cheap telephoto lens (Page 4): I have found that getting good focus is much more dependant on technique when using a tele lens than with a wide angle lens. Camera motion is the enemy...

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

graybeard wrote:

I bought a wide angle and a telephoto lens with my T3 several years ago. They were the type that screwed into your filter threads at the front of the lens. The wide angle was fair... at least you did get exposures with a slight fish eye affect. But the tele was absolutely useless. I could not get proper focus with either AF or manual. Pure garbage. Vivitar brand. That deceived me..... I uses Vivitar products from my film days, and found them good values. But not this time. Live and learn.

I have found that getting good focus is much more dependant on technique when using a tele lens than with a wide angle lens. Camera motion is the enemy and tele lenses magnify the effect.

You might want to rent a good tele lens and see if you need to improve your technique.

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

are you shooting manual if not try that if you have a light meter take a reading and set you camera to that the meter in your camera will do the same thing ,one more thing look in the lens and make your aperture is closing down.

Vic Nunno

Hi scooter1,

The following are ways to reduce light on your camera.
1. Increase the Speed
a. For moving target start at 500
b. For stationary you may use lower speed
2. Use the lowest ISO if you are shooting outdoor, may increase it on dark areas. - the lowest ISO in
my camera is 100
3. Make use of the exposure compensation
+.....0.....- in my camera I can adjust it up to -5
4. Use small aperture......like F16 to 20 or more (smaller numbers-wide aperture)
5. Also try different WB.
6. Familiarize with control adjustments of your camera & practice shooting may also help.

I hope this will help you.

Vic

scooter1 Loc: Yacolt, Wa.

F/stops Thank you for the info and the help. That kind of explanation is exactly what I need. I live a ways out of any town that has a class so my next option is the internet. I'll bet New Mexico is nice right now. Thanks again

scooter1 Loc: Yacolt, Wa.

Thank you PHRuben

scooter1 Loc: Yacolt, Wa.

Someone noted that it is a manual lense so I will try that. I haven't got a light meter so that should be the next buy. Thank you Carl. I'll have to figure out if the aperature is closing.

scooter1 Loc: Yacolt, Wa.

I definately need to learn my camera functions and controls. It's all digital on the screen. Not sure what the WB is but I'm learning. Thanks to all of you here on this site. It can be a bit daunting. Thanks Vic for the pointers. They are much appreciated.

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

scooter1 wrote:

Someone noted that it is a manual lense so I will try that. I haven't got a light meter so that should be the next buy. Thank you Carl. I'll have to figure out if the aperature is closing.

I really don't think you need a light meter--your camera has one in it already!! And you should move to an advanced shooting mode such as Av (aperture mode)--where the camera does a lot of work for you.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

scooter1 wrote:

I definately need to learn my camera functions and controls. It's all digital on the screen. Not sure what the WB is but I'm learning. Thanks to all of you here on this site. It can be a bit daunting. Thanks Vic for the pointers. They are much appreciated.

To use UHH more effectively, you should begin to use the <Quote Reply> button rather than the quick reply box, particularly when you're responding to specific prior comment and / or person.

The offer to review an image remains, where you might find posting an example image will best express the problem you're seeking help to understand

Dennis833 Loc: Australia

Try shooting in aperture priority mode every time you use this lens. If you are shooting hand held you may also need to increase the ISO to get a faster shutter speed . You will need a shutter speed that equals the mm on the lens. eg 500mm lens = 500th of a second.

scooter1 wrote:

I was photographing an eagle off my back deck the ... (show quote)

Vic Nunno

You're welcome.

agillot

have been using same lens for about a year , 3 yrs ago .the camera need to know what max aperture the lens is , in this case f8 , so , you need to go to menu and enter in the non CPU lens used F8 and 500mm .i used it with a NIK D300 . you could also use the camera in manual mode , in this case , set the lens at f11 , it loose sharpness at wide open f8 .in a bright day , start at 1000/ sec , f11 , 1000 iso , then adjust from there .light and fun to use .

augieg27 Loc: Central California

I just got a Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm -4.5-6.3 G ED brand new for $146 (gray market)
I'm really impressed with this lens. Faster AF than other more expensive lens I own and almost silent.
In my Crop camera it's equivalent to 450mm and have taken very good birds pictures with it.
The AF-P model does not work with every Nikon camera, so check it out for compatibility if you decide to go for it. Otherwise you can look into the AF-S model.

scooter1 Loc: Yacolt, Wa.

PHRubin wrote:

Welcome to UHH.

I suggest your read up on the exposure triange. Peterson's book is recommended by many here. Also, try some YouTube videos on the subject.

Be aware that the Opteka lens is probably manual everything. You must focus in live view and set exposure MANUALLY by setting ISO and shutter speeed.

I will be working with your hints and I really appreciate everything everyone here says to help me get more informed. The optika didn't come with any info so being a beginner I was at it's mercy. Thank you very much PHRubin. Everyone have a great and prosperous new year. Thank you to everyone.

graybeard

PHRubin wrote:

I have found that getting good focus is much more dependant on technique when using a tele lens than with a wide angle lens. Camera motion is the enemy and tele lenses magnify the effect.

You might want to rent a good tele lens and see if you need to improve your technique.

Thanks, Mr. Cheap Shot Artist, my technique is fine. I have subsequently bought Canon and Tamron telephotos and they work just fine, including focus. There is such a thing as crappy equipment, and those bundle throw ins are a good example. Nevertheless, I always appreciate a good insult. I do think tho that your attempt fell short, try to improve your technique and better luck in the future.