What lens do you use at the park?

Hardrock · Oct 29, 2009

I went to the aboretum to take some family pictures with my Canon XT 50mm f1.4 , 100mm f2.8, and 430 exII. After reviewing a couple hunderd pictures the pictures were just ok. I used the 100mm for headshots (which is a lot sharper than the 50mm) and the 50 for waist up and full length shots. The pictures just turned out ok, Im at work so cant post any examples. I used the 430 for fill flash due to it was very overcast day. So what lens do you guys use or recommend and what tips would you have for taking outdoor shots. Thnaks!

NateWagner · Oct 29, 2009

:addpics:

no, I know you mentioned you can't cause you're at work, but yeah..

anyway, The two lenses you used are great... was there something in particular that you were limited by when taking the images? because those two lenses are fabulous.

Most likely if the shots are just "ok" it's not with the lens... just a thought.

Plato · Oct 29, 2009

Obviously it's hard to respond without seeing your shots. However, my thinking has been that overcast days are the times when I do not need fill flash. The natural lighting is soft and smooth. I use fill flash to fill in the harsh shadows that result from bright sun. That's what I like about New Jersey - it's always overcast!

Early · Oct 29, 2009

Plato said:
That's what I like about New Jersey - it's always overcast!

Felix0890 · Oct 29, 2009

I used the 50mm just fine the other day at the park and got some decent shots (http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/people-photography/182131-shots-friend.html]). The difference in weather might have been what's giving you different results but I can't say without looking at your samples.

Hardrock · Oct 29, 2009

NateWagner said:
:addpics:

no, I know you mentioned you can't cause you're at work, but yeah..

anyway, The two lenses you used are great... was there something in particular that you were limited by when taking the images? because those two lenses are fabulous.

Most likely if the shots are just "ok" it's not with the lens... just a thought.

Yeah I will post some tonight. It seemed like the 50 just wasnt sharp and almost seemed blurry. Im sure Its most likely user error and poor composition.

5DManiac · Oct 29, 2009

Yeah post. What's so MEH about them? Your skill will limit your abilities, not your lens. Keep trying 'til you get it right!

Felix0890 · Oct 29, 2009

The 50mm is soft compared to the 100mm 2.8 (you're using the macro one right?) because the 100 is super super sharp. What aperture were you using on the 50mm? That lens can go soft due to the focusing not being done correctly when it's used at the lower F numbers. Sometimes you have to focus more than once if your subject is moving or you're not using a tripod. For sharper images, stop down the lens to about 2.8-3.

NateWagner · Oct 29, 2009

I don't know if I would say the 50 1.4 is soft... maybe at 1.4 it's softer than stopped down, but usually an excellent job.

Based off of what you've said I too would guess you got screwed up with the fill flash, and or composition errors.

Hardrock · Oct 29, 2009

Felix0890 said:
The 50mm is soft compared to the 100mm 2.8 (you're using the macro one right?) because the 100 is super super sharp. What aperture were you using on the 50mm? That lens can go soft due to the focusing not being done correctly when it's used at the lower F numbers. Sometimes you have to focus more than once if your subject is moving or you're not using a tripod. For sharper images, stop down the lens to about 2.8-3.

I believe I mostly used f3.5 and f4. I did not use a tripod.

Felix0890 · Oct 29, 2009

Ahh ok I read 50mm 1.8 which can be soft if not focused correctly. I have no experience with 1.4 so can't guesstimate anything about issues with your 1.4.

Plato · Oct 29, 2009

Early said:
Plato said:

That's what I like about New Jersey - it's always overcast!

Click to expand...

Regarding your location...
There is no "Western New Jersey." The damned state is too small. There's the northern (NYC) part and the southern (Philadelphia) part but no eastern or western parts.

icassell · Oct 29, 2009

Plato said:
Early said:

Plato said:

That's what I like about New Jersey - it's always overcast!

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Regarding your location...
There is no "Western New Jersey." The damned state is too small. There's the northern (NYC) part and the southern (Philadelphia) part but no eastern or western parts.

Isn't New Jersey the name for the tunnel that connects NYC and Philly?:lmao: (j/k ... I have a place in Little Egg Harbor)

Plato · Oct 29, 2009

icassell said:
Plato said:

Early said:

Click to expand...

Regarding your location...
There is no "Western New Jersey." The damned state is too small. There's the northern (NYC) part and the southern (Philadelphia) part but no eastern or western parts.

Click to expand...

Isn't New Jersey the name for the tunnel that connects NYC and Philly?:lmao: (j/k ... I have a place in Little Egg Harbor)

It's the only state that does not have a VHF (2-13) television channel. There's no room because of potential interference with nearby stations outside of New Jersey. NYC has seven VHF channels, Philly has four and Doylestown, PA has the remaining one. That meant that, prior to the introduction of UHF, New Jersey had NO television stations.