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Post by clactonian on Oct 13, 2013 19:13:04 GMT
In August last year I posted some aircraft pics taken at Duxford and stated that I was disappointed in my 70-300. Well I have had a chance to re-assess my view of this lens having adopted a different shooting technique and now find it more than acceptable. I now use the lens with centre weighted exposure, and in both continuous shooting and focussing mode, but most importantly, and this has revolutionised my technique generally, by using the 'auto focus on' button rather than a half press of the shutter. I still ditch a good percentage of the shots I take but far fewer because of focus issues. I've still a lot to learn as far as shutter speed/aperture is concerned, but I'm a much happier chap. I would probably learn more quickly if I shot more than one air show a year!! Here are some shots from this summer's Clacton Air Show. No great artistic merit claimed but at least they are pretty sharp.    |
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Post by chrisc on Oct 13, 2013 19:18:39 GMT
Using that technique was the best thing to happen to me as well. Good shots.
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Post by Stevewebb on Oct 13, 2013 19:34:06 GMT
Me too. But rather than helping with focus issues I have found metering to be far more accurate as focus lock and metering can be done on separate points without having to worry about using the AE lock.
Its always a pleasure to see the Vulcan in the air.
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Post by clactonian on Oct 13, 2013 19:52:09 GMT
Its always a pleasure to see the Vulcan in the air. If you get the opportunity, make the best of it Steve. Apparently it is going to be decommissioned next year. The wings are deteriorating and the engines lose their airworthiness certificates and are not economically repairable. |
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Post by georgem on Oct 13, 2013 21:42:46 GMT
'auto focus on' button...
Que?
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Post by clactonian on Oct 14, 2013 7:09:06 GMT
On the D600 it's the AE-L/AF-L button George. You can program this so that it acts as an AF On button that you find on the D800 upwards. This button (in AF On mode) when pushed activates whatever focus mode you happen to have set rather than it being activated by a half push of the shutter.
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Post by mariehass on Oct 14, 2013 10:30:51 GMT
Interesting discussion. Any comments on how this might relate to the Canon 7d? I am at the point of selling my 70-300 and getting the extender for my 70-200 2.8. I usually keep my settings at manual, center weighted average, color temp set at Kelvin, picture style - standard, zone AF is centered, RAW + large, one shot, AI Servo or AI Focus depending on what I am shooting.
Marie
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Post by nickjohnson on Oct 14, 2013 10:54:16 GMT
Interesting discussion. Any comments on how this might relate to the Canon 7d? I am at the point of selling my 70-300 and getting the extender for my 70-200 2.8. I usually keep my settings at manual, center weighted average, color temp set at Kelvin, picture style - standard, zone AF is centered, RAW + large, one shot, AI Servo or AI Focus depending on what I am shooting. Marie Hi Marie, for we Canonistas the magic words are "Back Button Focus". It's a custom function setting(s) that is camera model specific, and I know nothing of the 7D. So just Google the magic words and take it from there - here is a starter Give it a try - it may take a bit of getting used to - but it's well worth the trouble IMHO. |
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Post by nickjohnson on Oct 14, 2013 11:03:14 GMT
Mike, very well done. It looks like you had to deal with some rather harsh light - good job. The thing that shows the improvement is that you got a recognisable face in #1 - it's all too easy to get enough blur to stop that happening. BTW I've recently been experimenting with Focus Magic to try and improve some of my take off aircraft shots. I've had some limited success - but it isn't magic.  Kinda like grannies best china - used for special occasions and with great care. |
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Post by mariehass on Oct 14, 2013 11:14:30 GMT
Thank you, Nick. Thanks to you, I have changed things around. Now I will look up something on how to use it effectively.  'Rie |
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Post by clactonian on Oct 14, 2013 14:21:26 GMT
Now I will look up something on how to use it effectively. 'Rie There's plenty on YouTube 'Rie And thanks for the comments Nick. |
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Post by chrisc on Oct 14, 2013 15:50:57 GMT
Gee Marie, too bad you aren't shooting a Nikon as I have a 70-200 and 1.7 tele-extender for sale.
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Post by georgem on Oct 14, 2013 20:18:12 GMT
On the D600 it's the AE-L/AF-L button George. You can program this so that it acts as an AF On button that you find on the D800 upwards. This button (in AF On mode) when pushed activates whatever focus mode you happen to have set rather than it being activated by a half push of the shutter. Ah! I know it as 'back button' focus. I switched to that method a few months ago. Thanks, Mike. |
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