Lesson 1 Use a Tripod, Technical Data, Tripod Mode

Shooting Techniques

Static Subjects

At the high resolutions offered by the D800/D800E, even the slightest camera motion can result in blur. The technique re- vealed in this section minimizes blur through a combination of live view photography and a tripod.

Technical Data

■Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 14–24mm f/2.8G ED ■ Exposure mode: Manual ■ Shutter speed: 1 s ■ Aperture: f/8 ■ White balance: Choose color temp. (5000 K) ■ ISO sensitivity: 100 ■ Picture con- trol: Standard

Note: This photo was shot in 14-bit NEF (RAW) and processed using Capture NX 2.

Photo © Benjamin Anthony Monn

Lesson 1: Use a Tripod

Use a tripod to reduce blur when photographing static subjects. It should be as sturdy as possible; avoid extending the legs or center column farther than necessary. A large head helps keep the camera steady.

Tripod Mode

Some lenses, such as the AF-S NIKKOR 200–400mm f/4G ED VR II, offer vibration reduction with a TRIPOD option that is par- ticularly effective in reducing blur at shutter speeds of 1⁄15–1 s and is generally recommended when the camera is mounted on a tri- pod. NORMAL is however preferred if the tripod head is not fixed or you are using a monopod.