I have a problem that I hope some UHHer can help with. These pictures have not been modified from the Raw file except some cropping and conversion to jpg. They look the same as the raw files. I took pictures with a Canon 5D Mk4, 100-400 II, Stabilizer on, Stabilizer Mode 1. The Flycatcher was taken with a 1.4 extender III, 1/2500 sec, f8, iso2500 at 560mm. The quail was taken without the extender 1/250 sec, f5.6, iso 400, 400mm.
There has been no sharpening, denoise or any other modification. In the background of both pictures, there is streaking around some of the light portions of the background. This is a problem I hope I can correct. This is in the background of many other shots, all different f stops, shutter speeds and isos. Any idea what is causing it? The contest I am going to participate in starting in January requires at least an 18MB tif file with no upsizing and allows nothing besides global file modification. No masks, blurring, cloning, etc. I hope to have this streaking taken care of before the contest begins. Any valid suggestions will be appreciated- or any suggestions of tests I can run.
Could it be texture in the foliage?
What do you mean by texture? There are leaves and grass. If you download you can see the streaks much more clearly.
I don't usually respond to questions I don't have an answer for but what ever it is it is not unattractive. I looks like motion blur.
The background is out of the sharp focus area due to the narrow Depth of Field of your long lens.
The captures are good and your subjects are in focus.
I understand all of your comments but to me, it detracts from the pictures. It draws my eye away from my subject. I’m trying to keep the backgrounds as unobtrusive as possible.
Jerry G
Loc: Waterford, Michigan and Florida
The streaking reminds me of brush stokes. Could it be a film left from sensor cleaning?
Were it from the sensor you would see the same streaking in the Birds Feathers.
I almost always work with the zoom telephoto but when I have time I’ll try to duplicate the effect with my 24-70 2.8. Obviously I won’t be taking birds but maybe some bugs.
Was it quite warm when you shot these? The results appear to be a combination of shallow depth of field, as some have pointed out, along with the harsh light and lots of different plants at varying distances...along with possibly heat waves.
Try shooting at a different time of day (low angle of sun, from the side) and with backgrounds that aren't so busy. Compare.
Thanks for the suggestions. In south Texas, it’s always hot so definitely a possibility. But I can’t always choose the backgrounds. During the summer there are a lot of dried plants and grasses so that is a usual background. I’m practicing for the contest but I can’t always choose where the birds are. Here is another shot of a painted bunting with some streaks. Harder to see in this one but, they are there. 1/3200 sec at f7.1.
It appears to be a well discussed problem
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4141354?page=4 with suggestions ranging from OOF area bokeh edges through to light bouncing around in the lens.
If it were my lens the first thing I would do is undertake a test using a similar type/lit background, distance and settings with a 'solid' target subject to absolutely confirm it is only visible in the OOF area.
Excellent, I will attempt to cover the threads. I am using a rubber lens hood originally from my mamiya rb67. That maybe where the problem lies. I will also check the assorted filters I use. Thanks for the information and the link you included. This may be the answer I was looking for. I will check tomorrow when it’s light.
Rickhstudio wrote:
I understand all of your comments but to me, it detracts from the pictures. It draws my eye away from my subject. I’m trying to keep the backgrounds as unobtrusive as possible.
How? You are shooting wildlife in their environment, so the backgrounds should be an integral part of the image.
Unless your subject would be backlit by the sky or in front of seamless backdrop, how can it be different.
OBTW, I really like the blurry focus behind the birds.
Here is the kind of background I would rather have.
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