My crappy landscapes

[Trever1t]

I see what you're saying, it's not crisp, clean, sharp. perhaps you are indeed at the limits of the kit lens?

 

[HughGuessWho]

Ernicus, try this and see if it improves what you are describing for landscape like this, especially when you have prominent
Try f15 (at least F11).
Manually focus 1/3 of the way into the view as indicated in this picture, but no further than the rocks just above the center target.

View attachment 11646

Try it, and see if it doesnt help with what you are describing.

Nevermind. I was typing my post while you were uploading the new pics.
I agree with Trever. Its likey the IQ limits of your lens.

 

[Ernicus]

I see what you're saying, it's not crisp, clean, sharp.

Exactly.

I know I am new to the art. I learn fast and I think I am progressing well. Still have much to learn. I didn't want to "blame" the capabilities of the lens without seeking some opinions first and just ensure I am not missing anything that may be obvious to others.

The kit lens is indeed a fine lens for what it is. Definitely worth having on it while learning, so I am not trying to knock it by any means.

 

[Blairg]

Like this?

100%

<img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11643"/>

75%

<img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11644"/>

50%

<img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11645"/>

I like the pictures

 

[Ernicus]

That makes me feel a little better.

I was wondering if the distance was the factor. It seems if I am within say....50 yards maybe...it is ok, but once I start going out past that....its yucky. I even watched a course, made sure I was focusing in the right areas, finding ideal aperture for distance, etc etc. I just have yet to get one single landscape picture worth a damn.

Thank you all for taking the time to look into this thread.

I will be taking a trip to Bar Harbor soon and shooting at Acadia, and I have seen absolutely stunning images come from that area. It is a great spot to grab some great images. So....I guess I may be bugging my boss to borrow a lens or three....lol

 

[Ernicus]

Like this?

100%

<img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachments/general-gallery/11643-my-crappy-landscapes-_dsc0177-100.jpg"/>

75%

<img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachments/general-gallery/11644-my-crappy-landscapes-_dsc0177-75.jpg"/>

50%

<img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachments/general-gallery/11645-my-crappy-landscapes-_dsc0177-50.jpg"/>

I like the pictures

Thanks. I think I have very high expectations for what I put out. 99% of the time I am not happy with what I shoot. While I appreciate you liking them, they are ugly shots taken for test purposes. lol. Thanks for the words though.

 

[cgipson1]

Ernicus, try this and see if it improves what you are describing for landscape like this, especially when you have prominent
Try f15 (at least F11).
Manually focus 1/3 of the way into the view as indicated in this picture, but no further than the rocks just above the center target.

Try it, and see if it doesnt help with what you are describing.

Yea.. like I mentioned above.. Hyperfocal Distance! lol!

 

[cgipson1]

It looks like it could be the lens... but I would still try what Hugh suggested! Without any FILTERS! You said you shot with a polarizer, right? Unless you spent some cash on it.. that could be causing an issue. I am assuming you don't have a UV or anything else on the lens either, right? Also for testing.. either tripod it.. or get that shutter up higher!

 

[Ernicus]

Ernicus, try this and see if it improves what you are describing for landscape like this, especially when you have prominent
Try f15 (at least F11).
Manually focus 1/3 of the way into the view as indicated in this picture, but no further than the rocks just above the center target.

View attachment 11646

Try it, and see if it doesnt help with what you are describing.

K, I'll do that.

Just a bit of background, I was practicing with various f stops as well. Due to great lighting at the time of day, I easily could have increased to higher fstop. I was also doing the 1/3 focus thing. On this particular one, I chose to hit the bridge, but the course I was trying to mimic said exactly as you did. I will try those suggestions as its a block away from the house.

to answer the other poster, no I did not have a tri pod. I do very well at ss of 60 and higher as far as stabilization. I hold the camera well. I beleive in this one I was sitting on a rock stabilizing arms to make sure. However, even with the tripod, I get the same results.

I read in detail the specs on this lens and the outputs show f/8 as the ideal to use for optimum output on this lens.

I have a lot of lenses on my wish list, trust me. lol.

oh, jsdfighter...you still needing a nd filter dude? I may be able to get you a used one...no promises but I'll look monday. ;-)

 

[Ernicus]

Ernicus, try this and see if it improves what you are describing for landscape like this, especially when you have prominent
Try f15 (at least F11).
Manually focus 1/3 of the way into the view as indicated in this picture, but no further than the rocks just above the center target.

Try it, and see if it doesnt help with what you are describing.

Yea.. like I mentioned above.. Hyperfocal Distance! lol!

lol, I knew what ya meant. ;-) I read on that in great detail a few times in the past few weeks.

 

[Ernicus]

It looks like it could be the lens... but I would still try what Hugh suggested! Without any FILTERS! You said you shot with a polarizer, right? Unless you spent some cash on it.. that could be causing an issue. I am assuming you don't have a UV or anything else on the lens either, right? Also for testing.. either tripod it.. or get that shutter up higher!

No, no nd filters, and no uv. just the polorizer.

I am not negating your suggestions, but I have done soo many tests, with...without...etc. I just used this one I shot today as an example.

my next test I will go back to bare lens, on a tripod, using examples stated here and see what I get.

 

[cgipson1]

It looks like it could be the lens... but I would still try what Hugh suggested! Without any FILTERS! You said you shot with a polarizer, right? Unless you spent some cash on it.. that could be causing an issue. I am assuming you don't have a UV or anything else on the lens either, right? Also for testing.. either tripod it.. or get that shutter up higher!

No, no nd filters, and no uv. just the polorizer.

I am not negating your suggestions, but I have done soo many tests, with...without...etc. I just used this one I shot today as an example.

my next test I will go back to bare lens, on a tripod, using examples stated here and see what I get.

Sounds like you have covered the bases then!

 

[Trever1t]

Polorizer? That could be your problem right there! I missed that from your OP. Try with NO filters and check results!

 

[jdsfighter]

It looks like it could be the lens... but I would still try what Hugh suggested! Without any FILTERS! You said you shot with a polarizer, right? Unless you spent some cash on it.. that could be causing an issue. I am assuming you don't have a UV or anything else on the lens either, right? Also for testing.. either tripod it.. or get that shutter up higher!

No, no nd filters, and no uv. just the polorizer.

I am not negating your suggestions, but I have done soo many tests, with...without...etc. I just used this one I shot today as an example.

my next test I will go back to bare lens, on a tripod, using examples stated here and see what I get.

Haha, yeah. Still need a 58mm ND filter. Not sure what stop yet, but something for a slightly longer exposure (2+ seconds).

As for shooting with a tripod, for reference, did you use the self timer to give it a slight grace period after you pressed the button, to stabilize?

 

[Jaemie]

Has anyone else noticed the horizon tilting to the right?