Focusing problems with Canon's 130mm Lens
Dec 12, 2012 07:56:13 #
This lens is truly miraculous but I need advice regarding focus. I'm using a Canon Mark iii and have "the holy trinity of Canon's lenses" - the 35mm,85mm & the 135mm L lenses. The picture below illustrates my problem: the scale reading is out of focus. I used my 135mm lens,F 2.0, automatic setting and no tripod. The fellow in my pic just won $50.00 for bringing his weight down to 190 lbs from 220 lbs - a real Kodak moment that was missed because the scale reading was blurred. Suggestions please. Gene D
Why is scale reading out of focus?
Dec 12, 2012 08:35:42 #
F/2, shallow depth of field.
For a photo like this, I would personally have used at least f/8 or f/11. If no flash was possible, then with higher ISO.
Tripod or using the back of a chair or a table to stabilize the camera.
EstherP
For a photo like this, I would personally have used at least f/8 or f/11. If no flash was possible, then with higher ISO.
Tripod or using the back of a chair or a table to stabilize the camera.
EstherP
Dec 12, 2012 08:38:29 #
It's a depth of field issue. The camera focused on the near shoulder and at f/2 you have minimal DOF.
No disrespect intended and I'm not putting you down but you just used nearly $4000 worth of equipment, totally on Auto, and you don't understand why things are out of focus. You need to get some training. Join a local camera club, take courses at your local community college or camera shop, go online and find tutorials etc.
EstherP has nailed it.
Here is a link to a tutorial about DOF: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm
No disrespect intended and I'm not putting you down but you just used nearly $4000 worth of equipment, totally on Auto, and you don't understand why things are out of focus. You need to get some training. Join a local camera club, take courses at your local community college or camera shop, go online and find tutorials etc.
EstherP has nailed it.
Here is a link to a tutorial about DOF: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm
Dec 12, 2012 18:23:47 #
Dec 12, 2012 18:33:29 #
Your straight forward comments and sincere advice is well taken . Yes, I've purchased some great equipment, and it now behooves me to join a camera club as you've suggested. Thanks for taking the time to weigh in on this issue. I also think joining this club with camera buffs like yourself is a step in the right direction. Gene D
Dec 13, 2012 11:06:25 #
I dont think I would have the guts to join a camera club with this camera and lenses and tell them I shoot Auto :-D
Dec 13, 2012 12:19:10 #
Dec 13, 2012 12:32:04 #
Dec 13, 2012 12:34:47 #
EstherP wrote:
F/2, shallow depth of field.
For a photo like this, I would personally have used at least f/8 or f/11. If no flash was possible, then with higher ISO.
Tripod or using the back of a chair or a table to stabilize the camera.
EstherP
For a photo like this, I would personally have used at least f/8 or f/11. If no flash was possible, then with higher ISO.
Tripod or using the back of a chair or a table to stabilize the camera.
EstherP
I agree. Depth of field is the only problem I see. Flash would have probably glared on the scale face though. I'd pump up the ISO to 400 or 800, possibly even 1600.
Did ya'll know that Toledo Scale isn't in Toledo and hasn't been for more than 30 years? When I graduated from college (I was near Toledo back then) they offered me a job in electronics and said to a room of select applicants, "One thing you can be sure of is that if you join the Toledo Scale family of workers you'll never be out of a job for the rest of your life." I accepted a job elsewhere. Ten years later TS moved lock, stock, and barrel to Mexico and screwed every single American worker. Who knows where they've moved since then...
Dec 13, 2012 12:46:43 #
Dec 13, 2012 12:52:50 #
Gened007 wrote:
I agree but let's keep it our secret. Down with AUTO!!! Gene D
Forget the camera even has an auto setting. Start using Av mode and Tv modes. Then when you are comfortable with exposure settings try your had at M. This takes a while, so use those other modes for 6 months or so. I don't even know why they put an auto mode on a pro level camera body. Maybe because a lot of people might return the camera out of frustration not knowing how to get proper exposure with the other modes.
Dec 13, 2012 13:08:22 #
Gened007 wrote:
I agree but let's keep it our secret. Down with AUTO!!! Gene D
B&H posted some videos on Canon Auto Focus I thought I understood AF but I learned a lot from these videos.
Dec 13, 2012 13:09:03 #
Dec 13, 2012 13:12:10 #
Thanks for the Toledo scale history lesson. But down with auto and with Toledo Scale for moving their operations to Mexico!!!
Dec 13, 2012 13:40:10 #
macawman
Loc: Long Island New York
I agree Depth of field higher F8 or above would have been the way to go. Aside from this sight and camera clubs there are some really great step by step books on how to use your DSLR. Even books dedicated to your particular camera. You would be surprsed after reading one of these books and experimenting how much understanding you will gain regarding the use of your camera. JMHO.
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