When do you turn SR off?

top-quark · 05-07-2012, 03:44 PM

My default lens is a 35mm prime. 1/f rule of thumb (ignoring SR) says that my shutter speed should be 1/50 or 1/60 of a second. If I'm outside I can get 1/200 of a second or better easily enough. At what point does in-body shake reduction cease to have any effect?

Presumably there is some point at which SR actually makes things worse. What sort of multiple of the 1/f speed would we be talking about?

Adam · 05-07-2012, 03:53 PM

For me, the only time it's off is when I select self-timer mode

D0n · 05-07-2012, 03:56 PM

wrong question.... IMHO.... the question is "When to turn SR on?" and for me it is only when absolutely needed..... I prefer using a tripod before resorting to SR...
SR is only for low light handholding situations such as wedding receptions where the tripod would be too cumbersome for candids...

GabrielFFontes · 05-07-2012, 04:17 PM

Seriously, why turn SR off when using it handheld?
My SR is always on

vonBaloney · 05-07-2012, 04:27 PM

My SR is always on -- it turns itself off in certain modes (self-timer, mirror lock-up, remote trigger). It should be off when using a tripod -- it can make it worse, but when I use a tripod I usually also use mirror lock-up and a remote so it turns itself off. So if you have your camera perched on a rock or something you might turn it off even if you are still "handholding" it sort of. (I much preferred the exterior SR switch on the K10D where I could flip it off easily and also easily see if it was on or off.) It is also not much use for macro where you get "in-out" shake that actually makes a difference. If it is handheld and your shutter speed is already very fast compared to focal length (x5) then it really doesn't matter whether it is on or off -- I've done enough personal tests to determine there is no particular reason to turn it off most of the time.

hcc · 05-07-2012, 05:20 PM

My SR is always On. I would switch it off only on tripod.

Chaos_Realm · 05-07-2012, 05:38 PM

My SR is also always on. The only time it comes off is when I am shooting on a tripod (turns off Automatically with self timer) and when I am using the panning technique for moving stuff (which I do manually).

RioRico · 05-07-2012, 05:43 PM

My SR is always on EXCEPT:

* tripod or timer usage
* macro focus distance
* twisting MF zooms
* forgetful negligence

vladimiroltean · 05-07-2012, 06:25 PM

Well, on the K-x, she SR actually can play tricks sometimes, and ruin shots taken in otherwise reasonable conditions (1/100, in vertical position, focus at infinity).

Marc Sabatella · 05-07-2012, 06:31 PM

Originally posted by D0n

wrong question.... IMHO.... the question is "When to turn SR on?" and for me it is only when absolutely needed..... I prefer using a tripod before resorting to SR...

Ok, if you wish to limit discussion to only those cases where a tripod is used, sure, don't use SR. But in the cases where you are not using a tripod - which is the vast majority of shots taken by the vast majority of photographers - then SR should geneally stay on, as it will help even in situations where you might not expect, and will rarely if ever hurt.

twitch · 05-07-2012, 06:33 PM

What about 1/500 or 1/1000 and faster shutter speeds. I have a "sport" user mode set up on my K-5 where I use 1/500 or faster, and I'm considering turning off SR for it. I've heard advice for canon and nikon shooters to turn off their VR/IS (on their lenses obviously) off at these fast shutter speeds, so I wonder if it applies for us too

I also have a "panning" user mode and SR is off for that.

D0n · 05-07-2012, 06:40 PM

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

Ok, if you wish to limit discussion to only those cases where a tripod is used, sure, don't use SR. But in the cases where you are not using a tripod - which is the vast majority of shots taken by the vast majority of photographers - then SR should geneally stay on, as it will help even in situations where you might not expect, and will rarely if ever hurt.

I don't wish to limit the discussion.
I factor my own human behaviour into my process. I use a tripod as often as possible... by keeping the SR off I never forget to turn it off before mounting the camera onto a tripod... it's really that simple for me. SR is something I resort to when needed, and since it's only needed in lower light, environments where you want lower iso and slower shutter speeds.... and the tripod is too cumbersome... I rarely use it.
in fact... I'll use flash in those conditions before turning on SR.

boils down to habits, I guess...

photolady95 · 05-07-2012, 06:55 PM

MIne is on all the time, except on a tripod. And SR helps when I shoot because I have a problem where my hands shake uncontrollably most of the time.

I tried RioRico's, in turning it off for my macro shots, I couldn't tell any difference, so I leave it on for those shots too.

selar · 05-07-2012, 07:03 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by kcobain1992

Well, on the K-x, she SR actually can play tricks sometimes

Do you think he SR will be less tricky? I think K5 has a "he" SR, I find it less tricky than K-x which was always playing tricks, but "she" was very cute! I still regret selling her

farhagh · 05-07-2012, 07:14 PM

Not that often. Because Pentax removed the switch, and it takes too much time to do it in menu with a big chance to forget it there, while the dedicated switch is in front of you all the time. I hope they return it back in next models.

05-07-2012, 03:44 PM	#1
top-quark Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Aylesbury, Bucks Photos: Albums Posts: 492	When do you turn SR off? My default lens is a 35mm prime. 1/f rule of thumb (ignoring SR) says that my shutter speed should be 1/50 or 1/60 of a second. If I'm outside I can get 1/200 of a second or better easily enough. At what point does in-body shake reduction cease to have any effect? Presumably there is some point at which SR actually makes things worse. What sort of multiple of the 1/f speed would we be talking about?

05-07-2012, 03:53 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	For me, the only time it's off is when I select self-timer mode Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
turn left turn right... err no	jeffkrol	General Talk	33	04-19-2012 09:19 AM
What do I need to turn off?	robr7	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	3	09-15-2011 01:17 PM
Sr will not turn off	Willowzxx	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	2	07-07-2011 07:14 AM
Nature U-Turn	eaglem	Post Your Photos!	2	04-04-2011 01:59 AM
To turn right or to turn left	spura	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	14	04-15-2009 11:29 AM

05-07-2012, 03:56 PM	#3
D0n Banned Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 530	wrong question.... IMHO.... the question is "When to turn SR on?" and for me it is only when absolutely needed..... I prefer using a tripod before resorting to SR... SR is only for low light handholding situations such as wedding receptions where the tripod would be too cumbersome for candids...

05-07-2012, 04:17 PM	#4
GabrielFFontes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Posts: 647	Seriously, why turn SR off when using it handheld? My SR is always on

05-07-2012, 04:27 PM	#5
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	My SR is always on -- it turns itself off in certain modes (self-timer, mirror lock-up, remote trigger). It should be off when using a tripod -- it can make it worse, but when I use a tripod I usually also use mirror lock-up and a remote so it turns itself off. So if you have your camera perched on a rock or something you might turn it off even if you are still "handholding" it sort of. (I much preferred the exterior SR switch on the K10D where I could flip it off easily and also easily see if it was on or off.) It is also not much use for macro where you get "in-out" shake that actually makes a difference. If it is handheld and your shutter speed is already very fast compared to focal length (x5) then it really doesn't matter whether it is on or off -- I've done enough personal tests to determine there is no particular reason to turn it off most of the time.

05-07-2012, 05:20 PM	#6
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	My SR is always On. I would switch it off only on tripod.

05-07-2012, 05:38 PM	#7
Chaos_Realm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,251	My SR is also always on. The only time it comes off is when I am shooting on a tripod (turns off Automatically with self timer) and when I am using the panning technique for moving stuff (which I do manually).

05-07-2012, 05:43 PM	#8
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	My SR is always on EXCEPT: * tripod or timer usage * macro focus distance * twisting MF zooms * forgetful negligence

05-07-2012, 06:25 PM	#9
vladimiroltean Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bucharest, Romania Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,465	Well, on the K-x, she SR actually can play tricks sometimes, and ruin shots taken in otherwise reasonable conditions (1/100, in vertical position, focus at infinity).

05-07-2012, 06:31 PM	#10
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Originally posted by D0n wrong question.... IMHO.... the question is "When to turn SR on?" and for me it is only when absolutely needed..... I prefer using a tripod before resorting to SR... Ok, if you wish to limit discussion to only those cases where a tripod is used, sure, don't use SR. But in the cases where you are not using a tripod - which is the vast majority of shots taken by the vast majority of photographers - then SR should geneally stay on, as it will help even in situations where you might not expect, and will rarely if ever hurt.

05-07-2012, 06:33 PM	#11
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	What about 1/500 or 1/1000 and faster shutter speeds. I have a "sport" user mode set up on my K-5 where I use 1/500 or faster, and I'm considering turning off SR for it. I've heard advice for canon and nikon shooters to turn off their VR/IS (on their lenses obviously) off at these fast shutter speeds, so I wonder if it applies for us too I also have a "panning" user mode and SR is off for that.

05-07-2012, 06:40 PM	#12
D0n Banned Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 530	Originally posted by Marc Sabatella Ok, if you wish to limit discussion to only those cases where a tripod is used, sure, don't use SR. But in the cases where you are not using a tripod - which is the vast majority of shots taken by the vast majority of photographers - then SR should geneally stay on, as it will help even in situations where you might not expect, and will rarely if ever hurt. I don't wish to limit the discussion. I factor my own human behaviour into my process. I use a tripod as often as possible... by keeping the SR off I never forget to turn it off before mounting the camera onto a tripod... it's really that simple for me. SR is something I resort to when needed, and since it's only needed in lower light, environments where you want lower iso and slower shutter speeds.... and the tripod is too cumbersome... I rarely use it. in fact... I'll use flash in those conditions before turning on SR. boils down to habits, I guess...

05-07-2012, 06:55 PM	#13
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	MIne is on all the time, except on a tripod. And SR helps when I shoot because I have a problem where my hands shake uncontrollably most of the time. I tried RioRico's, in turning it off for my macro shots, I couldn't tell any difference, so I leave it on for those shots too.

05-07-2012, 07:03 PM - 1 Like	#14
selar Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,042	Originally posted by kcobain1992 Well, on the K-x, she SR actually can play tricks sometimes Do you think he SR will be less tricky? I think K5 has a "he" SR, I find it less tricky than K-x which was always playing tricks, but "she" was very cute! I still regret selling her

05-07-2012, 07:14 PM	#15
farhagh Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ohio Photos: Albums Posts: 339	Not that often. Because Pentax removed the switch, and it takes too much time to do it in menu with a big chance to forget it there, while the dedicated switch is in front of you all the time. I hope they return it back in next models.