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07/02/2006 11:01:58 PM · #1 |
I did do a search before posting this, and read the lightning threads; however, I'm still having problems.
I have my camera (Rebel XT) set on bulb and the aperture on 8.0, but it won't focus because the sky is pitch black (except for when lighting strikes).
I don't have a quick release, so I was just going to use the self timer. What am I doing wrong?
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07/02/2006 11:05:18 PM · #2 |
Switch it to manual focus and focus the lens on infinity. Then you should be set.
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07/02/2006 11:09:33 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by vxpra:
Switch it to manual focus and focus the lens on infinity. Then you should be set. |
Focus to infinity, that's like 15mm on my basic kit lens right?
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07/02/2006 11:10:00 PM · #4 |
I believe the technique is basically the same as shooting fireworks. You may also want to check those threads. It's all about a waiting game for shooting these subjects.
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07/02/2006 11:11:37 PM · #5 |
I know this. That's not what I'm asking.
I have it set on "M" mode. 5 second shutter, 3.5 and ISO 100. I tried with the AF and MF, but it won't focus in the darkness, and the self timer won't work.
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07/02/2006 11:11:44 PM · #6 |
I ran into the same issue with fireworks a few years back. Since most lenses no longer have a marked infinity or any sort of range markings, it's kinda rough finding that exact spot. However a few things to make it easier.
Close down the aperature. I know it's tempting to open it up for more light, but that'll increase the depth of field, and it'll help more being in focus. The fireworks/Lightning are bright enough, that it should not matter much. The joy of digital is nearly instant feedback. (I took a laptop for a bigger screen last time, and used 2 smaller memory cards on test shots to transfer over before loading the big memory card for the actual firework show)
One of my new goals, is on all of my lenses, mark the focus point of infinity manually. I just need to figure out where that is, so that I can mark it. (Ideas?)
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07/02/2006 11:15:57 PM · #7 |
If I have the the "M" mode set on "bulb", does the shutter stay open as long as I hold it?
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07/02/2006 11:31:40 PM · #8 |
| That's correct for bulb cosmic, I'd highly reccomend a remote shutter release... that reminds me, I need to get me a new one for the 30D. |
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07/03/2006 10:11:18 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by cosmic:
If I have the the "M" mode set on "bulb", does the shutter stay open as long as I hold it? |
Correct, but you don't actually have to hold it. You can just press the shutter once for it to open, then once again to close it. It's best to have a wired or wireless shutter release to minimize camera shake.
Good luck! |
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07/03/2006 10:21:58 AM · #10 |
How DO you focus to infinity on a lens where it's not marked?
I've tried to do this, thinking it would just be the furthest focus extent possible to the distance side, but that hasn't seemed to work. I like eckoe's idea of marking the spot with a Sharpie or something, but first we need to find it.
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07/03/2006 10:25:30 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:
How DO you focus to infinity on a lens where it's not marked?
I've tried to do this, thinking it would just be the furthest focus extent possible to the distance side, but that hasn't seemed to work. I like eckoe's idea of marking the spot with a Sharpie or something, but first we need to find it. |
Most lenses focus past infinity to adjust for different weather conditions. I would go to the farthest a lens focuses, and bring it back just a smidge. When you stop down a lens at all, focusing anywhere even close to infinity gives you focus all the way to infinity. Not quite the same as hyperfocal, but hyperfocal is another thing you should research if you're not sure what that is.
edit: just focus on something on the horizon during daylight, you'll never be able to manually hit it perfectly anyway, so really the difference between say 3-4 miles away vs. infinity is tiny and not noticable.
Message edited by author 2006-07-03 10:26:58. |
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07/03/2006 11:01:49 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by Maagic:
Originally posted by cosmic:
If I have the the "M" mode set on "bulb", does the shutter stay open as long as I hold it? |
Correct, but you don't actually have to hold it. You can just press the shutter once for it to open, then once again to close it. It's best to have a wired or wireless shutter release to minimize camera shake.
Good luck! |
It sounds like cosmic doesn't have a remote, which means she does have to hold the shutter for the duration of the exposure. It's also a good idea to enable mirror lock-up.
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07/03/2006 11:05:00 AM · #13 |
There is a focus ring on the outside end of your lens (all lenses..). With the MF/AF switch on the lens in MF, ou turn this ring to focus. One way will focus on things close, the other far away. Unless you live are shooting in teh depths of no mans land, there is likley a garage or street light or somthing 200-300 feet away. that's far enough to work for infinity (read up on hyperfocal distance as it might be applicable here.)
Message edited by author 2006-07-03 11:19:51.
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