Nikon D200 users - HELP - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di for Nikon

10/07/2008 07:07:12 PM · #1

I've had my D200 for a couple of years and have gotten mixed results. I know it's a good camera, but I'm just not utilizing it as well as I could be. Specifically, in shooting wildlife, usually on the move, or in waning light and when I have to open the ISO to cpmpensate for speed vs light, I'm getting varried focus results. If you shoot a lot of wildlife and can help me out on some some typical setting I might try, I'd appreciate it.
I usually shoot wildlife with my nikkor 80-200mm 2.8, or Tamron 28-300mm 3.5 VR macro. I know there are a lot of shooting situations, but I guess birds in flight, or moving would be the key.
Thank you, in advance, for your advice.
Frank

StOlafPhotographer

Nikon D200

10/07/2008 07:33:34 PM · #2

Hey there frank,
I can't say I shoot a lot of wildlife but I do do lots of sports photography and there are some tips that I would imagine are transferable! A couple things I'll say before the pros spot this post :p

-As a rule of thumb I very rarely go over ISO 800 with the D200. Unless I'm shooting something black and white and trying to go for that "film grain" look.
-When I shoot sports I'm always in continuous auto-focus mode, could it be possible that you are in single. That would be a problem for a fast moving animal and would result in out of focus images.
-Try shooting raw if your not already. This won't help with focus problems but it will give you error room for PPing.

I guess I'm not sure of what exactly your problem is, maybe posting a photo or two with exif info could help us better analyze your problems! :)

evan

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

10/08/2008 12:25:49 AM · #3

Hi Evan:
I really appreciate your taking the time to help. I never go over 600 ISO, the grain is a pain... no pun intended, but you're right, I have been shooting in single... I was going out this week to try continuous mode, because I do realize that it will track with me and guess where the subject will be etc. I've just been such a coward about seeing a potentially good shot and screwing it up worse... which is dumb, because I'm screwing them up anyway.
My main problem is looking at a shot taken with Canon vs Nikon and getting frustrated that I (me) can'r get close to that kind of detail in focus. No matter from a tripod, or using a good nikon 2.8 lens. I know it can be done, but I'm not doing it and I can't afford one of those hands on classes. I hesitate to post pictures, but I will... one static and one motion. I'll put them into my portfolio... the latest, a seagul coming in for a landing from about 200 ft away and a mallard floating in the water. The detail on the mallard is okay, but still nothing to write home about. Thanks again for your advice and response, I really appreciate it.
Frank

levyj413

Nikon D7100

10/08/2008 12:32:24 AM · #4

I wouldn't think of it as Canon vs. Nikon, but maybe rather the lenses you're using and your shooting technique. I get razor-sharp results with my lenses.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

10/08/2008 12:52:58 AM · #5

Hi Levyj413:
Thanks for your input. I looked at your shots and agree they're sharp. So are my static shots, I'm happy with them... it the wildlife shots, particularily birds in flight that I'm having most of the problem with and honestly, Evan made some excellent suggestions, that I need to put into practice. Maybe it's just me when I talk about Canon detail. I don't see major differences in most work, but I see it in the fine detail with animals, i.e. birds and even some macro, although, I think Nikon kicks butt with macro. As I said, I have the best lenses, "I can afford" and have them listed. I'd love to go out and spend 8K on nikkor glass, but it's just not gonna happen. Thank you for your input.
Frank

Message edited by author 2008-10-08 00:54:51.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

10/08/2008 01:00:39 AM · #6

Disclaimer: I'm no expert but I do quite a bit of this type shooting.

Focus is also a product of shutter speed and exposure. I noticed that both shots you posted were shot at 1/400 using a lens that extends to 300mm. On the D200 that is more like 450mm which means you are shooting at the minimum speed needed for handheld shots. Add to that the fact that the gull is moving and the mallard looks a bit underexposed and you are shooting in a condition that is tough to get tack sharp. Try shooting at at higher shutter speed and also use an exposure comp of +.5 or so. With the D200 and a slow lens that can be difficult without getting up to ISO 800 and the noise problem. One other issue is the exposure mode your using. If you use spot and read off the bird you'll also get better exposure.

In any case even when doing everything correct the keeper rate on wildlife and birds is low. I shoot in burst mode to increase my chances of getting a sharp shot. I also use a monopod most of the time. I recently upgraded to the D300 for it's better noise performance (I now can shoot at ISO 800-1600 without problem) and have found the focus system much faster and more accurate.

Good luck.

Message edited by author 2008-10-08 01:06:17.

levyj413

Nikon D7100

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

10/08/2008 01:10:39 AM · #7

Originally posted by optix:

I suppose I came off a little sharp, so I'm sorry. I was really just being lazy. You do the best you can with the lenses you have. Just be sure you're using shutter speed, ISO, and aperture to produce the best possible images given the lighting conditions. FWIW, I don't keep most shots. I might take 10 or 20 for every moving animal shot in my portfolio.

StOlafPhotographer

Nikon D200

Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di for Nikon

10/08/2008 01:11:22 AM · #8

Hey Frank,
I'm glad I could help!
First things first don't call yourself dumb, there are a bunch of phenomenal photographers here at DPC and it can be really intimidating to ask help! Look at it this way, you should go out and have a day where you learn the D200 inside and out! Get to know all the menus and figure out what you like best. take 100's of shots heck even thousands of birds at the beach or some other animals you enjoy shooting. I find that the more you know your camera inside and out the more comfortable you will be photographing and the better results you will get. That being said I also think, if your not doing it already, start moving towards going towards full manual mode. It will give you more consistent results. As for not being able to afford hands on classes i would say a good alternative is to read some great books. Off the top of my head I can think of two that should help you out right off the bat if not at least give you some great ideas to work with. The first is called "Exposure" and the second is the book that Joe McNally just published... the names evades me but look it up! :)

Evan

PS if you ever have any questions please feel free to PM me and I would be more than willing to go over things a little more indepth or answer any questions you have!

Edited to say "the name of McNally's book is The Moment it Clicks"

Message edited by author 2008-10-08 01:11:59.