Unhappy with photos from Alaska Cruise: Just returned from a Cruise to Alaska. The trip was very nice but I am not happy with the pictures. The camera is a Canon T3i using mostly a...

Bobb42 Loc: Ohio

Just returned from a Cruise to Alaska. The trip was very nice but I am not happy with the pictures. The camera is a Canon T3i using mostly a Canon 55-250 lens. Most shots were in Program mode using IS. Speeds seemed to be fast enough for the focal length used but they were just not sharp. Most of the shots showed an f 7.1. Other than taking another Cruise (not likely) what might have I done differently?

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Learn not to depend on a camera to do everything for you?

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Could you post an example of one of the unsharp images along with the exif data?
Also did you have a filter on the front of the lens?

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Bobb42 wrote:

Just returned from a Cruise to Alaska. The trip was very nice but I am not happy with the pictures. The camera is a Canon T3i using mostly a Canon 55-250 lens. Most shots were in Program mode using IS. Speeds seemed to be fast enough for the focal length used but they were just not sharp. Most of the shots showed an f 7.1. Other than taking another Cruise (not likely) what might have I done differently?

When you say speeds seemed fast enough, can you be specific? Look at EXIF data from some of the not-sharp photos and tell us what the focal length was vs what the shutter speed was. A rule of thumb is that, hand held, you should have a shutter speed of at least one over the focal length. So, if you were at full telephoto, for example, the shutter speed should have been at least 1/250 (faster is better). If you are on a moving boat, you would want to increase the shutter speed further. Faster shutter speeds might require higher ISO for proper exposure depending on light. What you might have done different is to have taken some sample shots, then review than and "zoom" into the areas where you were focusing to see how well your focus was.

Bobb42 Loc: Ohio

Shutter speed 1/320
Focal length 250mm
f stop 6.3

Bobb42 Loc: Ohio

Still trying to figure out how to attach picture.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Bobb42 wrote:

Shutter speed 1/320
Focal length 250mm
f stop 6.3

On a good day, on solid ground, I would think that would be adequate, especially with IS. Perhaps the motion of the boat was such that higher SS was needed?

Bobb42 Loc: Ohio

Finally got it to work. Shutter speed 1/320
Focal length 250mm
f stop 6.3
IS ON

(Download)

Bobb42 Loc: Ohio

Shutter speed 1/250
Focal length 96mm
f stop 7.1
IS ON

(Download)

Bobb42 Loc: Ohio

I did have a UV filter on the lens. I wonder if it could cause that much of a problem.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

What do you use for auto-focus options? Button on upper right, back of camera. I use manual selection, usual center. #1 has all tiny details, so unless you focused on the edge of shore or edge of that slide, and with only one focus point, I would suggest the auto-focus is the issue.

#2 isn't bad at all, considering the distance and that kit lens. Have you used the lens previously for long distance photos?

Can you post a couple from the trip, or earlier, that you are happy with?

Bobb42 Loc: Ohio

Shutter Speed 1/500
Focal length 250mm
f stop 8.0

(Download)

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Bobb42 wrote:

Just returned from a Cruise to Alaska. The trip was very nice but I am not happy with the pictures. The camera is a Canon T3i using mostly a Canon 55-250 lens. Most shots were in Program mode using IS. Speeds seemed to be fast enough for the focal length used but they were just not sharp. Most of the shots showed an f 7.1. Other than taking another Cruise (not likely) what might have I done differently?

A helpful book is "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.

Bobb42 Loc: Ohio

I have a UV filter on the lens

Bobb42 Loc: Ohio

Sorry about missing the reply. The setting is Autoselection for focus. I have used the lens prior for long distance and after looking at the photos, I am not so sure I am happy with them either.
I am from Maine also but have been in Ohio for 60 years now.