Deer Stalking at 25600 ISO
Oct 18, 2013 12:34:37 #
I wanted to take some shots of deer at our local reserve, but wanted them in the woods, not open countryside. I was using my 100-400 lens with a 1.4x extender, so max aperture available was f8. With ISO set to auto, that became super-high due to the lack of sunlight in some areas and, hence, images are grainy. I'm not unhappy with them, but think now that I should have dumped the extender as a lot of shots were actually within the lens focal length. Anything else I should have done to improve my chances of a good image? (apart from chase them into the sunlight!). They are rutting now, so one needs to be careful.
Oct 18, 2013 12:51:39 #
I don't know what else you could gave done. The ISO was what was needed to get the shot. You probably didn't have the time to pause and fiddle with the extender. If you are not making big prints, the noise and grain don't prevent viewing in email or a computer screen.
Good for you for trying and coming up with good photos.
Pierre
Good for you for trying and coming up with good photos.
Pierre
Oct 18, 2013 12:52:52 #
There is really not much wrong in that photo on surface that a little PP won't fix. I over did a little.
Oct 18, 2013 13:26:55 #
Well done! Not bad at all! I do agree that the extender may diminish the overall quality and if a shot can be gotten without the extender keep it off the camera.
Oct 18, 2013 14:30:33 #
Yes, a bit overcooked Bill, but PS does help you out of a hole sometimes - I had already added a bit of fill-in flash, but the dreaded grain soon starts to become unacceptable. Thanks for your efforts, nice of you to take the time.
Bill Houghton wrote:
There is really not much wrong in that photo on surface that a little PP won't fix. I over did a little.
Oct 18, 2013 14:33:18 #
Thanks PierreH and FatJOe, nice of you to comment - I will give it another go before the rutting is over. Would be great to catch a couple of stags fighting!
Oct 18, 2013 20:54:36 #
I know I pushed the photo though, I have a thing about working with thumb nails. If you want post a downloadable photo, and tell me what size your going to be printing it. I'll see what I can do. Looking for something to due.
Oct 18, 2013 22:44:08 #
chodrak
Loc: Connecticut
Funny, when I first saw the photos, I thought "Those aren't deer, they're elk." Then I saw that you are from the UK. Your deer are cousins of the American elk, much larger than our White tail and Mule deer, which are more common here in the U.S. That said, your photos are great. Deer are a very elusive species, and it had to take a lot of patience just to get the photos you show. The one thing about taking photos out in the sunlight is that you have better possibilities of getting more light/dark tones in a photos, especially since the deer themselves are quite dark. Showing them against a lighter background and maybe near some old, lighter colored stumps and old trees, can give you a more interesting photo. Nevertheless, well done.
Oct 19, 2013 01:47:01 #
Thanks for your comments chodrak -I was hoping to get some dappled sunlight shots, but most were in shadow. I have posted this one previously, but it illustrates exactly what you suggest, I think?
chodrak wrote:
Funny, when I first saw the photos, I thought &quo... (show quote)
Oct 19, 2013 06:09:10 #
Oct 19, 2013 06:32:01 #
Thanks Big Dee, I have been around a while.
Bigdee wrote:
Welcome to the Ugly Hedgehog
Oct 19, 2013 06:40:48 #
This does show the difference for sure :-) But as mentioned above, you made a wonderful effort of trying something different and you learned a lot and did quite well considering! Good job...and yes I love this shot! Beautiful!!!
magnetoman wrote:
Thanks for your comments chodrak -I was hoping to get some dappled sunlight shots, but most were in shadow. I have posted this one previously, but it illustrates exactly what you suggest, I think?
Oct 19, 2013 07:37:40 #
magnetoman wrote:
I wanted to take some shots of deer at our local r... (show quote)
It sounds like you're looking for trouble. Shot at 25,600, these are great. The alternative would have been - nothing at all. Just a few years ago, you would have to be watching a sci-fi movie to hear about someone shooting at 25,600 ISO. Ah, technology.
Oct 19, 2013 08:04:39 #
You're right Jerry, I was thinking earlier, I wouldn't have managed that when I was on film. I could have helped myself a bit though - it's remembering to check all these things when you're on the hoof that seems to elude me!
jerryc41 wrote:
It sounds like you're looking for trouble. Shot at 25,600, these are great. The alternative would have been - nothing at all. Just a few years ago, you would have to be watching a sci-fi movie to hear about someone shooting at 25,600 ISO. Ah, technology.
Oct 19, 2013 10:15:29 #
Magnetoman you can download Topaz free 30 day trial version of DeNoise. It works very well and I'm sure you will like it. All there programs are very good.....Rich
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