Is the "1/mm" rule universal?

[dem]

4. To make that image, I used the: EF100 F/2.8 Macro USM, (Stated as 'EF100F/2.8Macro' in the link) - i.e. NOT the EF 100F/2.8 L IS Macro USM

My apologies. You are right, I got the lens wrong. Getting anything this sharp when shooting handheld at fl 100 mm, 1/8 s without any IS is definitely beyond what I and probably 99.99% people can do.

I had a similar scenario of having to shoot handheld at 1/6 s - 1/8 s with a 50 mm without any IS a few years ago. I took about 30 identical shots doing my best to reduce camera shake and hoping that at least one shot will be sharp. Nope.

So unless there is a fence to rest the camera on or a brick wall / a lamp post to lean against, I tend not to violate the 1/mm rule adjusted by whatever stop IS there is.

[William W]

Dem, no apology is necessary. . . I didn't post the image for plaudits, but to show the value of dedicated practice when the ‘rule’ has to be broken.

I think that many more than 0.01% could make that shot with dedicated practice.

And yes, I agree to use any crib that is available, like a fence, etc.

WW