DSLR RECOIL

[PAUL50]

I have a D5 and D850 which I frequently use with a 500PF mounted on a RRS high end tripod. Often when I shoot I use single point auto focus aimed at the eye of my subject, and when I release the shutter I get the equivalent of a rifles‘s recoil that sends the single point of focus dancing around the frame. Is this a technique problem I can overcome or is this just the way it is. I’ve gone to very short bursts and re-aiming but that doesn’t work when the action picks up. Your thoughts will be appreciate. Oh, and if it’s a technique issue any thoughts on fixing it would also be appreciate. I should add, the lens is always attached to a Surui gimbelhead. Thanks

 

[Ralph]

I have a D5 and D850 which I frequently use with a 500PF mounted on a RRS high end tripod. Often when I shoot I use single point auto focus aimed at the eye of my subject, and when I release the shutter I get the equivalent of a rifles‘s recoil that sends the single point of focus dancing around the frame. Is this a technique problem I can overcome or is this just the way it is. I’ve gone to very short bursts and re-aiming but that doesn’t work when the action picks up. Your thoughts will be appreciate. Oh, and if it’s a technique issue any thoughts on fixing it thought would also be appreciate. I should add, the lens is always attached to a Surui gimbelhead. Thanks

Paul, if you have the normal VR setting active that’s the cause. Switch to sport VR. I had the same issue. I thought I was imaging it at first. If you set the preview to show the location of the focus box it will verify that the box is moving. I Thought my technique was the problem at first but after anchoring the camera and staying very aware of my technique it still occurred. It doesn’t happen all the time. It even occurred with my 70-300 zoom. That’s when I first encountered the issue. I have not experienced the issue once I switched to sport VR.

 

[DRwyoming]

Oh, and if it’s a technique issue any thoughts on fixing it would also be appreciate.

Generally good long lens technique takes care of those kinds of problems. The idea is to drape your left hand up and over the lens barrel out towards the end of the lens and apply gentle down pressure as you release the shutter. You can add more stability by pressing your eye into an eyecup on the rear of the camera. Basically you're trying to damp vibrations resulting from releasing the shutter. A gentle roll of the finger rather than a distinct press with your finger tip to release the shutter tends to help as well. This is all done with the gimbal head set a bit loose both to allow quick repositioning and panning and also to help dissipate vibrations.

Maybe you're doing all this but from what you describe it sounds like some practice with long lens technique might help. Steve has a video demonstrating long lens technique here:

 

[PAUL50]

Paul, if you have the normal VR setting active that’s the cause. Switch to sport VR. I had the same issue. I thought I was imaging it at first. If you set the preview to show the location of the focus box it will verify that the box is moving. I Thought my technique was the problem at first but after anchoring the camera and staying very aware of my technique it still occurred. It doesn’t happen all the time. It even occurred with my 70-300 zoom. That’s when I first encountered the issue. I have not experienced the issue once I switched to sport VR.

Generally good long lens technique takes care of those kinds of problems. The idea is to drape your left hand up and over the lens barrel out towards the end of the lens and apply gentle down pressure as you release the shutter. You can add more stability by pressing your eye into an eyecup on the rear of the camera. Basically you're trying to damp vibrations resulting from releasing the shutter. A gentle roll of the finger rather than a distinct press with your finger tip to release the shutter tends to help as well. This is all done with the gimbal head set a bit loose both to allow quick repositioning and panning and also to help dissipate vibrations.

Maybe you're doing all this but from what you describe it sounds like some practice with long lens technique might help. Steve has a video demonstrating long lens technique here:

Thanks DR Will work on it. I have not in the past used my left hand to hold down on the lens. I need to review Steve’s video as well. Will also take Ralph’s advice and switch to sport VR.

 

[PAUL50]

Paul, if you have the normal VR setting active that’s the cause. Switch to sport VR. I had the same issue. I thought I was imaging it at first. If you set the preview to show the location of the focus box it will verify that the box is moving. I Thought my technique was the problem at first but after anchoring the camera and staying very aware of my technique it still occurred. It doesn’t happen all the time. It even occurred with my 70-300 zoom. That’s when I first encountered the issue. I have not experienced the issue once I switched to sport VR.

Thanks Ralph. Will definitely give sport VR a try.

 

[aolander]

It's the VR.

 

[PAUL50]

It's the VR.

Thanks!

 

[Whiskeyman]

One technique to explore the issue is to shoot a series of shots at a target, both moving and stationary, and compare your subject's position. If your subject position is stable, or your tracking progress is even, then it would point to the VR affecting the focus point position, would it not? If your subject position is not stable, or your tracking is uneven, then the issue would be with your shooting technique.

W

 

[PAUL50]

I’m taking everyone’s advice here and will try your suggestion as well. Thanks

 

[Yellowboard]

I had a similar experience and, like others here, it was the VR. After changing to sport mode the "recoil" disappeared.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I am not a lot of help since I have use my tripod and gimbal or my mono or tripod and ball head about once a year. Steve's technique video above is great. I am a run and gun photographer and do very little other than wildlife and I use target rifle and shotgun holding and handling techniques to hand hold. I do not use anything larger and heavier than a Sigma 60-600 sport so do not have the issues one would have with the big 600 primes etc..

 

[dalias 23]

I have a D5 and D850 which I frequently use with a 500PF mounted on a RRS high end tripod. Often when I shoot I use single point auto focus aimed at the eye of my subject, and when I release the shutter I get the equivalent of a rifles‘s recoil that sends the single point of focus dancing around the frame. Is this a technique problem I can overcome or is this just the way it is. I’ve gone to very short bursts and re-aiming but that doesn’t work when the action picks up. Your thoughts will be appreciate. Oh, and if it’s a technique issue any thoughts on fixing it would also be appreciate. I should add, the lens is always attached to a Surui gimbelhead. Thanks

 

[Flyboy]

VR may be your problem. Thom Hogan wrote an article about VR, and how it may or may not affect photo sharpness above 1/500 sec. I have not noticed any difference in my photos at higher shutter speeds, but it is certainly enough to make me cautious. One thing he said was: If something is moving YOU...you are in a car, plane, or on a boat...use your "ACTIVE" setting, or if only your subject is moving, use "Normal". On a tripod, shut the VR off, unless the lens' instructions specifically state that the lens can sense tripod mounting, and compensate.

 

[PAUL50]

VR may be your problem. Thom Hogan wrote an article about VR, and how it may or may not affect photo sharpness above 1/500 sec. I have not noticed any difference in my photos at higher shutter speeds, but it is certainly enough to make me cautious. One thing he said was: If something is moving YOU...you are in a car, plane, or on a boat...use your "ACTIVE" setting, or if only your subject is moving, use "Normal". On a tripod, shut the VR off, unless the lens' instructions specifically state that the lens can sense tripod mounting, and compensate.

Turns out it was the normal VR. When I took the earlier suggestions to switch to Sport VR the recoil went away. Now I just have to refine my technique. For me it’s a little like firing a rifle - relaxing my body and grip and panning with my body, not my hands. DR’s suggestion re putting my left hand on the barrel of the lens putting slight downward pressure has also been helpful. Thanks for your input.