These are some of my shots taken recently in Costa Rica.
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C&C is appreciated.
They aren't as sharp as I would like... I would love some shooting tips to help fix this. I think part of the problem might be that my 70-300mm IS isn't entirely sharp at 300mm and I tend to push the zoom out.
Thanks for looking.
1.
I like the crop here, but is it too much?
2.
3.
"Jesus Christ Lizard" - They can run across the surface of the water.
4.
5.
The sun was rising behind me, the moon in front began to fade - Talamanca Mountains.
Josh, I think you may have the ISO way cranked up causing a bit of exta noise and degrading your image. Also a lot of sharpening will enhance the noise. First shot looks pretty darn good. His talons look sharp, maybe a bit of head movement on his part. Second one too much crop, a lot of noise. I would think if you can get closer you are going to be very happy with sharpness. You IS when used properly should give some hand holdable help. Lizard looks real good, nice shot, notice the noise on the underbelly area and branch. #4 looks good, quite good,this shot looks like a good exposure, if the earlier shots were underexposed and processed that could also add the noise. Last shot sets a mood, remember, your AF needs contrast and a reasonable size image to accurately auto focus on.
Just my observations and opinions, hope they help you some.
Thank for the input, I agree with all of it. Some of it is obvious to me, like the excessive noise - particularly in 2 and 4. Partly this is due to the surprisingly dark nature of a tropical rain forest. Though, this can be worked with for sure. You're also right in suggesting that the shots were under exposed and thus appear more noisy once adjusted.
Unfortunately, like most amateurs I want to go buy more and better gear (read, XTi to 40D) even though I know this isn't the solution.... oh well, 40D here I come I think I'll swap out the 70-300mm for something else also... but we'll see about that. I know I've got some work to do myself.
Josh, nothing wrong with buying equipment as long as you know that learning how to use it is more important than the equipment. Buy the 40d and practice, practice, practice. That's what we all do.
Josh S wrote:
Thank for the input, I agree with all of it. Some of it is obvious to me, like the excessive noise - particularly in 2 and 4. Partly this is due to the surprisingly dark nature of a tropical rain forest. Though, this can be worked with for sure. You're also right in suggesting that the shots were under exposed and thus appear more noisy once adjusted.
Unfortunately, like most amateurs I want to go buy more and better gear (read, XTi to 40D) even though I know this isn't the solution.... oh well, 40D here I come I think I'll swap out the 70-300mm for something else also... but we'll see about that. I know I've got some work to do myself.
Thanks again.
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Josh, underexoposure has burned me few too many times. Don't be afraid to make + exsposure mods as needed, Often about 2/3 stop or up to 1 1/3 on smaller subjects with brighter backgrounds. You will find the results when processing more pleasing working them darker than it is the other way to lighter.
I made the swing from the Xti to the 40D with no regrets, but just don't take any bad habits with you when you do it! You will get a feel for lighting situations the more you shoot in them and a feel for the results the more you see them. You got some great shots, just need to improve the exposures to make it much easier on you. Stay with it, it gets easier.
Josh, My two cents worth. I have a 70-300 IS and I got some great images from it if I had good light, if I kept the speed as high as I could and if I didn't zoom out all the way to 300. I noticed your first two shots were at 1/160 which I would consider much too slow. The lizard is very sharp at 1/500 and F5.6 - ISO 400 - I would bet that if you had used similar settings the birds would have been much sharper.
I haven't used the 70-300 in over a year and a half - since I got a 100-400L IS - I think there is a big difference in image quality - I also have a 400 5.6 that I think is sharper than my 100-400. - I really should sell the 70-300! If you get the 40D I think you will like it a lot, but you might really want to think about the better glass. Steve W
I find that long lens technique is a must.... So, make sure your shutter speed is up there. At 300mm getting a shutter speed of 1/600th or higher will help. Also, f/8 is a magical number I find. And most importantly...... good camera support (or lens if so may be). A good tripod can make a huge difference.
Try that & see if it'll help you a little... We all start small & try to get better as we go. Good start & A+ for effort.
I think I'll swap out the 70-300mm for something else also... but we'll see about that. I know I've got some work to do myself.