Irene Troy |
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Any ideas of how to have done this better?
This was the situation: A friend was driving me home and all I had in the car with me was my Konica-Minolta 7D SLR mounted with a 90mm lens and a 100-400mm lens that I had just picked up from the shop (it had crashed into the sand last week and I took it in for cleaning). As we passed an open field we saw these coyote pups playing in a culvert. I immediately grabbed my long lens and tried to capture some images. Unfortunately, I had neither tripod nor beanbag. I did try balancing the lens on a jacket, but it was not great. I could not move closer without stressing the pups or challenging the parents, who were likely nearby. I shot many frames, but I am not really thrilled with the results. As you see there is a real lack of sharpness. I am not sure if there were any other options available to me in the field. I know that it is possible to use unsharp mask in PS; however, when I use it the photos always end up looking weird. Of-course, I am far from being a PS expert! I’d love to own one of those really nice 800mm fixed lenses – but, unless I win the lottery that is not happening any time soon! Without a tripod or bean bag and without anything in the car that made a handy substitute, I pushed the ISO up to 400 and shot at as high a shutter speed as conditions permitted, but even this did not compensate for camera shake. So, what advice do you folks have to offer? Is there something I could have done different in the field? On the same or at least similar topic; Has anyone used tele-converters with a long lens? Is there an appreciable decrease in sharpness when used correctly? Any advice will be welcome!
June 12, 2005
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Bob Cammarata |
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At ISO 400, it's doubtful that camera shake was to blame.
It looks to me like you pushed the limits of your optical (or digital) zoom too far trying to capture that rare moment.
Sometimes it's better to compromise with a smaller image in the frame that is sharp than to zoom in too far and lose image quality.Tele-converters are indeed beneficial with lenses which are compatable.
However, with the increased image size...(extended focal length), light loss, less depth of field, and a decrease in image sharpness will be the result. (A tripod or other sturdy support is recommended when using tele-converters.)
June 12, 2005
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Irene Troy |
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Bob, Thanks for your prompt and helpful reply. I fully understand what you are saying about pushing the limits of the zoom lens. I really wanted these shots - it's not that often that I see pups this young out alone. I wanted the face to show clearly so I kept pushing it and this is what happened. I may still, knowing the drawbacks, look into tele-converters for wildlife shots. I wish I could spring for the 800mm long lens - but that will have to wait. Thanks again for your help
June 12, 2005
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Rick Richardson |
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Both Canon and Nikon have produced excellent Vibration reduction telephoto lenses-you make want to consider these for impromptu shots. I was surprised how well my Nikkor 80-400 handled a series of quickly taken shots of some California mule deer on the move.
Full-out at 400mm VR mode 'ON'- handheld,programmed auto mode, center-weight, 1/1250 sec @5.6 and 200 ISO. WB-auto. (D100) At least in this case- blazing shutter speed worked well.
June 12, 2005
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Rick Richardson |
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Both Canon and Nikon have produced excellent Vibration reduction telephoto lenses-you make want to consider these for impromptu shots. I was surprised how well my Nikkor 80-400 handled a series of quickly taken shots of some California mule deer on the move.
Full-out at 400mm VR mode 'ON'- handheld,programmed auto mode, center-weight, 1/1250 sec @5.6 and 200 ISO. WB-auto. (D100) At least in this case- blazing shutter speed worked well.
June 12, 2005
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Rick Richardson |
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Mule deer
Rick Richardson |
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Both Canon and Nikon have produced excellent Vibration reduction telephoto lenses-you make want to consider these for impromptu shots. I was surprised how well my Nikkor 80-400 handled a series of quickly taken shots of some California mule deer on the move.
Full-out at 400mm VR mode 'ON'- handheld,programmed auto mode, center-weight, 1/1250 sec @5.6 and 200 ISO. WB-auto. (D100) At least in this case- blazing shutter speed worked well.
June 12, 2005
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