| Author | Thread |
|
|
09/23/2009 05:19:40 AM · #1 |
OK, I'm looking to learn here - so I don't have a single coherent question, more like a rambling set of queries:
I did my first model shoot / workshop thing at the weekend and although I got some good shots I'm left with some queries. I often read lens reviews and I have read that the Canon 85mm 1.2L II is a fantastic portrait lens; I understand why 85mm would be a good focal length for portrait work but I can't see how wide apertures and narrow depths of field would be a good thing in this (model shoot) context; I found that I really only secured enough DOF in a dynamic model shoot at around f/8 - I can see how this might be different if you really need to blur the background but with a lit model and a plainish backdrop, the job to be done is different.
I did the shoot with a 24-105 f/4L on a 5D MKII - I found focussing a problem; I should've tweaked the modelling lights up because there wasn't really enough light for me to focus manually - so I relied on the the autofocus on the camera - I found I got best results with full auto-focus (all of the selective points lit up); in that mode does a 5D MKII engage face recognition - can I off-set my composition and still have the camera focus on the face? I know it does in Live View (a lit square appears around the face on the screen) but I don't know if that's the case when using the viewfinder - perhaps I'll test this later...
Is the focussing issue at the heart of the benefits of a fast lens for this sort of work? Would the scene have been less dim through the viewfinder? I think that the camera might also have some technology which requires a f/2.8 of faster lens to kick-in, is that right?
In the final analysis - I did like the flexibility of a zoom for my shoot but what am I missing with this lens (as opposed to a faster zoom or prime), if anything?
Also, given my lens and body combination (24-105mm f/4L & 5dMKII) - any advice on focus settings? Full auto? Selective focus points? Manual focus (with the modelling lights set higher!), What do you do?
Apologies for the rambling nature of my query but hopefully this all makes some sense....
I look forward to learning from any points you can offer
Paul |
|
|
|
09/23/2009 06:02:20 AM · #2 |
Well if you have trouble keeping things in focus at f4 it sounds, and I mean this in a positive fashion, that all you need is practice with your camera and lens. After years of shallow focus portraiture I still find it hard to keep things in focus all the time on big aperatures and I use a 1D series camera and focus system, that in all regards are superior to the 5D focusing system, I still find that 1 out of 10 are slightly out of focus no matter how hard I try if I use really big aperatures like 1.2-1.8
Just keep at it and it´ll come to you, and regarding OOF areas and shallow DOF that you get with lenses like the 85mm, that is just a matter of taste, some love it, some hate it and if you don´t want it, just stick with the 24-105 over a 85mm prime. |
|
|
|
09/23/2009 06:03:11 AM · #3 |
| Oh and mostly select focusing points and don´t use the center point and recompose, most of the time. |
|
|
|
09/23/2009 06:24:49 AM · #4 |
Larus
Many thanks - I couldn't have received advice from a more appropriate person, so thank you! I should perhaps clarify the issue of my inability to focus properly. I had laser eye surgery a couple of years ago and I am left with some aberration which makes very fine focussing a bit more hit and miss than it might otherwise be for me (a second treatment is pending). I struggle particularly in low light where large pupils bring the aberration into play more.
Consequently, I'm quite reliant on the camera getting it right for me; but reading what you've put, it sounds like I should slow down a bit, taking the time to select the appropriate selective focus point for any composition.
Thanks again
Paul
|
|
|
|
09/23/2009 07:09:44 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by paulbtlw:
Consequently, I'm quite reliant on the camera getting it right for me; but reading what you've put, it sounds like I should slow down a bit, taking the time to select the appropriate selective focus point for any composition. |
Well I used to have the "old" 5D and you should be able to rely on it for autofocus. I still found that when I used really extreme aperatures like 1.2, the 5D got it right in about 3 out of 4 shots but the 1D gets it right in 9 out of 10. I personally found it more successful using the off center points for focus but this is again, just a matter of taste. |
|
|
|
09/23/2009 11:10:38 AM · #6 |
I use the 85 1.4 on my nikon, and LOVE that lens. As for portraiture and model shoots, I concur: choosing the appropriate selective focus point is critical. At the wider apertures, focusing on the eye closest to camera (if you can't get both in focus) is key.
I also use a 24-70 2.8 for this type of thing--the zoom allows for an easy transition from head shots to full length shots (the 85 requires a fair bit of backing up to do that! ;) I like this lens, too. But the 85 is such a great lens. I hate when the situation dictates that I cannot use it. |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/26/2025 11:49:37 AM EDT.
