Nikkor 200-500mm - First Shot
Sep 29, 2015 18:21:38 #
Mr. UPS delivered my new lens today, so I had to try it out just a bit. Been raining here, so I didn't get out in the elements. Stood in the garage and shot this image of my neighbors tree, which was about 50 yards away from me. Shot it hand-held at 500mm, ISO 200, f/5.6 and 1/13 second on the shutter.
The first image shows the original and the second shows a 1:1 crop out of Lightroom. Guess I'll have to keep it a while longer, anyway.
The first image shows the original and the second shows a 1:1 crop out of Lightroom. Guess I'll have to keep it a while longer, anyway.
Sep 29, 2015 19:28:30 #
I don't mean to rain on your excitement, but the sharpness of the image leaves something to be desired. We're you shooting hand held, or at a slow shutter speed?
Sep 29, 2015 19:42:21 #
lesdmd wrote:
I don't mean to rain on your excitement, but the sharpness of the image leaves something to be desired. We're you shooting hand held, or at a slow shutter speed?
Go back and read what the op wrote...
Sep 29, 2015 19:47:36 #
My bad, but why bother posting a photo taken under such compromised conditions?
Sep 29, 2015 19:52:53 #
lesdmd wrote:
My bad, but why bother posting a photo taken under such compromised conditions?
Indeed. ;)
Sep 29, 2015 19:53:47 #
lesdmd wrote:
My bad, but why bother posting a photo taken under such compromised conditions?
Fair question, but in my mind, I don't want to mount this on a tripod every time I use it. I want to know I can hold it, even in failing light. May be trivial on my part, but I needed to know and simply thought others might find interest in it.
Sep 29, 2015 20:06:21 #
brucewells wrote:
Fair question, but in my mind, I don't want to mount this on a tripod every time I use it. I want to know I can hold it, even in failing light. May be trivial on my part, but I needed to know and simply thought others might find interest in it.
OK, but the rule of thumb is that it is virtually impossible to get a sharp image, hand held, with any telephoto lens unless the shutter speed matches the reciprocal of the focal length. I'd have a problem shooting any lens at 1/13th second without a tripod. I think you are going to have to look for very bright subjects or concede on having to carry around the tripod.
Sep 29, 2015 20:31:33 #
Bruce - Lesdmd is a PITA. And I am also from WI, via NY (Glen Cove) and Cleveland. IMHO, your photograph is impressively excellent for a handheld effort. I admire your enthusiasm to give the new lens a try despite the rain. Many rain-drenched moon photos yesterday were captioned with an explanation that high humidity in the air can affect the sharpness of any image.
Sep 29, 2015 20:53:42 #
lesdmd wrote:
OK, but the rule of thumb is that it is virtually impossible to get a sharp image, hand held, with any telephoto lens unless the shutter speed matches the reciprocal of the focal length. I'd have a problem shooting any lens at 1/13th second without a tripod. I think you are going to have to look for very bright subjects or concede on having to carry around the tripod.
Certainly agree, and my personal curiosities about the lens have been satisfied. Again, I simply wanted to take a quick shot or two to ensure the lens functioned as expected and to establish some knowledge of how the lens will perform. I had what light I had and I worked with it. Certainly not the best of images, but I learned a lot about the lens in making it. Simply sharing.
Sep 29, 2015 20:54:09 #
brucewells wrote:
Fair question, but in my mind, I don't want to mount this on a tripod every time I use it. I want to know I can hold it, even in failing light. May be trivial on my part, but I needed to know and simply thought others might find interest in it.
Hi Bruce, I have a sigma 150-500 and I agree with you, I don't always want to put it on a tripod. Yes the old rule is that the speed should be equivalent to the focal length but then you have to factor in IS (VR) and how many steps that gives you plus how you can brace yourself and the camera. My first handheld shots were not the greatest but with repeated use I think I have got some great handheld shots in various light conditions. Overall your lens is impressive, I think you will have a great time with it from here on in.
And btw, I love it when people still have enthusiasm and want to try things out, good attitude to live life with.
Sep 29, 2015 20:57:19 #
brucewells wrote:
Certainly agree, and my personal curiosities about the lens have been satisfied. Again, I simply wanted to take a quick shot or two to ensure the lens functioned as expected and to establish some knowledge of how the lens will perform. I had what light I had and I worked with it. Certainly not the best of images, but I learned a lot about the lens in making it. Simply sharing.
It makes no difference how much you explain, some people just have to do the sour puss routine. If my first shots were all that good I would probably have more keepers. I do get some good the first time with a lens but usually I have to shoot 25 or 50 shots to get the lens figured out. I will be interested in your opinion in about a month.
Sep 29, 2015 21:30:28 #
happy sailor wrote:
Hi Bruce, I have a sigma 150-500 and I agree with ... (show quote)
Part of the fun of this is figuring out the limits of the equipment. It would be different, of course, if I had to earn a paycheck from it next week. But, this is a source of pleasure and relaxation for me. I'm fortunate that I have the means to indulge to the level I do. (I don't take it for granted.) It's fun, and I agree that we get better with the equipment as we learn it.
Sep 29, 2015 21:31:48 #
You have to try stuff, esp with a new lens. Been a photography enthusiast for several years over half a century. Love to and mostly shoot hand held. I treat it just like long distance rifle shooting -- control your breathing, try to shoot between heart beats, use your strap somewhat like a sling, brace on something whenever you can. I can get pretty decent results -- maybe 1 in 3 on a good day at a 25th to a 30th with my 300 or 500 cat. I shoot plenty of shots, but each shot a focused individual effort. Have fun with your new lens. You only have to please yourself!
Sep 29, 2015 21:37:43 #
jethro779 wrote:
It makes no difference how much you explain, some people just have to do the sour puss routine. If my first shots were all that good I would probably have more keepers. I do get some good the first time with a lens but usually I have to shoot 25 or 50 shots to get the lens figured out. I will be interested in your opinion in about a month.
I really like the lens. It's heavy! But, focus is quick, and predictable. The VR actually makes me think I can see it working. :-) MT Shooter commented on the VR much better than I can in another post, but I perceive the lens as a very effective piece of equipment.
I'll try to remember to post some shots in a few months. ;-)
Sep 29, 2015 21:39:22 #
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