FS5: Shooting handheld on a non IS lens

scorsesefan

scorsesefan

Veteran
I do a lot of hand held run n' gun work with my fs5 and I recently picked up a Tamron 28-75 which I mostly use on my A7iii but would like to use more on my fs5. The only issue I'm finding is the lack of OIS on this otherwise great lens. I'm tall and pretty big (6' 2" and 200lbs) so I sort of cradle the cam in front of me like a football but there's still some jitters. Any thoughts or suggestions?
I also have a Canon 17-55 but would rather shed the extra weight/Metabones....
 
28mm is kind of tight on a S35 sensor, so a wider lens would help a lot. But if you think the 17-55/SB is adding extra weight, you really don't have any other options (besides getting better at holding the camera still or using a monopod).

If you're willing to compromise, a gimbal or another wider lens with IS would be best. (Like a Tamron 15-30mm G2.)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1432499-REG/tamron_afa041c_700_sp_15_30mm_f_2_8_di.html

Realistically, what else can you do without good IBIS? (Sony doesn't have good IBIS.)

[There's also post IS too.]
 
Get the Tamron 24-70 . You pay a little more but its the only lens in that range with IS. Its also supposed to have a little better IQ. With speed booster it becomes an F2.
 
scorsesefan said:
I do a lot of hand held run n' gun work with my fs5 and I recently picked up a Tamron 28-75 which I mostly use on my A7iii but would like to use more on my fs5. The only issue I'm finding is the lack of OIS on this otherwise great lens. I'm tall and pretty big (6' 2" and 200lbs) so I sort of cradle the cam in front of me like a football but there's still some jitters. Any thoughts or suggestions?
I also have a Canon 17-55 but would rather shed the extra weight/Metabones....
Click to expand...

Add a third point of stabilization. Try a side arm on the operator’s side. It rests on your left fore arm and your left hand can still control the lens. You right arm holds the bulk of the weight in your usual way.

49512110291_24eb075fc2_b.jpg


It helps when shooting low mode as well. Top handle skate boarder style. The side bar gives an additional point to stabilize and control.

Most of us have done this intuitively with the miniDV camcorders flip out screen. I think Combatentropy has talked about it.

I’ve also used those micro tripods, as they fold up and can stick out to the side, and then open up for a quick static tripod shot from the ground or a table top etc.
 
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Thanks, James. Can you link to a side arm so I can see exactly what you mean? @Norbro I agree. I think 28 is a little too tele for run n' gun. Especially indoors...
 
scorsesefan said:
Thanks, James. Can you link to a side arm so I can see exactly what you mean? @Norbro I agree. I think 28 is a little too tele for run n' gun. Especially indoors...
Click to expand...

Literally anything that works for you. The main idea is to give yourself more leverage over micro vibrations and jittery wobbles.

In the miniDV days, we’d often see shooters with the side flip out LCD resting on their left fore arm.


A cheap and convenient start, could be a flat flash bracket, with no cold shoe, or any similar photo accessory like this:
https://www.samys.com/p/Flash-Brack...MIl8i5o87F5wIVoxx9Ch3QbAduEAQYASABEgLMffD_BwE
You could use an L flash bracket, but i would prefer a flat piece that i can loosen a screw and put in a pocket, or swivel under the camera for storing in a camera bag. But cameras are pretty short these days maybe an L bracket could do that now.

It is just forming a triangle of support points and widening the inertia of the camera’s horizon.

I made a quick mock up on my phone here for you, since i am onset and not near a camera built that way.
49512831253_c35af5a017_b.jpg


49513571392_0f20f3280d_z.jpg


The could be mounted from the camera top or side, and made of whatever suits you. I use this on dslr and mirrorless hand held at times too.
 
Not sure who makes them now, but there was a folding shoulder mount/chest support that Cowboy Studio was selling for a while that works surprisingly well. They had been selling them somewhere in the $25 - $30 range. Quick search turned one up on eBay

https://www.ebay.com/i/362774163674...72877&itm=362774163674&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=2386202

I had an earlier version from a different manufacturer, but have always found it convenient and comfortable -- and remarkably steady. I had started using it way back with my EX1 (or maybe even the V1u), continued to use with F3 and still bring it along. In my case I attached a Sachtler quick release to it so I could move quickly from tripod to shoulder mount.
 
This rig has worked well for me. One hand for the camera, one for the lens. EVF is third point. Shoot holding the camera across the body like a rifle. Monopod against the waist. Weight is supported by skeletal structure, not arm muscles.
30248402755_e2c52994dd_b.jpg


Video shot with this rig, Schneider 16-80. Good and bad shots for stability, all handheld. Did not ground the monopod. The closeups were at 80mm, which is equivalent to about 200mm on S35. I've thought about using a parade flag harness with this rig, but haven't gotten around to trying it.

 
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Andy9 said:
I've got one of these and love it: https://www.amazon.com/OPENMOON-Camera-Chest-Supporting-Grey/dp/B079QX23SC
Camera is supported by shoulder straps, velcro waistband and your hands. You can rest the camera on the 'pillow' or rest your elbows on it and hold the camera at eye level. Either way, it's solid.

You get some funny looks though.
Click to expand...

I used to use my camera bag similarly. Just put it on in front of me, and rest the camera on it.

Similarly, several shooters i’ve met use a Cine-saddle in that way:
At the 3:43 mark, the DP is rocking a cine saddle doing handheld...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsl4cVJhweg

Very cool to see a specialized product for this. Very cool.
 
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