I did a little experiment tonight. Had my 85 L on a tripod with spot metering at 200 ISO. I did my experiment a little differently though. I took a shot using AF (center focus point on the middle of the label) and then another shot using Live View and MF. One thing I found out is that in Live View, the exposure was much better. Look at the shuter speed!! What's up??
I shot 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0
In all series Shot A is with AF, Shot B is Live View with MF.
Edited by pawlowski6132 on Aug 25, 2008 at 09:37 PM GMT
Edited by pawlowski6132 on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:08 AM GMT
The problem was that I was shooting people in very dark conditions, at 1.2 at too slow a shutter speed. When I took the lens outside everything sharpened up. I was used to shooting my 200 f 2.8 at 1/50 second and getting sharp results. you can't shoot at those speed when using 1.2 because the slightest movement means everything out of focus. I now keep my speeds above 1/300 and preferably at 1/640 or better.
That doesn't make much sense though. How do you get sharp shots at 200mm @ f2.8:1/50s, but unsharp shots at 85mm @ f1.2:1/100(assuming similar lighting)? If anything, the shorter focal length and increase in lens aperture should have REDUCED camera shake.
Am I missing something here? I've always assumed camera shake is camera shake, whether at f8 or f1.2.
jmvdigital wrote:
That doesn't make much sense though. How do you get sharp shots at 200mm @ f2.8:1/50s, but unsharp shots at 85mm @ f1.2:1/100(assuming similar lighting)? If anything, the shorter focal length and increase in lens aperture should have REDUCED camera shake.
Am I missing something here? I've always assumed camera shake is camera shake, whether at f8 or f1.2.
PS: Glad you got things working though.
Maybe the longer length of the 200 makes it easier to handhold?
Some of these samples I've seen are so sharp, I've now cut my fingers and I can't find the first-aid kit.
I've got a similar problem... Focus+recompose doesn't work with this lens, AI SERVO is the key here or to select your AF point. But even when i do the above, I get LOTS of CS and the lens is softer than my pillow.
I'll post some pics a bit later. I find the problem less obvious when there's not much light. Things sharpen up like a razor at f/2.
RT v Genugten wrote:
For starters with the 85L, a tripod and a flash, at -1/3 or -2/3 will do miracles at F1.2 and roundabout.
+1 and quoted for truth. Myself and a friend of mine (who incidentally, shoos with a Nikon D3 + 85 1.4) and we both get amazing resuls with this trick. Really balances out the colour but retains ambience. Don't be scared of ISO 1600 either
