Help with Tamron 28-75

[jbdial1515]

I picked up a copy of the Tamrom 28-75 2.8. I have only had it a couple days and the couple times I have used outside, it seems to be "blown out" in a lot of the pictures. Can you provide any suggestions? Would some sort of filter help? These 2 pictures were taken in P. I can improve picture by shooting in Manual and adjusting my shutter speed and aperture.

Thanks.

[mpoole]

What metering mode are you using? Both these pictures have a dark central point relative to the background so if you are using spot metering instead of evaluative, that could explain it. If not maybe you have a faulty lens which just won't stop down. Test this by setting the camera to manual for the correct exposure, then increase and decrease the aperture to see if there is any change.

[jbdial1515]

It is in evaluative metering mode.

Maybe it was just the water in the background causing the problems (glare).

I just went outside with my dog and with it in P mode, the aperture seems to adjust fine.

[liza]

Not sure if the Rebel has the exposure compensation feature, but if it does you should consider that.

[SoundsGood]

These 2 pictures were taken in P.
I'm curious to see what would happen if you take the shots in "Av" and set the aperture to f/5.6... The same thing? Or is it better?

[jbdial1515]

So with what Liza was going on....This could be my problem here (Exposure Compenstation set to +1 1/3):

ile name
IMG 011.jpg
Camera Model Name
Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
Shooting Date/Time
1/1/2007 13:24:35
Tv(Shutter Speed)
1/400Sec.
Av(Aperture Value)
F5.6
Metering Modes
Evaluative metering
Exposure Compensation
+1 1/3
ISO Speed
400
Lens
28-75mm
Focal Length
75.0 mm
Image size
3456 x 2304
Image Quality
Fine
Flash
Off
White Balance
Auto
AF mode
One-Shot AF
Picture Style
-

[Olegis]

It's not the lens fault ;)

[liza]

Try setting the exposure to M and then increase your shutter speed to lessen the duration of light into the camera. I run into this a lot when shooting baseball, so I adjust the settings for shutter and aperture in M until the needle on the exposure indicator is just a hair to the right of center.

[jbdial1515]

Thanks everyone. I am learning. My wife asks why I read on here so much but I must say, if I did not read on this forum and post on here, I would not have learned anything in the last 2 months with all of your help.

Liza, thanks for the help as ususal.

[Olegis]

There is no need for manual mode. Just set the exposure compensation to zero and watch the histogram. If the pictures still come out over-exposed, try setting a negative exposure compensation until you are happy with the results.

[SoundsGood]

It's not the lens fault ;)
Olegis, this is totally off topic -- but since the problem has been solved :) -- how do you like your Lowepro Minitrekker 200 bag?

[Olegis]

:)
This is a great bag, though I use it only when I have to carry a lot of equipment for long periods of time (which doesn't happen very often). For "everyday" use (1-2 lenses and a body plus a bottle of water) I go with the Domke 4F-AF.

[markubig]

Are you using CFn4-1? if not, you would benefit by reading this thread.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=46965

Separating your AF from your metering makes it so much easier.

[DavidEB]

jbdial -- yes, exposure compensation is the big problem, but still... both shots are difficult to expose properly. The ducks are dark against bright water, and you probably needed some +EC to get the ducks exposed right. That's a very tricky shot to expose. The lady is not quite backlit, but it's not going to be easy to get a correct exposure overall, as the shadows are much darker than the sunlit parts. That shot is calling out for fill-flash (with EC set to 0).

[jbdial1515]

If i used my Sigma 500 for fill flash, how would you angle the flash, straight on?

Thanks

[SoundsGood]

For "everyday" use (1-2 lenses and a body plus a bottle of water) I go with the Domke 4F-AF.
I'll do a search. Thanks!

[steveathome]

Are you using CFn4-1? if not, you would benefit by reading this thread.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=46965

Separating your AF from your metering makes it so much easier.

Something I've never got on with personaly, I think the OP being a newbie maybe wouldn't either. He would be far better of using the AE Lock * button to take/lock the exposure on a grassed area or similar, and then take the shot as usual.

My advice is get a good book on exposure, and learn how to use the historam and manual exposure. You will learn so much by starting from from the basics. :)

[markubig]

Something I've never got on with personaly, I think the OP being a newbie maybe wouldn't either. He would be far better of using the AE Lock * button to take/lock the exposure on a grassed area or similar, and then take the shot as usual.

My advice is get a good book on exposure, and learn how to use the historam and manual exposure. You will learn so much by starting from from the basics. :) it's even better if he's a newbie. The most common objection I've seen regarding Cfn4-1 is that people are too used to half-pressing their shutter for AF. If you're a newbie and can get a good understanding about exposure, then you can separate your AF and metering now, so that it's not so awkward for you when you try to change later.

If you don't want to try it, so be it, but I always mention it in cases like this, because this is where it would be so beneficial. Focus Lock * on your subject, meter on the background/ambient light, half-press the shutter to lock the exposure and then recompose. As long as you don't let go of the * button, your focus is still on. I used to have the blow-out problem, but haven't since I changed to Cfn4-1.

Thought he might wanna give it a try, but again, to each his own.

[jbdial1515]

I have read but I still do not understand how to do this and what the purpose is for...I am show me kind of person...wish someone could explain over phone... :)

I will keep reading and playing to see if i "get it".

[markubig]

I have read but I still do not understand how to do this and what the purpose is for...I am show me kind of person...wish someone could explain over phone... :)

I will keep reading and playing to see if i "get it". Here is a great place to start learning about your camera. I visit it frequently.
http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/

[steveathome]

So Lock focus
Get the exposure
Recompose = holding focus
Lose the shot
LOL

[markubig]

So Lock focus
Get the exposure
Recompose = holding focus
Lose the shot
LOL probably when you first start, but once you get the hang of it, it's like 2nd-nature. :D