Long Exposures v's Focal Lengths

GaryLaird

GaryLaird

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Gary Laird
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Hi guys, I have a question regarding the use of longer focal lengths for long exposure shots. I have successfully produced reasonable results using a wide lens, 28mm equivalent but last night I was trying some on a longer telephoto zoom 70 to 200mm equivalent without success. At both the 70 & 200 focal lengths the images were blurred as there has clearly been camera movement. I was using a heavy tripod and what I thought was a solid mount. The wind was a bit gusty but not severe. Exposure times were in the range of 3 to 20 secs. Am I just expecting too much that at these longer focal lengths the camera could be held steady enough or do I just have a poor tripod/mount setup?
 
I would worry about the wind moving the tripod at those focal lengths. Did you have image stabilisation turned off? I understand this can compromise shots from a tripod
 
ianmarsh said:
I would worry about the wind moving the tripod at those focal lengths. Did you have image stabilisation turned off? I understand this can compromise shots from a tripod
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Ian, image stabilisation was left on.
 
If its on a tripod, then image stabilisation should be turned off, otherwise its permanently trying to correct. I have shot 90mm LE on a crop sensor (135mm FF) without an issue, though it wasn't terribly windy.

Weigh the tripod down (hang bag from centre, but make sure bag can't swing and hit the legs, perhaps also invest in spiked feet for the tripod if thats an option.
 
If its a canon 70-200 it will sense whether it is on a tripod or not, The lack of movement confuses the system although if on a tripod in windy conditions is can really make a difference. most modern lens` can sense a tripod and automatically turn off the stabiliser if necessary.
 
Thanks for the replies guys. Its not Canon (Panasonic m43) so no automatic detection of tripod I guess. I need to revisit to try with image stabilisation turned off makes a difference.
 
Pretty much all modern lenses can sense when on a tripod and I would expect the Panny to too.

My suspicion is just wind moving the tripod, being a longer focal length will magnify any vibrations.
 
Will try adding some weight to tripod as well......see if that helps :)
 
... what has been said, and if there is a lens hood remove it and do not extend the column at all. Next you will be needing a more expensive tripod 'n more.
 
GaryLaird said:
Will try adding some weight to tripod as well......see if that helps :)
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Ha. I was going to say that but decided not to lead you (the more expensive toys :dummy:come with a hook underneath to put a weight on (beer for example).
 
TLR-330 said:
Ha. I was going to say that but decided not to lead you (the more expensive toys :dummy:come with a hook underneath to put a weight on (beer for example).
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Unfortunately I have a less expensive toy so am going to have to rig up some line with a hook and can then just use the camera bag.
 
Nawty said:
Pretty much all modern lenses can sense when on a tripod and I would expect the Panny to too.

My suspicion is just wind moving the tripod, being a longer focal length will magnify any vibrations.
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I wouldn't bank on that. Canon recommend turning off IS when on a tripod, if their lens was clever enough to detect a tripod they would say so.

I would ask how the camera is attached to the tripod. Is it mounted at the base of the camera or the lens foot?
Is there a grip attached to the camera?
 
Nostromo said:
http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/education/technical/image_stabilization_lenses.do?page=2
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gerry s said:
They do
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https://www.manualslib.com/manual/275506/Canon-Ef-70-200mm-F-2-8l-Is-Ii-Usm.html?page=11#manual

The manual for a 70-200 f2.8 IS mk II

"Set the STABILIZER switch to OFF when you are taking pictures using the Bulb setting (long exposures). If the STABILIZER switch is set to ON the image stabilizer function may introduce errors."
"Using a tripod also stabilizes the image. However, depending on the kind of tripod and shooting conditions, sometimes it may be better when you are to turn off the Image Stabilizer function."

No doubt you will probably get away with a quicker shutter speed whilst mounted on a tripod, but I highly suspect a long exposure will be a different ball game.
 
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