C100: Sigma 18-35 Handheld

A

Andy Young

Member
Is anyone using the 18-35 Sigma handheld on a C100? I shoot a lot of handheld stuff with my Sigma 17-50 with IS. I'm tempted by a 18-35 and 50-100 combo. I know there's no chance of handholding the C100 with the 50-100, that thing is a beast. But I'm wondering if anyone can share their experience using the 18-35 without stabilization.
 
With some kind of chest stabilization I found it was workable, but the weight of the lens means your going to fatigue pretty fast trying to hold it still. As a rule of thumb, I have found that 28mm & wider are generally safe focal lengths that can be hand held without some form of stabilization. Beyond that, up to 40mm is possible but fatigue and operator skill are more prevalent. 50mm and above, forget it!

This is where the a7r/a7s ii IBIS shines most! I can hand hold an 85mm cineprime with rock steady results. Even some of my vintage telephotos look smooth as butter without any kind of rig, really impressive!
 
You'll have micro jitters at all but the widest focal length for sure. Get a video monopod or shoulder rig setup.
 
Not trying to go against the grain here. On my c100 (not sure if it's weight distribution) I get rock solid shots for hours handheld. Never had a problem with jitters, ever, with the 18-35. Most of my work are live concert so it requires very long solid takes. Most feel like tripod. Given, I have been doing this for a career for a very long time so I have lots of practice....but never once had any difficulty with the 18/35. Very curious about the 50-100mm.
 
ReelWorksMedia said:
I get rock solid shots for hours handheld. Never had a problem with jitters, ever, with the 18-35.
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Have any examples of these rock solid results with the 18-35? I don't do any events/concerts but perhaps our definition of steady is different because my experience has been almost the complete opposite.
 
Its all mixed in with other lenses...but I will try and dig up a clip and post for ya. Just did a shoot this past Sat. Should be some nice shots in there. I'll try and get one up for you.
 
Cool...so I just picked the first clip I could find. Not that this is good or anything...but it gives you a general idea. I could do these types of shots on end for as long as needed.

No stabilization of any kind, all handheld. Im sure some of my clips are better...some probably worse...so this would be middle of the road I guess. Definitely not an issue though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaG_1e8U1pM&feature=youtu.be

I am doing a little handheld dolly mvmt intentionally in this clip. When I keep it absolutely still...its pretty tripod like. Any slight wobble is more me crossing my feet and not really the len's fault.
 
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ps...the lighting in that clip kinda sucks. I do all the event light programming as well. Here are some stills with various lenses that better illustrate the more interesting lighting setups we do. Would not want anyone to get the wrong ideas out the quality of light design we do at events ;)

These are all stills taken from video. Lots of 18-35mm in there...along with some 70-200mm, 24-70mm...and I think that was it for this shoot.

https://samhill.smugmug.com/Dance-Candy-Verulam-Farm-42316/

The Sigma 18-35mm is def an awesome lens and one of my favs. I have had my finger on the trigger for the 50-100mm. I may just do it. It looks really nice...but...I do want to see samples. The 18-35mm is pretty forgiving without IS. That said, the 50-100mm will naturally need more stabilization....but it may work. I never had many problems with the Canon 24-70mm at 70mm...so it might work.

Looks like a lovely lens though.
 
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Thanks for the input, that definitely helps. My gut feeling is that I will be OK the way I typically shoot handheld. I think i'll figure out a time to rent it and test it out before I buy anything.
 
ReelWorksMedia, how exactly do you handhold it? Are you using a MK2 and looking through the EVF to brace it against your face? I didn't think I would use the EVF much, but once I upgraded to the MK2, I started using it all the time to add some more stability to my handheld shots.
 
drummondb said:
ReelWorksMedia, how exactly do you handhold it? Are you using a MK2 and looking through the EVF to brace it against your face? I didn't think I would use the EVF much, but once I upgraded to the MK2, I started using it all the time to add some more stability to my handheld shots.
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Its the C100 Mark 1 without DPAF. I actually hold it old school style. Right hand through the hand grip and left hand cradling the bottom of the lens. Focus through the screen. I don't really use the eye cup ever and i don't really shoot on the shoulder either. I do this so I can have complete flexibility with angles and my arms can compensate for any moment on the 4th axis if you will. In my particular situation, I work for an entertainment agency that constantly keeps me shooting....pretty much only bands in corporate party environments. Been doing that for over a decade...so I have tried all kinds of ways to do it. At this point, my arms, shoulders, and upper chest have gotten pretty toned and use to being flexed and locked for long periods of time.

I imagine if I just started now, it would probably be a bit fatiguing...but honestly, over time, the muscles adapt and it starts to work as it should.

Another important thing....especially in chaotic environments.....breathing. i am very conscious about my breath and how I breath....along with my heart rate. So I guess there are some meditative elements.....but, like composition....after a while....you don't even think about it anymore and it just becomes a reflex.


It does help that, over the years, I have tried all kinds of stabilizers for extended periods of time and have a feel for "how they correct" the stabilization....and tried to work that into how I hold the camera and react to movement. Trying to simulate those stabilizers helps a bit I think.
 
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ReelWorksMedia said:
Not trying to go against the grain here. On my c100 (not sure if it's weight distribution) I get rock solid shots for hours handheld. Never had a problem with jitters, ever, with the 18-35. Most of my work are live concert so it requires very long solid takes. Most feel like tripod. Given, I have been doing this for a career for a very long time so I have lots of practice....but never once had any difficulty with the 18/35. Very curious about the 50-100mm.
Click to expand...

Same here, handholding hasnt been a problem for me with this lens at all. definitely worth the the investment!
 
I use the 18-35 handheld quite a bit. Very managable.
After a long day any/most combos will fatigue. No issues for me.
50-100 is in the way!
 
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