Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Check out Video for DSLR and Point and Shoot Cameras section of our forum.
Main Photography Discussion
Tack Sharp Pictures and Shutter Speed
Page <prev 2 of 7 next> last>>
Jun 11, 2012 06:32:54   #
dabram Loc: The Woodlands, Tx.
 
Here is a small free version to read and if you like you can purchase his e-book which is only $10.

http://digital-photography-school.com/advanced-tips-for-tack-sharp-images

Dawn

Reply
Jun 11, 2012 06:33:32   #
dabram Loc: The Woodlands, Tx.
 
Here is a small free version to read and if you like you can purchase his e-book which is only $10.

http://digital-photography-school.com/advanced-tips-for-tack-sharp-images

Dawn

Reply
Jun 11, 2012 06:55:59   #
Tina
 
dabram wrote:
Hi Tina, I also have the 7D, wonderful camera. I love mine. Here is something that I ran across and purchased. It greatly improved my focusing technique (which I had none) my pictures are starting to show improvement. Of course, I use a 50mm walk around lens. However, I think that if your not using a tripod this could help.

http://james-brandon.com/tack-sharp-a-step-by-step-guide-to-nailing-focus/

hope it helps,
Dawn


Hi Dawn, I read the first 10 preview pages and enjoyed the authors teaching style. It's 2:49 am so, I'll continue with it after getting some sleep. Excellent, well-written resource. I haven't taken much pictures since last summer so, it will be a good refresher to build upon. I think I'll start using a lighter lens do some initial practicing as well. Thanks, Tina

Reply
 
 
Jun 11, 2012 06:58:22   #
johnfromsouthwell Loc: Southwell, Notts. UK
 
Yes it is necessary to account for crop factor and if fitted, image stabilization although IS is on your side.

Reply
Jun 11, 2012 07:07:39   #
Granddad Loc: UK
 
Danilo wrote:
FilmFanatic wrote:
ebaribeault wrote:
I dont take into account the crop factor of the camera I would treat your lens as a 200mm and select a shutter speed of 1/2ooth of a second or faster.


You do need to take crop factor into account


I must disagree. The focal length of the lens does not actually change when the lens is mounted on a "crop sensor" camera. Nor does its magnification change. So the formula of 1/FL should suffice, given steady hand-holding techniques.
quote=FilmFanatic quote=ebaribeault I dont take ... (show quote)


Sorry it does change. The crop factor on the 7D is 1.6, so on a 200mm lens the real focal length is 320 so you should not have your shutter speed lower than this.

Reply
Jun 11, 2012 07:36:46   #
Tina
 
Turbo wrote:
Tina, make sure you learn how to use the Auto-Focus options on your 7D. You can SPOT focus, CENTER focus ...etc. that will determine exactly where the camera will focus.

Also, the Ai servo mode will make the auto-focus system follow the object ( bird, race car ...etc ). That comes in real handy with fast moving subjects.

Next is the stability of the lens/camera. A good tripod is invaluable, along with Mirror lock up, remote shutter and lots of practice.


Enough can never be said for knowing your camera's functions and reviewing them periodically. I think we get too excited about our new toys and forget the most basic time saving decision and that is to learn to use the equipment properly and reread the manual (or self-study guide). The reality is that a lot of it doesn't make since until, i started practicing because i didn't have enough prior knowledge of photography to build upon.

Reply
Jun 11, 2012 07:37:56   #
Tina
 
Thanks Dawn, I downloaded and printed the article.

Reply
Check out Close Up Photography section of our forum.
Jun 11, 2012 07:39:44   #
dabram Loc: The Woodlands, Tx.
 
Your welcome, have fun shooting!

Dawn

Reply
Jun 11, 2012 07:45:48   #
oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey
 
I DOF has been your problem you are either taking very close photos of your f stop is wide open. Look at this site to try and understand DOF.

http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

Jim D

Reply
Jun 11, 2012 08:24:14   #
jimmya Loc: Phoenix
 
Tina wrote:
I have a Cannon 7D with a 70-200mm/2.8 IS lens . My pictures are not as sharp as I would like especially, when I handhold the camera. I was just reading some information about minimum shutter speeds and focal lengths. The author suggested that if the camera doesn't have a full frame sensor that the crop factor should be considered in the equation as well. The minimum shutter speed should be the inversion of the focal length times the crop factor when handholding. The problem becomes more pronounced with telephoto lens. For this rule of thumb, I suspect that the length of any teleconverter needs to be added as well. I understand about tripods, cable release and mirror lockup.

I'm working on the manual settings to capture waterfowl with a good depth of field (DOF) and shutter speed, it's been tricky. Trial and error works better when I can pinpoint any shortcomings and enjoy the process (lol). The question is two-fold: 1) Is it really that complicated? Has anyone else heard about and included all of these factors? 2) What's the best settings to capture waterfowl? Including AF point?
I have a Cannon 7D with a 70-200mm/2.8 IS lens . ... (show quote)


I use the fastest shutter speed the available light will allow.
If for some reason I can do that I use a tripod.

I understand shooting wildlife isn't easy at best... especially with a tripod.

So I would trade off some shutter speed for a smaller aperture. The smaller aperture will get you closer to the lens's sweet spot and that should help with sharpness.

Also, are you shooting single point focus. If not that really helps because it forces the camera to focus where you want it to without leaving that up to the camera.

Best of luck.

Reply
Jun 11, 2012 08:33:31   #
MtnMan Loc: ID
 
Right. Keep it simple: use as a mimimum one over twice the lens max mm. For example with a 200mm lens use 1/400 s or faster.

My Nikon has a programmable function button which I set to ISO. I press it and rotate a thumbwheel to get the ISO I need to have the sutter speed.

Tina wrote:
I have a Cannon 7D with a 70-200mm/2.8 IS lens . My pictures are not as sharp as I would like especially, when I handhold the camera. I was just reading some information about minimum shutter speeds and focal lengths. The author suggested that if the camera doesn't have a full frame sensor that the crop factor should be considered in the equation as well. The minimum shutter speed should be the inversion of the focal length times the crop factor when handholding. The problem becomes more pronounced with telephoto lens. For this rule of thumb, I suspect that the length of any teleconverter needs to be added as well. I understand about tripods, cable release and mirror lockup.

I'm working on the manual settings to capture waterfowl with a good depth of field (DOF) and shutter speed, it's been tricky. Trial and error works better when I can pinpoint any shortcomings and enjoy the process (lol). The question is two-fold: 1) Is it really that complicated? Has anyone else heard about and included all of these factors? 2) What's the best settings to capture waterfowl? Including AF point?
I have a Cannon 7D with a 70-200mm/2.8 IS lens . ... (show quote)

Reply
Check out Professional and Advanced Portraiture section of our forum.
Jun 11, 2012 08:58:40   #
naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA
 
Tina wrote:
I have a Cannon 7D with a 70-200mm/2.8 IS lens . My pictures are not as sharp as I would like especially, when I handhold the camera. I was just reading some information about minimum shutter speeds and focal lengths. The author suggested that if the camera doesn't have a full frame sensor that the crop factor should be considered in the equation as well. The minimum shutter speed should be the inversion of the focal length times the crop factor when handholding. The problem becomes more pronounced with telephoto lens. For this rule of thumb, I suspect that the length of any teleconverter needs to be added as well. I understand about tripods, cable release and mirror lockup.

I'm working on the manual settings to capture waterfowl with a good depth of field (DOF) and shutter speed, it's been tricky. Trial and error works better when I can pinpoint any shortcomings and enjoy the process (lol). The question is two-fold: 1) Is it really that complicated? Has anyone else heard about and included all of these factors? 2) What's the best settings to capture waterfowl? Including AF point?
I have a Cannon 7D with a 70-200mm/2.8 IS lens . ... (show quote)


You mentioned TELECONVERTER. IF your using one , thats more than likely your sharpness problem!

Reply
Jun 11, 2012 09:04:13   #
jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula
 
big plus on the ai servo mode....it will focus continuously while you are holding the button down half way.

you have fantastic equipment!!!

Reply
Jun 11, 2012 09:28:16   #
Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.
 
dabram wrote:
Hi Tina, I also have the 7D, wonderful camera. I love mine. Here is something that I ran across and purchased. It greatly improved my focusing technique (which I had none) my pictures are starting to show improvement. Of course, I use a 50mm walk around lens. However, I think that if your not using a tripod this could help.

http://james-brandon.com/tack-sharp-a-step-by-step-guide-to-nailing-focus/

hope it helps,
Dawn

OK, I read the sample pages from the book. I can afford the $10 but since I'm a Nikonian, some of the terms are unfamiliar to me so why waste my money?
The major term he mentions in the sample is "back button focus."
Does my Nikon D 5100 have a similar feature? Perhaps Nikonian 72 can step in and answer this. Maybe he can offer a translation of the book into Nikonish?

Reply
Jun 11, 2012 09:29:47   #
rpavich Loc: West Virginia
 
Indi wrote:
dabram wrote:
Hi Tina, I also have the 7D, wonderful camera. I love mine. Here is something that I ran across and purchased. It greatly improved my focusing technique (which I had none) my pictures are starting to show improvement. Of course, I use a 50mm walk around lens. However, I think that if your not using a tripod this could help.

http://james-brandon.com/tack-sharp-a-step-by-step-guide-to-nailing-focus/

hope it helps,
Dawn

OK, I read the sample pages from the book. I can afford the $10 but since I'm a Nikonian, some of the terms are unfamiliar to me so why waste my money?
The major term he mentions in the sample is "back button focus."
Does my Nikon D 5100 have a similar feature? Perhaps Nikonian 72 can step in and answer this. Maybe he can offer a translation of the book into Nikonish?
quote=dabram Hi Tina, I also have the 7D, wonderf... (show quote)


Yes it does.

Search Google for "Nikon back button focus" and you'll have your answer about how to do it.

Reply
Page <prev 2 of 7 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Check out Landscape Photography section of our forum.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.