What is an Intervalometer? Do I really need it?
Jul 1, 2019 20:38:19 #
A friend asked if I could photograph some fireworks. I have my Canon 5D MarkIV, a 24mm wide angle and a 28-135 prime zoom lens. The dial set to "B" for Bulb. I have a good shutter range, f/stop choices and phenomenal ISO choices. I have a great tripod and will be weighing it down with my bag. I have my folding chair all dusted off. I will be shooting at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn. I have two questions. What is an intervalometer?
Do I need it?
Do I need it?
Jul 1, 2019 20:45:04 #
Do you want to do time-lapses? What if you sat in your comfy chair, told you camera to take an exposure every, oh I don't know, 2 minutes for the duration of the fireworks show. You could then bring them into Lightroom, adjust exposure and then Photoshop with its Video function and in the end, you'd have a 30-sec video of the entire event compiled as an mp4 file.
That's what you need an intervalometer for. Your camera might have an Interval Timer or Interval Shooting function built-in. It also might have an integral Time-Lapse function that will produce it's own mp4 movie.
I'd post one, but you cannot upload movies here.
That's what you need an intervalometer for. Your camera might have an Interval Timer or Interval Shooting function built-in. It also might have an integral Time-Lapse function that will produce it's own mp4 movie.
I'd post one, but you cannot upload movies here.
Jul 1, 2019 20:52:08 #
No you don't and you also don't need to use the Bulb setting on the camera. You might want to dusk up on shooting fireworks.
Jul 1, 2019 21:55:05 #
Scruples wrote:
A friend asked if I could photograph some fireworks. I have my Canon 5D MarkIV, a 24mm wide angle and a 28-135 prime zoom lens. The dial set to "B" for Bulb. I have a good shutter range, f/stop choices and phenomenal ISO choices. I have a great tripod and will be weighing it down with my bag. I have my folding chair all dusted off. I will be shooting at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn. I have two questions. What is an intervalometer?
Do I need it?
Do I need it?
What's a prime zoom lens?
Jul 1, 2019 22:21:20 #
Jul 1, 2019 22:27:45 #
Mac wrote:
What's a prime zoom lens?
Similar to Amazon's terminology.
"Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED Vibration Reduction II Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Jul 1, 2019 22:45:22 #
Bill_de wrote:
Similar to Amazon's terminology.
"Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED Vibration Reduction II Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
"Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED Vibration Reduction II Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Another reason for not buying gear from Amazon.
Jul 2, 2019 01:40:16 #
martinfisherphoto wrote:
No you don't and you also don't need to use the Bulb setting on the camera. You might want to dusk up on shooting fireworks.
You do if you are using an external intervalometer and are trying to do Star Trails. "Bulb" has been on DLSRs for a very long time for a reason. Same as Time mode.
Jul 2, 2019 01:55:51 #
Bill_de wrote:
Similar to Amazon's terminology.
"Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED Vibration Reduction II Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
"Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED Vibration Reduction II Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
It means fixed aperture lens. The other zoom type, less desirable, is the variable aperture zoom.
Jul 2, 2019 06:00:48 #
JohnSwanda wrote:
Sound like a classic oxymoron.
Thanks Mac and JohnSwanda. You caught a great typo I had made. I meant my 28-135mm Zoom Lens is used for the most part as a prime lens.
After my question was asked, I'm getting some feedback on my thread about an Intervalometer. I don't know if I want to spend upwards of $80 for a fancy shutter release. On the other hand, it does sound interesting for time delay shots which I don't do often.
The more people chime in on this thread make me realize there are gifted photographers willing to advise and teach.
Thanks Y'all!
Jul 2, 2019 06:56:44 #
The 5DMIV has a built in intervalometer that works quite well for time lapse. For star trails I set shutter speed, set to high speed burst and lock down the cable release.
Lots of ways to shoot fireworks that don’t require one.
Hugh
Lots of ways to shoot fireworks that don’t require one.
Hugh
Jul 2, 2019 06:57:27 #
Jul 2, 2019 07:05:17 #
You can buy a remote shutter release for $10-$15. I picked up a very nice Canon brand one for $10 at the local camera store used gear department. Set you camera for 2-4 second exposure and trip the shutter when you hear the shell being launched. That should give you a good starting point, and adjust duration from there.
Jul 2, 2019 07:49:33 #
Scruples wrote:
Thanks Mac and JohnSwanda. You caught a great typ... (show quote)
My understanding of a prime lens is it's a lens that does not zoom. I think you mean to say "primary" lens. Meaning the lens you use most often.
Jul 2, 2019 08:11:25 #
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
You do if you are using an external intervalometer and are trying to do Star Trails. "Bulb" has been on DLSRs for a very long time for a reason. Same as Time mode.
He's getting ready to shoot Fireworks, Not star trails. No need of a intervalometer or bulb settings to shoot Fireworks.
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