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Am I expecting too much out of my equipment . . . or is it me?
Apr 22, 2018 07:43:38 #
Apr 22, 2018 07:58:28 #
I also have an SL1 and that lens. I can’t handhold it at all, but with a tripod it produces sharp results.
Apr 22, 2018 08:08:48 #
spraguead
Loc: Boston, MA
Mac wrote:
What shutter speed, aperture, and focus mode did you use? was the camera hand held or on a tripod?
for those asking settings, here is the image info from Photoshop
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Apr 22, 2018 08:19:13 #
spraguead wrote:
That is the info for your last photo. Your shutter speed was fine and don't know about possible camera shake but if your IS was on it should not have been an issue. It looks to me like on that shot it may have focused on one of the twigs instead of the bird. That is always an issue when shooting through branches and happens to us all. The only cure is to make several attempts and try to get an angle where you have a clearer shot.for those asking settings, here is the image info from Photoshop
Apr 22, 2018 08:34:53 #
Apr 22, 2018 08:35:34 #
Try using raising your shutter speed also try a tripod or mono pod , raise ap to f/8 and 1/500 sec
Apr 22, 2018 08:40:28 #
TomV
Loc: Annapolis, Maryland
The lens is being used at its extremes (f stop and focal length). This is not an expensive lens, and as Linda has suggested you need to back off the length and f stop to get better focus.
I strongly suggest you do some controlled testing with your setup to understand its weaknesses. This would be on a tripod and a test target with details at about 25-30 ft away. I change my parameters and take several shots in AF and also test in manual focus too.
This sets up your minimum performance standard for the equipment.
Many lenses improve with a modest reduction in f stop and backing off the focal length. Also, I do not think the cropped sensor zoom lenses are quite as good as full-frame lenses your shooting partner may be using.
I strongly suggest you do some controlled testing with your setup to understand its weaknesses. This would be on a tripod and a test target with details at about 25-30 ft away. I change my parameters and take several shots in AF and also test in manual focus too.
This sets up your minimum performance standard for the equipment.
Many lenses improve with a modest reduction in f stop and backing off the focal length. Also, I do not think the cropped sensor zoom lenses are quite as good as full-frame lenses your shooting partner may be using.
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Apr 22, 2018 09:05:52 #
It could be you or your subject slightly moving, I would suggest you run à couples shot using f-8,auto iso and at least 1/1000 sec, keep in mind you could be stabbing the release also
Apr 22, 2018 09:28:31 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
Do your tests in a controlled setting with a static target. There are too many variables in your exercise to pass judgement on lens quality. Garbage in, garbage out.
Apr 22, 2018 09:29:44 #
jcboy3 wrote:
So here is the trick. Put the focus point on your subject and don't take the picture until the subject is in focus.
If you check the Exif data, she shot at 300mm f5.6 and 1 2000 of a second for the first photo.
Apr 22, 2018 09:33:28 #
genocolo
Loc: Vail and Gasparilla Island
You asked for recommendations for a zoom. Try a canon 100-400. I think you will notice an immediate and huge improvement if you also follow the other suggestions.
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Apr 22, 2018 09:46:52 #
Nikon1201 wrote:
Shutter speed was already 1/1250. And aperture would not change focus on subject.Try using raising your shutter speed also try a tripod or mono pod , raise ap to f/8 and 1/500 sec
Apr 22, 2018 09:53:14 #
yardbyrd
Loc: KCMO
With Monopod, try shooting with Image Stabilizer off. If you can, try shooting with IS on than IS off (same subject). Compare results. Also, use that PRO person! They can help you evaluate!
Apr 22, 2018 09:56:09 #
Even with a monopod, there could have been camera movement. Sometimes we get exited and forget to relax, which may cause us to be in such a hurry to get the photo that we jab the button down instead of just pressing it, and monopods tend to move a bit anyway. If you have or have access to a tripod it would be more helpful than a monopod. You'd have to practice following BIF but I bet you'd be happy with the results.
In the first image, the branches in front of the egret may have caused the camera to rethink it's focus point. It happens. For a shot where you're panning to follow a BIF, you should be able to hand hold a 70-300mm lens but for stationary shots, a tripod would probably do better than a monopod. For stationary shots (if you use a tripod), using a remote, even an app for your phone that will trigger the shutter release on your camera would help
And, as others have suggested, ask your partner for tips. Is your partner using a mono or tripod, or hand holding?
In the first image, the branches in front of the egret may have caused the camera to rethink it's focus point. It happens. For a shot where you're panning to follow a BIF, you should be able to hand hold a 70-300mm lens but for stationary shots, a tripod would probably do better than a monopod. For stationary shots (if you use a tripod), using a remote, even an app for your phone that will trigger the shutter release on your camera would help
And, as others have suggested, ask your partner for tips. Is your partner using a mono or tripod, or hand holding?
Apr 22, 2018 10:16:39 #
What is your focus point set at? Make sure it's the eyes.
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