In the first place, photographers have been using tripods forever. A tripod is not only a great compositional tool but also, by slowing down the photographer, it allows him or her to use time to reflect on what is been done.
I use my tripods even when I am using VR lenses. VR lenses can do a great job when the hands move but not when the subject moves as we all know. A heavy VR lens, in my case like the 80-400, paired with professional cameras could brake my arms at the end of the day if I did not have a strong support like my tripods.
Tripods are not accessories, they are a necessity.
Gustaf Lindber wrote:
Man why did I look at this thread. Now I need to get a new camera.
That happened to me also, Gustaf. After seeing images from the D700, there was no turning back. Even now, it surprises me when I see high-ISO shots from the D700 or D3.
I'm constantly baffled by how clean D700 files are at 3200 ISO. I rarely turn it above 6400 simply because I can't believe it'll still be usable higher than that, but I really should! Some of this 6400+ stuff is unbeatable.
Kind of a newb question but I'm currently using a D90 and I'm scared to over ISO800. Should I? There's some great pics from D700 here but I don't see any from the D90. I did use once 1600 but it was rather grainy. Are you guys using any sort of NR software?
If your composition is excellent, exposed correctly, and your subject sharp, a D70 at ISO 1600 looks fantastic. People don't notice the noise unless the picture isn't very good anyway. The noise is barely visible on small prints.
