Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (Page 2): My T3 starts getting really ugly by ISO 800. I try to have it max out at 400 as much as possible, but I usually set it at 100.

Shoeless_Photographer Loc: Lexington

jeep_daddy wrote:

The high ISO is why it's so grainy. The T2i isn't known for having a good high iso sensor. That's the first camera I had and you ought to keep the ISO at or below 400. Sometimes you just need to come back on a better day to take pictures if the light isn't good.

My T3 starts getting really ugly by ISO 800. I try to have it max out at 400 as much as possible, but I usually set it at 100.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Shoeless_Photographer wrote:

My T3 starts getting really ugly by ISO 800. I try to have it max out at 400 as much as possible, but I usually set it at 100.

Peterff wrote:

I agree with that observation. T2i and T3i have the same sensor I believe. Not much changed sensor wise until the T6i / T6s. Not knocking either camera, they were good for their time, but technology keeps improving, including Canon sensors and lenses.

Paul Buckhiester Loc: Columbus, GA USA

PHRubin wrote:

I recently purchased this lens and am disappointed. At 300mm the image is soft. Has anyone else experienced this or did I just get a dud?

I meant to include this.

(Download)

Paul Buckhiester Loc: Columbus, GA USA

Oops. I meant to include exif. ISO 3200, F5.6 and 1/160 at 300mm on Canon 70d handheld.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I know why it is grainy, what I asked was about sharpness. The last shot was at f8 as opposed to 5.6 (wide open at 300mm).

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Here is a daylight shot at f8 1/500, ISO 800 ROOTC. ANy thoughts? Better, but I'm undecided.

(Download)

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

PHRubin wrote:

Here is a daylight shot at f/8 1/500, ISO 800 ROOTC. Any thoughts? Better, but I'm undecided.

Can we assume that you don't have a filter on the lens?

Have you tried a shot on a tripod, remote shutter release, mirror locked up?

Things that will reduce any environmental considerations. Given the 1.6 angle of view factor at 300mm this lens equivalent to a 480mm lens from a camera shake / motion perspective. A shutter speed of 1/800 or 1/1000 if hand held might help. However I do understand balancing ISO, shutter speed and aperture with a T2i.

Good luck.

Paul Buckhiester Loc: Columbus, GA USA

PHRubin wrote:

Here is a daylight shot at f8 1/500, ISO 800 ROOTC. ANy thoughts? Better, but I'm undecided.

Looks good there

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Peterff wrote:

Can we assume that you don't have a filter on the lens?

Have you tried a shot on a tripod, remote shutter release, mirror locked up?

Things that will reduce any environmental considerations. Given the 1.6 angle of view factor at 300mm this lens equivalent to a 480mm lens from a camera shake / motion perspective. A shutter speed of 1/800 or 1/1000 if hand held might help. However I do understand balancing ISO, shutter speed and aperture with a T2i.

Good luck.

Yes - I removed the UV filter before these shots. With the lens hood there really is no need for it.
Yes - tripod No - remote shutter release or mirror lockup

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Peterff wrote:

Have you tried a shot on a tripod, remote shutter release, mirror locked up?

By the old rule-of-thumb, he should be able to hand-hold this lens at 1/480 or faster.

I'm no longer a Canon owner, but from the name I understand it is stabilized; surely that should also reduce the need for tripod, remote release, mirror locked, and everyone quiet in the county

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

rehess wrote:

By the old rule-of-thumb, he should be able to hand-hold this lens at 1/480 or faster.

I'm no longer a Canon owner, but from the name I understand it is stabilized; surely that should also reduce the need for tripod, remote release, mirror locked, and everyone quiet in the county

Yes I agree, and I usually do so, but if really wanting to test the lens I thought that removing as many extraneous variables as possible could be useful.