My first try with 70-200 f4

[sodjdobe]

So, here is the story...I got this lens on wednesday after about 3 weeks of painfull waiting. And than when i got it, I was really unlucky because it was cloudy and rainy until this mourning. I was never so happy to se the sun before! :) So I went out and take a few shots. This is the photograph that I like the best. He was sitting on the plant and posing for me. I also added the frame, but i dont know if u like it...I think its ok:)

ISO 400, f6,3 , shutter 1/1600sec, 200mm

[JuZ]

Its nice, but why such a high shutter speed?

[sodjdobe]

Well, I am getting used to the new lens and lenght so i was afraid it would be blured if i used slow shutter. I really dont know how good i am with my hands and at which shutter speed I can get sharp photos. At what speed do u get sharp photos? Perhaps u could give me some tips...

[ajbalazic]

Dobrodosli! This is a nice photograph Jure. I like the frame. It's nice when the butterfly has it's wings completely open.

A general rule of thumb is to keep your shutter speed at no less than 1/length of your lens. So for the 70-200mm, don't use a shutter speed less than 1/200sec (handheld) regarless if you are at 70mm or 200mm.

[sodjdobe]

I will try that out, but i dont think ill be able to get sharp photographs with shutter at 1/200. Well i guess ill have to get used to this lens. Im very impressed so far. I like the colours.
Oh, and tnx for your comments and tips!

[DavidEB]

Jure --

great shot.

I approve of your shutter speed. Nothing wrong with a fast shutter, the "rule" referred to above relates to going to slow speeds (eg, less than 1/FL or for your lens less than either 1/70 or 1/200...). With slow speeds you'll get shake.

Here's how I'd pick a shutter speed for a non-moving subject. First pick the f-stop you like to get proper depth of field. Then set a medium ISO speed, say ISO 200. See what the shutter speed is. If too slow, increase the ISO.

there's nothing wrong with ISO 400. the digital noise at ISO 400 is not much worse than ISO 100 -- your shot might be very marginally less noisy at the lower ISO but only if you plan on massive enlargements.

So using f6.3 and ISO 400 is just fine, and got you the shutter speed you have, so much the better.


I have a 70-200 f2.8. My favorite setup for butterflies is that lens plus about 20 mm of extension tubes, and a flash. Like this (http://www.pbase.com/davideb/image/44378157)

[superdiver]

I would have just used a high shutter speed out of habit.

Why would you not use a high shutter speed for this type of photo? Keep in mind I dont shoot these types of photos and I am really asking and not knowing why you wouldnt, not being a smart arse or anything...

[JuZ]

I wasn't trying to be funny asking why the high shutter speed, its just 1/1600th is the kind of speed i'd use for a fighter jet.
Sodjdobe - You will easily be able to take sharp pictures at 1/200th I have every confidence in you :)

[sodjdobe]

Thanx for your confidence in me:) Ill try lower speed and upload the results soon...i hope for some nice shots!

[Kevin]

Nice shot Jure. I too use a high shutter speed for closeups. It assures me of a sharp shot without lens blur. David is right on, I use the same principle. But stay aware of your shutter speed. Congrats on the new lens.