1. First, in order to minimize shaking while you're taking long range shots, place your camera on a tripod. By having your camera on a tripod, you're able to use a slower shutter speed and use lower ISO higher resolution films. You can further stabilize a shaky tripod by adding a three pound weight to the center column to add weight. If your tele-lens is physically long, you should be using a tripod mounting collar to attach the lens at the proper fulcrum. Also, you can choose to use a secondary support for the camera if you wish.
2. The next best thing you can do if you're not going to utilize a tripod is to use a monopod. It's easier to transport than a tripod, but the downside is that you won't be able to set your shutter speeds as slowly as you could if you were using a tripod, but you'll still be able to shoot three times slower than if you were shooting by hand. What I like about monopods is the ability to quickly raise it to eye level and take shots very quickly. For even more maneuverability, you can add a swivel head to capture vertical shots.
3. Remember that shaky ground will transmit any vibrations to the lens and camera no matter how sturdy your tripod or monopod is. To counter this, hold your camera and set your shutter speed accordingly and stand at the proper distance to let your body absorb the vibrations. In order to minimize the effects of shaking in most lighting conditions, start with a fast exposure film like ISO 400 or higher.
4. When you're holding your camera, you'll be able to use higher shutter speeds over 1 / 1000 seconds. When you're using a support, it enables you to use slower shutter speeds. Shooting at slower speeds also allows you to shoot in lower light. A 1 / 30 second exposure using a 500mm lens will be possible. The slowest safe shutter speed rule of thumb for hold a handheld camera and using a tele or zoom lens is 1 over the lens focal length. For example, if you were shooting with a 500mm f / 4 lens, assuming you were properly braced and standing on sturdy ground, the highest shutter speed would be 1 / 500 second at the appropriate aperture to ensure a good exposure.
5. Ideally, try to find something you can use to stabilize yourself by finding objects to use. Fence posts, a parked car, even a jacket rolled up and wrapped around your arms can help you stabilize your camera. Balance your camera and the lens with your left hand and arm, making sure to keep your arms close to your body and touching your side, allowing your chest and abdomen to support your elbows. Aim slightly above your subject, take a deep breath and exhale allowing your sights to dip down to the proper position and take your shot of your subject.
There are also external elements that are out of your control when using your tele or zoom lens. Those being heat waves and atmospheric haze. And although they can't always be eliminated, using a haze or polarizing filter can help cut through the haze and at the same time it increases contrast and color saturation. A suggestion is to use your lens hood or try to shade your lens to reduce the possibility of a flare. Successfully using a tele and zoom lens often requires great focus and skill. These tips should help you maximize using your lens, but remember that practice is the best teacher.
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