Is it the camera, the lense, or me???
Aug 13, 2017 20:43:57 #
First let me say that I am new both to the Forum and to photography. This is my second post. The last time two really helpful suggestions were made . . . single spot focusing and trying to take advantage of early morning and evening light. My principle concern now is that some of my photos just don't seem to be focused. I'm posting two recent pictures. The first is the antelope, taken at 1/1000 @f/5.6, ISO 800, 300 mm with my Canon Rebel and an EF 70-300mm lens. Regardless of where I look, nothing seems to be sharp. I took multiple shots by holding my finger down. I generally try to focus on the animal's eye. Maybe I didn't focus the first shot correctly so none of them are focused???
The second picture of the wild horses in Wyoming was taken with the same camera and lens but at 1/1000@f/7.1, ISO 200 at 190 mm. It seems much better to me. I'm wondering if maybe the lens I have just won't produce the results I was hoping for at 300mm . . . or is it just operator error? Thanks so much for taking time and your suggestions.
The second picture of the wild horses in Wyoming was taken with the same camera and lens but at 1/1000@f/7.1, ISO 200 at 190 mm. It seems much better to me. I'm wondering if maybe the lens I have just won't produce the results I was hoping for at 300mm . . . or is it just operator error? Thanks so much for taking time and your suggestions.
Aug 13, 2017 20:51:53 #
I am not familiar with your lens but for the most part, zoom lenses will not be sharp at the long end. This is more evident when hand held and in low light. This may be part of your problem and is why the 2nd photo is better. I have the same problem in low light with my zoom lenses.
Aug 13, 2017 20:54:44 #
The results at 300mm look good for f/5.6 and this lens. The lens ( EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM) is notorious for being softer from 280 to 300. You'd get better results adjusting your exposure parameters at 300mm to use f/8, but not that much better.
Aug 13, 2017 21:09:14 #
Sally D wrote:
First let me say that I am new both to the Forum a... (show quote)
In my opinion both your pictures are sharp but the 2-nd should be PP. I tried to improve it and it looks good. If you do not mind I can show my result after PP. I like you pictures very much.
Aug 13, 2017 21:59:24 #
Canon cameras all have Anti-Aliasing filters...OLPFs. That makes every shot a bit blurry. One more reason to own Nikon.
Aug 13, 2017 22:13:53 #
Aug 13, 2017 22:15:41 #
Aug 13, 2017 22:18:34 #
Sorry . . . replied to the wrong response. My son gave me the Canon and a couple of kit lenses so I was kind of stuck. I had terrible results with the kit telephoto so I bought one I'm using now. Better but still not as good as I wish it was. Maybe not the best reason but that's how I ended up with Canon.
Aug 13, 2017 22:22:06 #
Aug 13, 2017 22:26:07 #
Sally...I really like the shot of the 3 horses. I like the contrast of the dark horses against the light grass. And welcome to the UHH forums...glad to have you here.
When trying get sharp focus, lighting and contrast (of the subject), become very important. The sun should be as close to directly behind you as possible. Your shadow should actually be pointing right at the subject you are photographing. I know that's not always possible, but it's what you should strive for. I do everything possible to position myself so that the sun is directly at my back. Also the more contrasty the subject is, the easier for the lens to get sharp focus. I have a more difficult time focusing on an all white or all black colored bird, than than I do on one that has multiple colored feathers. In your two photos, the subjects are somewhat dark, the lens has a had time focusing on a subject like that. If you really strive for good front lighting on your subjects, I think you will see your images become sharper.
When trying get sharp focus, lighting and contrast (of the subject), become very important. The sun should be as close to directly behind you as possible. Your shadow should actually be pointing right at the subject you are photographing. I know that's not always possible, but it's what you should strive for. I do everything possible to position myself so that the sun is directly at my back. Also the more contrasty the subject is, the easier for the lens to get sharp focus. I have a more difficult time focusing on an all white or all black colored bird, than than I do on one that has multiple colored feathers. In your two photos, the subjects are somewhat dark, the lens has a had time focusing on a subject like that. If you really strive for good front lighting on your subjects, I think you will see your images become sharper.
Aug 13, 2017 22:40:19 #
Sally D wrote:
I'd love it! Please do!
This is my attempt to increase sharpness.
Aug 13, 2017 22:40:24 #
Aug 13, 2017 22:43:33 #
Aug 13, 2017 22:46:05 #
Sally D wrote:
I think that's much better! How'd you do it? I have LR6 . . . maybe I need Photoshop or??
Sally, please press Quote Reply when you are replying. It helps to know who you are replying to.
Aug 14, 2017 07:33:48 #
Sally D wrote:
First let me say that I am new both to the Forum a... (show quote)
Hi Sally and welcome to the club. I really like the second shot of the horses.
The first shot was helped a hundred percent in pp. I use Photoshop cs6 and like it.
Good luck and practice practice and practice. That is what we all do to get better at our craft.
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