Is the lack of Vibration Control a major factor in shooting without a tripod
1823557
The short answer is yes, if you want to shoot at lower shutter speeds. Here's why. Vibration control will compensate for camera shake and an unsteady hand. The general rule is that you can shoot handheld at a shutter speed of 1/(focal length) and anything slower than that will be effected. So this lens would be OK for handheld at 1/200 at 200mm and 1/500 at 500mm. Any slower shutter speed and you are running the chance of introducing vibration blur into your photo. Lenses with vibration control will compensate up to 4 stops. That means that if this lens had VC then you would be able to shoot at 1/50 and 1/125 at 200mm and 500mm respectively. Other choices in this category with vibration compensation at this price range come from Sigma 120-400 and 150-500. Both have HSM (focusing motor) for Canon and Nikon bodies and OS (optical stabilization) - Sigma's version of vibration control. It should be noted, however that these two lenses weigh significantly more than the Tamron (18 and 24 oz. respectively).
206684
The image stabilization is through the lens. I shoot without a tripod however for best use of the lens or for shooting for longer periods of time, use a tripod or monopod.
1330641
Great idea. Wish I didn't need a tripod, though. I guess I'll have to decide whether I really want to do a lot of macro work. Thanks!
2263345
I never use the tripod and have not taken a fuzzy picture due to shakiness. This is also with the telephoto lens fully extended.
1327240
No it does not...I am an old time photographer and it works great for me...and if I need more stabilization that I get from me....I use my tripod.
1688969
Yes, the slider can be used with or without a tripod head. Make sure to keep the track very clean before using it. Also, make sure you use some kind of lubrication on the track like WD40. This is a super small slider and it looks even smaller through a camera, so don't expect an amazing tracking shot. It's not bad, just not long enough.
1157178
I have no tripod head. I am using the lens mainly without tripod, but it is light and it is possible to attach the camera to a tripod if necessary. In this case, the tripod must be very stable or helped by hand.
865886
No tripod needed. Just find a level surface, set the angle and point. I've used it on porches and decks.
1731568
I would think it would be proportional to how shaky your hands are. I shake a little, everyone does. If you have really shaky hands you can always get a monopod or tripod for it.
683311
I would say no. Tripod is plastic and not very durable to hold the camera with any type of heavy lens. However, the cable release that comes with the kit is FANTASTIC! You can take photos with no vibration of your hands shaking. I would recommend purchasing a Promaster C429W Carbon Fiber Tripod from Amazon...I paid $119, Shutterfly sells them in the store for $299. Got free shipping and two day delivery! And the Promaster legs extend out completely flat so you can angle it from a bank or across a stream, one, two or all three legs. Very, very durable and light. And, I would definitely recommend purchasing a cable release. I I would say no. Tripod is plastic and not very durable to hold the camera with any type of heavy lens. However, the cable release that comes with the kit is FANTASTIC! You can take photos with no vibration of your hands shaking. I would recommend purchasing a Promaster C429W Carbon Fiber Tripod from Amazon...I paid $119, Shutterfly sells them in the store for $299. Got free shipping and two day delivery! And the Promaster legs extend out completely flat so you can angle it from a bank or across a stream, one, two or all three legs. Very, very durable and light. And, I would definitely... » Read More I would say no. Tripod is plastic and not very durable to hold the camera with any type of heavy lens. However, the cable release that comes with the kit is FANTASTIC! You can take photos with no vibration of your hands shaking. I would recommend purchasing a Promaster C429W Carbon Fiber Tripod from Amazon...I paid $119, Shutterfly sells them in the store for $299. Got free shipping and two day delivery! And the Promaster legs extend out completely flat so you can angle it from a bank or across a stream, one, two or all three legs. Very, very durable and light. And, I would definitely recommend purchasing a cable release. I « Show Less
692416
Yes, you must have some weight hooked in the bottom of the column tripod to avoid shake. A camera bag works well as weight.
1092358
no, had to buy two tripods in order to use it and have it be stable enough to support the weight of the camera. good buy though
901199
I think you could dial that in--but what I've found is it's really difficulet to use without a tripod and then without a micro adjustment--a mm can throw it out of focus! So just remember--you could to it but I'm guessin you'd take maybe 10 shots to get one that worked handheld!!
28642
No it doesn't. I believe that since most tripods do, they didn't think it necessary.
1991859
I would think so, but the lens is very subject to any vibration, even with a tripod. You would be advised to get a lens that has vibration compensation.
1688963
Yes you can use without tripod head. But you can scratch you canera. You can use a simple balljoint head And is so cheap like 7 or 10 dollars.
2006982
Depends on the tripod. If it's on a flat surface it isn't too bad. One thing I would've liked was an easier slide. It sticks occasionally and can be difficult to get consistent, fluid shots.