SR on, but no way with it off.

06-30-2014, 03:30 AM	#9
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,555	My hands are a shaky at times and as I get older, It gets worse and even SR can't always compensate for it anymore. It's not a constant thing so for the most part, I get by pretty well. The newer bodies do a really good job at higher ISO settings and my K5 pretty much stays at ISO 800 unless it's very bright out and I'm having a good day. On good days, I have had keepers at 1/2 sec. with SR. On bad days, I have to park my motorcycle because I keep goosing the throttle. It sucks getting old.

06-30-2014, 03:44 AM	#10
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	I only use SR when/if I need to.. Otherwise it's always off.

06-30-2014, 04:19 AM	#11
atupdate Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,724	Originally posted by lmd91343 The main problem with Pentax is that the cameras are too light in weight. It would be nice if they were a bit heavier. Have you tried using one of the DIY string tripods? This would allow you to apply a little downward tension similar to more weight. There are pictures at this website showing how to make one. String Tripod : Parts Tim

06-30-2014, 04:36 AM	#12
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,295	I always have shake reduction on unless I set the camera for remote, and the camera automatically turn is off. When I've forgot to switch remote off I can tell in the pictures that have slower shutter speeds. It definitely helps if you're hiking or doing any activity where you may be breathing a little heaver, your body tends to move more and it is harder to hold the camera steady. So it doesn't have to be shaky hands, but any slight movement.

06-30-2014, 04:40 AM	#13
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Like Rondec, because I've always shot relatively slow shutter speeds...SR is huge... I always shoot the lowest possible ISO, and highest possible Aperture up to ƒ8. Walking around in the forest, SR come into play on almost every image. Until a few years ago when I started taking images of small birds, I honestly didn't see any use for shutter speeds over 1/500. The idea of having endless images that don't make use of the sharpest part of the lens @ƒ5.6 -ƒ8 is somehow foreign to me. For me, you should maximize your resolution, and your sensor for lack of noise and dynamic range, and then mess with your shutter speed, shutter speed is the one thing you won't see in the final print as long as everything else is good. Once you start having to freeze your subject (small bird, race car, whatever) it brings in a whole new set of compromises.

06-30-2014, 05:06 AM	#15
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,048	Most of the time I don't even notice that is on. When I'm outdoors I rarely shoot lower than 1/125 so camera shake is a non issue. There are those times when I don't have a tripod and the light is dim where it does come in handy, but my mind is sort of ingrained with never hitting the shutter when I'm below 1/60th that I don't even know if the shake reduction worked or not. I usually boost up the ISO.