"Tweeking" suggestions for sharp tele shots? Aside from using a tripod or monopod, what might be some helpful hints for achieving the sharpest results possible from consumer tele zoom...

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

Aside from using a tripod or monopod, what might be some helpful hints for achieving the sharpest results possible from consumer tele zoom lenses at their extreme longer ends. For example, there are many 70mm-ish-300mm zoom lenses on the market. Ruling out the very best (such as Canon "L" glass), what camera settings might one make to help with sharp (as possible) IQ, while handheld?
Such a list might be good for all to review.

Bob

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Practice breathing. Shoot on the bottom of the exhale.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

fast shutter
close it down a stop
stay away from your zoom limits
get closer to your subject

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

BobT wrote:

Aside from using a tripod or monopod, what might be some helpful hints for achieving the sharpest results possible from consumer tele zoom lenses at their extreme longer ends. For example, there are many 70mm-ish-300mm zoom lenses on the market. Ruling out the very best (such as Canon "L" glass), what camera settings might one make to help with sharp (as possible) IQ, while handheld?
Such a list might be good for all to review.

Bob

You already mentioned the best, the use of a tripod! That and Mirror lock and a remote release should give you the best results! If handholding do get a solid stance, place your elbows against your body and release shutter while breathing out. If shooting moving subjects, turn off any IS/VR etc.!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

BobT wrote:

Aside from using a tripod or monopod, what might be some helpful hints for achieving the sharpest results possible from consumer tele zoom lenses at their extreme longer ends. For example, there are many 70mm-ish-300mm zoom lenses on the market. Ruling out the very best (such as Canon "L" glass), what camera settings might one make to help with sharp (as possible) IQ, while handheld?
Such a list might be good for all to review.

Bob

Minimum of 1/1600 sec or faster, stop lens down at least 2-3 stops from wide open and PRAY.

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

ole sarg wrote:

Practice breathing. Shoot on the bottom of the exhale.

That's close, you shouldmtotal exhale and then take a deep breath and slowly let half of it out and then hold your breath, steady and then shoot. This is a routine that rifle marksmen use. Works the same with a camera. Hope this helps. It allows you to hold your breath longer while waiting for "the" shot.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

BobT wrote:

Aside from using a tripod or monopod, what might be some helpful hints for achieving the sharpest results possible from consumer tele zoom lenses at their extreme longer ends. For example, there are many 70mm-ish-300mm zoom lenses on the market. Ruling out the very best (such as Canon "L" glass), what camera settings might one make to help with sharp (as possible) IQ, while handheld?
Such a list might be good for all to review.

Bob

My list:

1. Use facial stabilizers on your camera- see my previous topic posts

2. Make sure you lens is micro-focus adjusted to your camera body if applicable

3. Shoot at somewhere less than maximum length zoom extension ie 250/275mm on a 70-300mm lens.

4.Shoot at shutter speeds capable of stopping subject movement

5. Use my bodypod or similar - see my previous topic posts - it is next best support to handheld

6.Use an aperture one stop down from wide open

7. Use lowest possible ISO - but shutter speed and aperture are more important IMO - this means shooting in better light situations !

8.Do not be afraid to CROP and use pixel enlargement if necessary.

8.Do NOT use a clear protective filter unless the situation absolutely warrants it

9. Make sure the lens surfaces - front and rear - are clean and use a lens hood

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

oldtigger wrote:

get closer to your subject

Oh YES,

10. Try getting closer ! !

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

BobT wrote:

Aside from using a tripod or monopod, what might be some helpful hints for achieving the sharpest results possible from consumer tele zoom lenses at their extreme longer ends. For example, there are many 70mm-ish-300mm zoom lenses on the market. Ruling out the very best (such as Canon "L" glass), what camera settings might one make to help with sharp (as possible) IQ, while handheld?
Such a list might be good for all to review.

Bob

Use f8 or f11 to approximate the "sweet spot" of your lens. It won't be as exact as if you had measured it through test shots but it will be close. With zooms it changes a bit as the focal length is changed so it's a guess anyway.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

With the exception of the Canon 70-300 consumer zoom, most of these lenses are weakest at 300mm. The Canon is actually very good. But your loss of sharpness could be due to a number of factors - lens-camera calibration, vibration from tripod/head/camera mirror/shutter, etc. Post an example.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

BobT wrote:

Aside from using a tripod or monopod, what might be some helpful hints for achieving the sharpest results possible from consumer tele zoom lenses at their extreme longer ends. For example, there are many 70mm-ish-300mm zoom lenses on the market. Ruling out the very best (such as Canon "L" glass), what camera settings might one make to help with sharp (as possible) IQ, while handheld?
Such a list might be good for all to review.

Bob

You will need a fast shutter speed and aperture of F8 or so which means bright light. Even then these consumers lenses are not the best at the high end.

Sharp images with long lenses demand good technique, equipment and sufficient light.

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

oldtigger wrote:

fast shutter
close it down a stop
stay away from your zoom limits
get closer to your subject

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

BobT wrote:

Aside from using a tripod or monopod, what might be some helpful hints for achieving the sharpest results possible from consumer tele zoom lenses at their extreme longer ends. For example, there are many 70mm-ish-300mm zoom lenses on the market. Ruling out the very best (such as Canon "L" glass), what camera settings might one make to help with sharp (as possible) IQ, while handheld?
Such a list might be good for all to review.

Let's not forget ETTR.

Bob

G8keypr

The on thing I found the helped me was something I enjoyed doing was practice, practice, and more practice, and yes I'm still practicing every chance I get

macsmom Loc: S Carolina

billnikon wrote:

Minimum of 1/1600 sec or faster, stop lens down at least 2-3 stops from wide open and PRAY.

I'm lost here. Why would you stop down 2-3 stops with such a fast shutter speed? I would think at 1/1600 you would need all the light you could get, especially if you were working towards the outer limit of your zoom. Will you please explain for me?