EOS 10D Best settings for detail

[dfuccillo]

I photograph old barns and covered bridges. What attracks me to the old barns is the natural detail in the wood as a result of time.

I'm using a EOS 10D with the 28-105 3.5-5.6 lens. Normally I will use a tripod trying to get the best depth of field.

Is there anything else I can do to get the best possible sharpness out of the camera.

Would I benefit by changing the contrast,sharpness,saturation,and color tone? If so how much should I change them?

Thanks

Dave Fuccillo

[boBquincy]

Dave,

set the camera for RAW and the lens to f8 or f11 and that is probably the best sharpness you will get out of the camera. Best depth of field is probably not best sharpness for most lenses.
Do some post-sharpening with unsharp mask to suit.

boB

[dfuccillo]

Thanks.. Will try

[roanjohn]

If you want sharpness out of the camera, I would suggest nothing else but a prime...for even more sharpness and clarity - an L prime...............

And of course, to extract its full potential, edit with some Unsharp Mask in photoshop.

Ro1

[scottbergerphoto]

I will add that 1/2 of all the data in any image is contained in the far right segment of the histogram. So in addition to the advice above, don't underexpose your image.
Regards,
Scott

[dfuccillo]

R01,

Thanks for your input. What do you mean when you say Prime and L Prime?

Dave Fuccillo

[scottbergerphoto]

R01,

Thanks for your input. What do you mean when you say Prime and L Prime?

Dave Fuccillo
Prime Lenses are fed only pure silica. L Prime are genetically engineered and fed pure silica. :lol: :lol: :lol: Yeah, I know I'm a riot.

Seriously, Primes are lenses with fixed focal lengths (50mm, 105mm, 35mm, 400mm etc.) vs. Zooms whose focal length is adjustable (16-35, 24-70, 70-200). Generally primes are a little sharper then zooms when comparing lenses of equal quality.

L Glass or L lenses are Canon's Pro/Prosumer line of lenses. They are designed to have high quality glass out to the edges of the lens and not just the center. They tend be be better then non L and more expensive. There are some non L that are very close, like the 50 f/1.4.
Regards,
Scott

[dfuccillo]

Scott,

Thanks for the explanation. I've been saving my pennies to purchase the EF 100MM f/2.8 Macro USM. Would you know of a better one or aim I on the right track?

Thanks

Dave

[scottbergerphoto]

I don't shoot Macro. I suggest you make a separate post for that so it get's noticed. In addition I think that lens has been mentioned alot. If you do a search above you'll find them.
Scott

[roanjohn]

Dave - the 100 f2.8 Macro will probably exceed your detail expectations!!! This is one heck of a lens..........sharp with lotsa detail!!! You will not be sorry..........If you are on a pinch though.......the Canon 50 f2.5 Macro is also a good deal.

Ro1