Hypothetical scenarios (Re: On cheerleading)

[Caveman]

We both went shooting, and you're all setup, with an IS lens on the 
tripod, and you can quickly detach it to use it handheld if you want. 
I'm still in the SUV, looking for the P&S that I left in the glove box. 
While you're looking through the viewfinder, a grizzly bear comes and 
taps you on the back, asking for a cigarette. Who will get the shot ?

cheers,
caveman
Scott D wrote:

Let's say you don't have the tripod set up. You are wandering through 
the woods and see a deer very close to you in some low light. The camera 
hangs from your neck with a tele prime on it. There is no way to account 
for the low light and get a good pic without risking shake. There is no 
way to move all your gear around and get set up without spooking the 
dear. With anti-shake super duper quiet motor I'll get the shot. You'll 
not.

Lon Williamson wrote:

I like this game, Devil's Advocate:
ok.  Let's say I _have_ my tripod set up and you do not.
It's been 30 seconds since you've focused.  The rare Phoenix Bird
(now that's _rare_) alights in a tree, staying for three seconds.
I get a shot.  You'll be lucky to with the Canon.
Scott D wrote:

To play devil's advocate here, the extra movement required to set up 
that tripod can make or break a nature shot. 2 seconds of stillness 
is better than 2 seconds moving around.