 Max Marx |
Lack of sharpness when photographing groups Hi. I have a Nikon D80 and the standard 18-70 kit lens that came with the D70s. When I photograph groups of 10 to 15 I am noticing that the focus is soft and I can't figure out why when I am shooting on F11 at around 125th shutter, using Elinchrom studio flashes. Anyone got an answer for me? Many thanks Max
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Alan N. Marcus |
Hi Max, As you know, depth-of-field is that span (region) before and after the point of actual focus that maintain acceptable sharpness. What you may not know is, this span is not split down the middle. The zone extends from the point focused upon - ⅓ forward towards the camera and - ⅔ backwards away from the camera. When composing your group you can use this knowledge to your advantage. Pick a point closer to you than the mid point and focus and lock this distance. As an example: The group scene is 4 rows deep. You will be tempted to focus on the middle row, instead focus on the second row. At f/11 or smaller the depth-of-field will carry further than the last row and extend forward and envelope the first row. Try it you will like it. "I only wish I had such eyes," the King remarked in a fretful tone. "To be able to see Nobody! And at that distance too! Why, it's as much as I can do to see real people, by this light." From Louis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass
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Ibarionex R. Perello |
Alan's information is spot on. Another thing to consider is camera motion. You don't mention whether you are using a tripod or not. If not, the issue may be due to camera motion during the moment of exposure. Even at 1/125 second, if the camera is not held solidly enough, motion blur can soften the image. This may not be the issue here, but I thought important to mention.
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W. |
Unless the photograper is actually 'waving about' his camera while exposing, with flash, motion blur is unlikely to be the cause, Ibarionex. The flash duration is effectively the "shutter" (provided the shutter speed is set at the max synchronisation speed or under). So effectively the 'shutter speed' can't be much more than 1/500th. More likely 1/2000th or faster.
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Marius Liebenberg |
Hi Max You may have to consider a better quality lens. I don't use those kit lenses anymore as the sharpness is just not good enough for me. Try using a prime, group shots like that would probably require around 24mm focal length, not sure of your camera's sensor size/cropping factor. Consumer primes give good results for the price. I use primes and have only one zoom that I use and it is Canon L quality, very sharp.
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Max Marx |
Hi Marius. That's for that advice. I think it's good advice. I need to investigate prime lenses as I've never needed to use them before. Digital is a whole new ball game, one which I am not that happy with. Happy day Max
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