New to photography :)

JamieRollsMedia

JamieRollsMedia

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Right so I got a canon 650d for Christmas as I want to really start getting into all this photography stuff. First thing I done was purchase a canon 50mm f/1.8, Hoya u.v filter and a £12 (cheap ars ****) tripod that broke with in 2 days :( but anyways moving on. So I want to shoot Motorsport in the night and found my kit lens is just not up to it. All my images are dark and unfocused which did annoy me as I Tryed AF and then switched to MF and MF made some difference but still needs to be better.

So my question is what is a good lens and camera setting to use..

Also I will upload Pictures I have taken so far tomorrow at about 5pm.

Thanks for any help in advanced :)
 
Motorsport & night are bad combinations. Photography needs light and to get a shot that isn't blurry you need a fast shutter speed, that means wide aperture, (1.8 good but range of the 50 will be tough and depth of field small) or high ISO, not sure of your cameras ability on this.
That said, you don't want anything too fast as it will look like the car is parked on the track. Find some work you like here or elsewhere and figure out how it was done and get learning. Not sure of your overall ability but make sure you get he basics down or you'll be disappointed.

Try following a few blogs or sign up for a free day pass of
http://kelbytraining.com/online/freetrial/
To get you started.
Good luck!
CJ
 
Thanks for the reply CJ ill check that link after wotk to. As I said I'll up load a couple of pictures on to this thread so people can get a better understanding on what I'm going on about thanks again :)
 
cjevans said:
Motorsport & night are bad combinations. Photography needs light
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I have to disagree, take a look at these images first...

25hrs_thunderhill_Larry_Chen-22.jpg


25hrs_thunderhill_Larry_Chen_bts-24.jpg


25hrs_thunderhill_Larry_Chen_bts-27.jpg


http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/12/surviving-the-25-hours-of-thunderhill/

Perfect example of why motorsport and nighttime shooting is a good idea...
 
to start off you might try your luck with a 70-200mm f/2.8 then if you feel you have money to burn and more siklls have a look at the 400mm+ range glass

Camera wise you should be fine whilst learning... maybe the next step would be a 7D or 5Dmk2
 
Jonm said:
to start off you might try your luck with a 70-200mm f/2.8 then if you feel you have money to burn and more siklls have a look at the 400mm+ range glass

Camera wise you should be fine whilst learning... maybe the next step would be a 7D or 5Dmk2
Click to expand...

The OP has stated he's just getting into photography. He's got a new camera for Christmas. So you suggest he buys an expensive L lens with a view to purchasing a 400mm+? Followed by thinking about upgrading his more than adequate body? 5D mk2 for motorsport? :thinking:

To the OP, upload those pictures and you'll get some proper advice on how to improve your technique and settings. What lens are you currently using?
 
Thanks for the replys... I am currently using a kit lens and 50mm f/1.8... I know these ain't the best lens and only bought the 50mm to have a play.. I'm looking to get much better lenses... L series are fantastic but my budget can not match... Next upgrade I'm looking to spend £300-360.. To be honest 5dmkii and 7d are the best and I will not buy ether unless I was getting paid to shoot photos etc.. The 650d seems to be a good camera and can do just as good a job with its 18mp... Settings will have to find out tonight but I think for the 50mm was running 1.8 aperture ISO 100/800 and shutter speed 1/15 depending how fast the object was moving. No flash as do not want to blind the drivers.
 
Hi mate, I'm just getting started too, these guys on here hopefully will give you some good advice as there seems a wealth of intelligent knowledge in here!
The 650 has a high ISP I'm thinking?
If you look out I know it's money but I bought 70-200 l series second hand off flea bay! And the difference is unbelievable!!

As for other ways if learning, I have been watching you tube! That's got some really good tutorials on there!!
Good luck!!
 
JamieRollsMedia said:
Thanks for the replys... I am currently using a kit lens and 50mm f/1.8... I know these ain't the best lens and only bought the 50mm to have a play.. I'm looking to get much better lenses... L series are fantastic but my budget can not match... Next upgrade I'm looking to spend £300-360.. To be honest 5dmkii and 7d are the best and I will not buy ether unless I was getting paid to shoot photos etc.. The 650d seems to be a good camera and can do just as good a job with its 18mp... Settings will have to find out tonight but I think for the 50mm was running 1.8 aperture ISO 100/800 and shutter speed 1/15 depending how fast the object was moving. No flash as do not want to blind the drivers.
Click to expand...

You'd be surprised what you can get for £300-360 second hand. I've just picked up a 70-200mm F4 L lens from the classifieds in your budget.

Upload those pics :thumbs:
 
loose the UV filter all it will do is give you reflections.
 
Focussing on a fast moving object could prove a challenge in such low light. As you have only just got the camera why not spend some time getting used to how it performs, focus modes etc. then try some daytime Motorsport. Practice focussing and panning to get used to the techniques. Then once you are comfortable with this switch to night shots.

The danger with jumping in feet first at the deep end is that you might end up getting frustrated that you are not seeing the results you want.
 
Nick_1981 said:
The danger with jumping in feet first at the deep end is that you might end up getting frustrated that you are not seeing the results you want.
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yes frustrated is an underestimated lol.. i like to jump in the deep end sometimes to get a feel of how tough it is. but photography has so many different styles im egar to explore.. im going to practice alot of day time photography in the next couple of weeks. thanks to everyone with the feedback. im looking to buy a canon 70-200mm in the next 2-3 weeks so i will be back with more questions on other aspects.. i was going to upload my pictures but my internet is being dodgy so haven't been able to good old virgin media NOT ha !:bonk:

i did notice also i was getting loads of light flares in my recent images.. and yes this was because of the hoya filter :(...


my current settings i was using for my canon 650D with the 50MM F/1.8

Shutter Speed - 1/30
Aperture - F2.5
ISO - 800
AWB - auto
Picture Style - Auto
Sharpness - 0
Contrast - -4
Saturation - -4
Colour Tone - 0

thanks again guys you have been great.
 
first of all, get the hang of taking pictures of moving cars in daylight then apply what you've learnt to lower light conditions.

try AI servo focussing mode, and allow camera to achieve focus lock on the subject. Raise iso further if necessary to achieve a shutter speed where camera shake isn't an problem.
 
Jonm said:
Oh you must have missed the big link underneath the photos posted :shake:
Click to expand...

I'm sure he didn't but what he meant was the pictures should not be posted at all, JUST the link
 
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