I used to shoot Canon 500/4 IS and then Nikon 300 VR. I am not strong enough to handhold any of these lenses+monster cameras. So they are always on tripod.
the question is why do we buy IS/VR when we have to shoot on tripod any way? Exception of course for very few hunks out there who can Handhold them.

Espresso hops me up enough to want to handhold. IS makes it possible

Seriously, the answer is why not. IQ is not much affected by the minimal use of extra glass in the long lenses and VR/IS helps rather often at high magnification. 95% of the time my 500/4 IS is used on a beanbag or (briefly) handheld. Sometimes it is on a monopod and rarely on a tripod. I used to use a 300/2.8 IS handheld rather often as well. You don't have to be very strong to handle that for short periods.

EBH

Might be different if you used a monopod

You are telling me you cannot hand hold a 300mm lens. Then I guess IS is not meant for you, but for the majority of photos that either hand hold or possibly use a monopod, the IS is a god send.

500, 300, and 200 are quite hand-holdable.

chez wrote:
You are telling me you cannot hand hold a 300mm lens. Then I guess IS is not meant for you, but for the majority of photos that either hand hold or possibly use a monopod, the IS is a god send.

I used monopod on a cruise ship---tripod was no no--- and the images I got were really sharp without IS/VR. I will buy a 400/2.8 with VR, just because it comes with all the modern glass and coating and better AF, not because of VR. Have no choice but to pay for VR.

jdben622 wrote:
500, 300, and 200 are quite hand-holdable.


Are 6ft and 250 lbs? and go to the gym daily?

6' 2" and 225#



But it's more technique than strength. You need to form a triangular brace with your weak arm to steady the lens...just like shooting a rifle.

jdben622 wrote:
6' 2" and 225#



But it's more technique than strength. You need to form a triangular brace with your weak arm to steady the lens...just like shooting a rifle.

Well, easy to say when you have the strength. Want to trade with me?, 70 yo, 5ft6 and 150lbs?
Actually I am happy the way I have been. No need for VR with tri/monopod.

thats why they have that on/off switch. use at your leisure, want, need.

nugeny wrote:
chez wrote:
You are telling me you cannot hand hold a 300mm lens. Then I guess IS is not meant for you, but for the majority of photos that either hand hold or possibly use a monopod, the IS is a god send.

I used monopod on a cruise ship---tripod was no no--- and the images I got were really sharp without IS/VR. I will buy a 400/2.8 with VR, just because it comes with all the modern glass and coating and better AF, not because of VR. Have no choice but to pay for VR.

Depends what shutter speed you were using. Also depends on what you are shooting with your big lens. Birds in flight are very challenging to shoot off of a tripod.

chez wrote:
Depends what shutter speed you were using. Also depends on what you are shooting with your big lens. Birds in flight are very challenging to shoot off of a tripod.


I would say it is the opposite. Usually it is better to shoot BIF hand held than use a tripod.

EBH

EB-1 wrote:
chez wrote:
Depends what shutter speed you were using. Also depends on what you are shooting with your big lens. Birds in flight are very challenging to shoot off of a tripod.


I would say it is the opposite. Usually it is better to shoot BIF hand held than use a tripod.

EBH

The biggest lens I can confortabley handhold is 70-200. For BIF I am with Chez. It is great with a good tripod and ballhead+sidekick or similar.

Real men are ready to hand hold at a moment's notice

wait...

EB-1 wrote:
chez wrote:
Depends what shutter speed you were using. Also depends on what you are shooting with your big lens. Birds in flight are very challenging to shoot off of a tripod.


I would say it is the opposite. Usually it is better to shoot BIF hand held than use a tripod.

EBH

Exactly what I said

i don't know. i hand hold my 200-400/4 almost exclusively and i am smaller than you. if you have lousy technique, even 28mm shots can be ruined.

Herb...

nugeny wrote:
Well, easy to say when you have the strength. Want to trade with me?, 70 yo, 5ft6 and 150lbs?
Actually I am happy the way I have been. No need for VR with tri/monopod.

EB-1 wrote:
chez wrote:
Depends what shutter speed you were using. Also depends on what you are shooting with your big lens. Birds in flight are very challenging to shoot off of a tripod.


I would say it is the opposite. Usually it is better to shoot BIF hand held than use a tripod.

EBH

Agreed. Racing motorcycles, too. IS generally turned off for this. Maybe in Mode 2 (Canon) for predictable trajectories.

HerbChong wrote:
i don't know. i hand hold my 200-400/4 almost exclusively and i am smaller than you. if you have lousy technique, even 28mm shots can be ruined.

Herb...

nugeny wrote:
Well, easy to say when you have the strength. Want to trade with me?, 70 yo, 5ft6 and 150lbs?
Actually I am happy the way I have been. No need for VR with tri/monopod.


Thanks for the genreous compliment, Herb. I do have a lousy tech. It is hard to do it just few times a year. I wish I was a bobot. That is why the tri/monopod is my friend.
Bob

nugeny wrote:
... I wish I was a bobot. That is why the tri/monopod is my friend.
Bob

Bobot. Is that a robot from Planet Bob?

I can see it now... "Danger, Will Robinson!" Robot BOB9's arms are akimbo and wildly waving about. Left arm is a Nikkor *ED 400/2.8 IF MF; "the smasher". Right arm is a Canon EF 1200/5.6 L USM; "the finder". Who needs VR or IS. This is old school bot stuff.