How Slow Can YOU Go? A Simple Test To Check Your PSSI (Personal Stabilized Speed Index) Page 2

Here's how I tested: I set up a test target, an old Air Force resolving chart, but a newspaper mounted flat would do just fine. I worked without a tripod in open shade. My aim was to include "information" right out to the edges of the frame. I worked with the lenses on "normal" VR mode, with and without tele-converters. I of course backed up to maintain the same framing throughout all the images as I zoomed. I set the camera to an ISO 100 rating with the smaller zoom but upped the ante to ISO 200 and even 400 with the 200-400mm VR lens when I attached the more powerful 2x converter. I worked my way up and back through the focal length range. I set the format to JPEG-Fine and the sharpening to normal, then placed the camera on Flexible Program, which allowed me to fine-tune my settings with just one twist of the Main Command Dial.

This tranquil scene was made with the 70-200mm VR lens and an exposure of 1/30 sec at f/4 with the lens at 135mm (200mm).

The results were interesting, to say the least, and I urge you to embark on this testing program with your own camera, lenses, and personal requirements to find your own PSSI.

Using a Canon 500D close-up attachment on the Nikon 70-200mm VR lens, this rain soaked photo was taken at 1/25 sec at f/4 at the 70mm (105mm) focal length.

Stan Trzoniec is a frequent "Shutterbug" contributor and a widely published writer/photographer. His new photography book, "Images of the Present," is now available directly. He can be reached via e-mail at: fotoclass@aol.com

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