Camera shake issue with a 50mm

[stevet1]

I've spent the last couple of days shooting with a 50mm f/1.8.

I've been really happy with it. It's small and light and very sharp

It's different in that what you see is what you get.

I've been a little disappointed in myself. Because it's so light, it's too easy to move your camera around and I wound up with a lot of camera shake, and because it doesn't have image stabilization, it makes matters worse.

I have to really concentrate on holding still, especially with slower shutter speeds. I've wound up with a lot of blurry pictures. I'm going to try using a tripod for a while with it.

 Steve  Thomas

[zakslm]

Steve,

Your comments are spot on!  Great advice. 

 My zooms are IS and my primes are not and I observed the same thing happening when not being careful to hold steady and/or watch my shutter speed.  More so with the 2 lighter and smaller primes I have (EF-S 24mm f2.8 STM & EF 50mm f1.8 STM) vs. my 85mm f1.8 USM which is a longer and heavier lens that I seem to be conscious of holding more steady and/or using higher shutter speeds. 

Like you described, the result are very sharp and what you see is what you get!

Regards,

LZ

[ebiggs1]

Steve,

SS is still SS no matter the FL although FL can be a factor. A shutter speed of 1/125 and up is pretty stable on a 50mm lens. What SS are you using that is delivering the blurry photos. I routinely shoot at 1/60 and slower with my 50mm f1.2L and see no movement or blurry images. It is probably a good idea to try it on a tripod and do a complete test if for nothing more than to prove nothing wrong with the lens.

[stevet1]

EB,

Yeah. The lens is good, I think. The shots I was talking about were down around 1/8 and 1/15th. I was shooting at dusk.

Steve Thomas

[normadel]

Lightness is not always a good thing. You don't say what camera you have. A small, lighter camera like a Rebel gives up some stability. A heavier body's  mass will lend stability and dampen vibration. Adding a battery grip lends mass and stability, and gives a more stable hand-hold.

[stevet1]

normadel,

Yeah, I know. I have a T8i, which is pretty light, but for physical reasons, I need that. The T8i doesn't take a battery grip, and comes in at 515g.

I'm just going to have to overcome my reticence about using a tripod. I don't know why, but a tripod makes me feel affectatious or pretencious. I have a tabletop tripod, and I've been thinking about ways to make that work.

Steve Thomas

[Tronhard]

Hi Steve:

If I ask an obvious question here, please forgive:  do you use the EVF when shooting or the LCD held out in front? Would you consider a monopod?  They are more compact and lighter to carry normally and less inclined to be noticed.

[stevet1]

Trevor,

Normally, I don't use the LCD. My lower back won't take it. I have a tripod where one of the legs comes off and doubles as a monopod. I've never used it, bit I'll give it some thought.

normadel,

Thank you for your suggestion. I'll give it some thought.

Steve Thomas

[normadel]

You could also consider a simple flash L- bracket that is held by left hand. That gives TWO strong handholds. If you are autofocusing, your left hand does nothing else except hold the camera, more securely than your fingers on the body. One that I have two of was made by Kalt. It's solid. They made another one that folds. Can be found on eBay and used equipment sellers.