[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DPA2AB170697.swf, 585, 473, [/swf]
I received a whole lot of emails with this phrasing of the question summing them all up. “Please tell how us mortal men can handle hold at a mere 1/45?” I realize that for many, this seems like just an unobtainable feat but it really isn’t. Getting sharp images at this slow shutter speed first required proper handholding technique. Personally, since I often heft the 200-400VR2, I have a 10lbs weight at my desk that I constantly pump so so I have a little extra muscle for handholding the bigger glass. One thing I can’t stress enough it practice and I firmly believe daily practice is a must for shooting at slow shutter speeds. Next, when it comes to air-to-air, your ass is literally strapped to the floor of the photo platform. That strap is connected to a harness that secures you from falling out. I actually pull against that while shooting with my whole body. Air-to-air takes a toll on you in part because of this massive isometric exercise you do the whole time. So you’re pulling your elbows in, pressing the camera against your forehead, pulling against the floor of the plane while you pucker your ass shooting out a open door 3000 feet above the ground! Lastly, I have no doubt that the VR in the 24-120AFS and 70-200VR2 makes a difference since I am shooting from an unstable platform. The planes bounces and turns and jostles and that can’t help getting a sharp image at these slow speeds no matter how well you handhold or pucker your ass, VR must be coming into play. And that’s is really all there is to it. A little technique, a little muscle, a little VR and a pinch of being nuts!
Photo captured by D3x, 24-120AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film