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07/17/2006 05:57:46 PM · #26 |
Originally posted by greatandsmall: Is it possible that I can blame my focusing problems on my Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III, as well?
I've had these same issues and just thought it was me. |
I have a 75-300mm lens, and FWIW, I tend to follow the "rule" of making sure my shutter speed at least equals my focal length. If I'm zoomed in at 300mm, I try to make sure the shutter speed is at least that fast or faster if possible. It doesn't always work out that way, but it's an easy thing to check and remember. I was able to get all the tiger shots in my portfolio by trying to adhere to that rule. I know my lens is the USM version but from what I read it's still not that great of a lens (especially compared to the pretty white lenses) but you make do with what you have...point being, you can still get good images if you really make sure your settings and your light work for you instead of against you.
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07/17/2006 06:21:36 PM · #27 |
Originally posted by wavelength: It's the lens.
edit-
Plus, keep your shutter speed at least equal to your focal length. So, if you're at 300mm on a 1.5x crop, then you're actually at 450mm equivalent.
Keeping your shutter speed at 1/450th or above will keep your hands shaking from introducing minor blur. 1/125th will freeze most, but not take care of all.
Or use a tipod. |
Originally posted by laurielblack: Originally posted by greatandsmall: Is it possible that I can blame my focusing problems on my Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III, as well?
I've had these same issues and just thought it was me. |
I have a 75-300mm lens, and FWIW, I tend to follow the "rule" of making sure my shutter speed at least equals my focal length. If I'm zoomed in at 300mm, I try to make sure the shutter speed is at least that fast or faster if possible. It doesn't always work out that way, but it's an easy thing to check and remember. I was able to get all the tiger shots in my portfolio by trying to adhere to that rule. I know my lens is the USM version but from what I read it's still not that great of a lens (especially compared to the pretty white lenses) but you make do with what you have...point being, you can still get good images if you really make sure your settings and your light work for you instead of against you. |
Thanks guys! This is a great tip that I sort-of understood when I first started using SLRs. I forgot about it years ago when I got into P&S digitals. One more reason why I love this place! |
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07/17/2006 06:30:10 PM · #28 |
Don't think anyone mentioned it here, but I noticed even at 200mm on a tripod that I get much sharper images using lens lock up... It gives the camera a few seconds to still itself before the shutter fires! |
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07/17/2006 06:49:37 PM · #29 |
Originally posted by TooCool: Don't think anyone mentioned it here, but I noticed even at 200mm on a tripod that I get much sharper images using lens lock up... It gives the camera a few seconds to still itself before the shutter fires! |
Presumably you mean "mirror lockup"? And yes, that makes a noticeable difference; I use it as a matter of course whenever I have time to shoot in a leisurely fashion.
R.
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07/17/2006 07:08:01 PM · #30 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music: Originally posted by TooCool: Don't think anyone mentioned it here, but I noticed even at 200mm on a tripod that I get much sharper images using lens lock up... It gives the camera a few seconds to still itself before the shutter fires! |
Presumably you mean "mirror lockup"? And yes, that makes a noticeable difference; I use it as a matter of course whenever I have time to shoot in a leisurely fashion.
R. |
LOL... Yeah, that's what I meant!!! It was so hot today at work, I think part of my brain melted... |
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07/18/2006 08:46:40 AM · #31 |
Originally posted by laurielblack: Originally posted by greatandsmall: Is it possible that I can blame my focusing problems on my Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III, as well?
I've had these same issues and just thought it was me. |
I have a 75-300mm lens, and FWIW, I tend to follow the "rule" of making sure my shutter speed at least equals my focal length. If I'm zoomed in at 300mm, I try to make sure the shutter speed is at least that fast or faster if possible. It doesn't always work out that way, but it's an easy thing to check and remember. I was able to get all the tiger shots in my portfolio by trying to adhere to that rule. I know my lens is the USM version but from what I read it's still not that great of a lens (especially compared to the pretty white lenses) but you make do with what you have...point being, you can still get good images if you really make sure your settings and your light work for you instead of against you. |
Laurie, did you use a tripod on the tiger shots? Flash? They are fantastic! |
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07/18/2006 09:14:34 AM · #32 |
Originally posted by qbicle: Laurie, did you use a tripod on the tiger shots? Flash? They are fantastic! |
Thanks...no, tripods weren't allowed because we had to be able to move quickly and they were a safety concern, and as far as flash went, I used it for fill in a few shots but not on the ones I posted in my portfolio here. For those I just had the sunrise on my side. :)
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07/18/2006 09:40:35 AM · #33 |
Originally posted by wavelength: I used a Nikon 80-400vr, and there is jus a HUGE difference in the optical quality. |
Yes... this picture was taken with that lens. Shooting conditions also help. Bright sunshine in this shot pushed the shutter speed to 1/1000 at the aperture I wanted. A tripod was used as well. There's no substitute for good glass.
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07/18/2006 11:05:00 AM · #34 |
It could also be that you're just not focusing correctly due to the diopter thingie being out of whack. I get that problem lots.
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07/24/2006 03:28:10 PM · #35 |
I was wondering if I could get someone to lend me a hand and give an opinion on the sharpness of this picture. I've been looking at so many variations lately I cant really tell what is what anymore :-)
Thanks! |
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07/24/2006 04:08:28 PM · #36 |
Left Comment. Hopefully some more experienced photographers can give you better advice than mine. |
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07/24/2006 09:47:18 PM · #37 |
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