Settings

[philduncan]

Still learning and would kindly ask what the best settings would be for Lanterns being set off to the sky around 6.30 evening time and guess overcast. I have 7D and Canon 55-250mm 4-5.6 IS Do also have Canon 70-200 2.8L non Is but prefer to use smaller lens for this unless big difference in pics. Thank you

 

[HoppyUK]

Still learning and would kindly ask what the best settings would be for Lanterns being set off to the sky around 6.30 evening time and guess overcast. I have 7D and Canon 55-250mm 4-5.6 IS Do also have Canon 70-200 2.8L non Is but prefer to use smaller lens for this unless big difference in pics. Thank you

Hard one to judge, depending on how bright the lanterns are relative to the sky. But assuming it's still quite light and overcast, I would think exposing for the sky would be about right. So do that just beforehand, and lock the exposure in manual.

You won't know for sure until they go up, but you should have a few moments for tweaking either way by checking the LCD quickly. Have blinkies enabled (over-exposure warning) to make sure the lanterns don't get blown. If the blinkies are flashing, raise the shutter speed.

 

[shaylou]

The truth is that the question is not answerable. The only way to tell you what settings to use is to measure the light. We are not there so there is no way to do that. Follow your cameras meter to find what the camera thinks is the correct exposure. Look at the results and make your own adjustments to fine tune. The camera will get it right most of the time if the light is even. This is a good way to learn. I think one of the most common mistakes that beginners make is that they do not examine their shots well enough as they go. Try to spend a little more time looking at what you got before you go for another shot. BUT,, keep shooting! I hope that helps.

 

[Forbiddenbiker]

Adding to the above, what you can consider is: Very low light subjects, lit but dim in terms of good exposure. Also they are moving slowly.
So first thing you know is the shutter speeds got to be quick enough, testing is the only way, shutter priority say 1/60 to practice off of, zoom in preview and check, go faster and check again. This speed in the dark will probably mean you'll need your aperture as open as possible and your ISO set high, or highest to give a balanced exposure on the lights.

Ish, maybe, guess.