Shooting on the high seas?

Well, not quite. I recently went on a 65-foot yacht from a suburb north of New York City, while still daylight, and wound up near the statute of liberty, at night, where the boat made a U-turn and went back up the East River past the United Nations. The lights of the city were beautiful and I had my 10d at that time with my 40-70 canon wide angle zoom. I took many pictures of the city as the boat sped past, along with pictures of people on the boat. I had the ISO between 800 and 1600 but was still unable to get pictures that were not blurry. I have a 70-200 2.8 IS Canon, but didn't bring it.

What could I have done different?

I think you just answered your own question. Your 70-200 2.8 IS Canon might have worked good. Otherwise, pick a day when the water is not choppy or else pick an hour with a little more sunlight.

---Bob Gross---

Night shots on a moving boat?? I don't think even an IS lens would help stop the motion blur on that.

Ro1

1ST lesson of night time photograhpy, you can't shoot night time shots from a moving object. Be it a boat, car, train, plane, helicopter, horse and carriage. If it is moving your shots won't turn out.

@IndyJeff: Your statement is so strong and clear!

I think the Canon 40-70 lens is to be blamed.

I haven't heard a single good word about that lens

Some ideas ... bring a tripod ... use a 50/1.4 and ISO 3200 ... maybe that would work.

Or just take the pictures from land :P

Best regards,
Andy