Setting shutter speed to 2X or 3X focal length when hand held?

3 years 5 months ago #699545 by TGonzo
I have been watching a few videos and notice people are all over the place with this rule.  Which is is?  As there is a big difference between 2X and 3X of focal length.  If I'm using a 50mm for example, should I have shutter speed of 1/100 or 1/150 sec?


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3 years 5 months ago #699547 by Nikon Shooter
These are rules of thumb that will change with focal length,
age of the shooter, the weight of the gear, the speed of the
subject… among others.

When I was younger, I could shoot at 1/15s without a sweat
with a 28 or 200 mm but today I go for 1/50th to be safe.

To know what is best for you, try a combo at different speed
and situations to see where your lower limits are.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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3 years 5 months ago #699565 by TGonzo
You mean this rule isn't really a rule but depends on your health and strength?  


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3 years 5 months ago - 3 years 5 months ago #699566 by Nikon Shooter
Yup! These are guide lines to initiate beginners to go
for sharpness and other things. One of the problems
to solve is that we otherwise don't live in fractions of
seconds.

Low lights will slow down the SS and freezing BiF will
speed it up, shorten it.

As hockey player, I am still strong and healthy but I am
23 for the third time and play with fellows of my age or
train kids.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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3 years 5 months ago #699587 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day TG

Like most sports or hobbies, there are many "rules" offered to beginners by others who have been around-the-block as the saying goes. The rule of thirds is a very popular one, as is the 'shutter-speed' rule

These suggestions are offered to assist others as a starting point - and if followed to some degree, they very often will overcome many problems that beginners discover - and also create a beaut photo as well

As NS implies - all these rules / numbers for shutter speed - need to be followed with a bit of common sense ... what worked yesterday might not work today if the wind is up or you are shivering with cold

Hope this helps
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

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3 years 5 months ago #699780 by fmw
Here is another rule for you.  When in doubt, the answer has 3 legs.


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The following user(s) said Thank You: Ozzie_Traveller
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