70-300 DO IS and DPP

[jnevin]

After much research I've decided to buy the 70-300 DO IS. The information on these forums has been invaluable in arriving at the decisioon. I realise it's limitations but according to reports, it responds well to RAW processing. Has anyone experience of using DPP to tweak images from this lens? I'd be grateful for any tips.

[Bollan]

After much research I've decided to buy the 70-300 DO IS. The information on these forums has been invaluable in arriving at the decisioon. I realise it's limitations but according to reports, it responds well to RAW processing. Has anyone experience of using DPP to tweak images from this lens? I'd be grateful for any tips.

You are right that the lens need and respond well to PP. I wold suggest you to read http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/contrast-enhancement.shtml and then Fovéas great tips at http://www.fovegraphy.com/70_300DO_TipsE.php to have a head start.

This lens is great but you need to bump the local contrast to overcome that flat look you get sometimes. Apply a good three stage sharpening and you will love the results.

Heres a link to a very good article about the sharpening method that works very well with this lens http://www.creativepro.com/story/feature/20357-1.html

[jnevin]

Thanks for the response. I've looked at some of those articles previously. Would I be right in assuming that DPP on it's own doesen't have the facilities to bring out the best in the DO? Currently I use DPP almost exclusively and hoped to avoid using another package.

[Bollan]

Thanks for the response. I've looked at some of those articles previously. Would I be right in assuming that DPP on it's own doesen't have the facilities to bring out the best in the DO? Currently I use DPP almost exclusively and hoped to avoid using another package.

Well a lot can actually be done in DPP. The problem is the sharpening bit.

Why dont you have a go at Photoshop Elements 5 which is a great package without costing a fortune.

[jnevin]

I already have Elements 2. I haven't felt the need to use it since I started shooting RAW. When I get the DO I'll experiment and maybe consider upgrading to the new version.

[Radtech1]

This lens is great but you need to bump the local contrast to overcome that flat look you get sometimes.

I have this lens and I really like it. The IS is fantastic.

I agree that it is a little flat, but a minor saturation and contrast bump is all it needs.

It is at it's weakest when shooting into the light. I have had very marginal results when shooting concert shots and the light there is a strong back-light. But this kind of shooting is rare for me.

All in all - it is a sweet lens.

Rad

[Prydain]

Before you buy 5.0 you might try it for 30 days courtesy of Adobe. They will let you download it or get a DVD (you'll be able to try CS3 as well). Definite wait till you've got your lens to work with, but at least try the demo first.

I like my DO a lot. So will you!