How good is your stabilization?

[PaulaLynn]

I have got zip/zilch/zero image stabilization and can't keep the camera steady to save my life. I routinly shoot at 1/200 to 250th with my 70-200 at 85mm and can't get a sharp shot to save my life. Even on my 18-55 I'm normally at 1/200-250 and can't get a sharp shot... Tripods are my life LOL!

[Travis]

I find setting up a tripod impractical in a lot of situations: almost all photojournalism and public relations shoots, street shooting, shooting in busy or tourist areas, animals, inside buildings, on bridges, on skis, in tight caves and mine shafts etc. Aside from studio, portraits, and product work I often have no place to put a tripod near my camera position.

Tegan

I agree.... and you really don't know what your missing until you have it... it's another tool in the photographers war chest for sure... i just find that I pull out the tri/monopod when it comes to portfolio building shots instead of relying on the VR... mostly pertaining to landscapes (where i usually lock up the mirror, use a shutter release and a host of other mechanisms to ensure a quality exposure). You are right though, I have a ton of shots that I wouldn't have got without the VR. I don't even have VR anymore... my new $1800 24-70 2.8 doesn't have it.... but the 70-200 2.8 does... it's my next lens...

[tegan]

I have got zip/zilch/zero image stabilization and can't keep the camera steady to save my life. I routinly shoot at 1/200 to 250th with my 70-200 at 85mm and can't get a sharp shot to save my life. Even on my 18-55 I'm normally at 1/200-250 and can't get a sharp shot... Tripods are my life LOL!

Some cameras show you in the viewfinder, whether you are moving the camera or not, which helps you to keep the camera steadier. Bracing it against a tree or a building can also be helpful.

Tegan