Problem with 'fuzzy' edge definition

[iainL]

Hi

Anyone any idea what causes the effect (sort of halo) shown here around the top of the head in this image. And more to the point, how to at least minimise this. The image is as it came from the camera, no post-processing.



The lens is the Canon 70 -300mm (at 300mm) on an EOS 500D, 1/200; ISO-100; f/5.6. Interestingly the light source (a big fiery thing in the sky) was from that direction so where the 'halo' is would have strong light directly on it.

Sorry if this is a bit of an obvious beginners' question but I'm just starting out with this photography stuff.

Cheers

Iain

[Geoff F]

I'm afraid your post appears to have been overlooked, Iain. So if it isn't too late; that light halo is a common problem with certain 'types of light' at the wrong angle.

And there isn't a lot that you can do about it. Stopping down the aperture may help to reduce the effect. Ideally, for a shot like that I would like to be using F8 or even F11. What camera mode were you using? I'm afraid that the auto settings often give too large an aperture for best wildlife photography.

You have plenty of 'spare capacity' with your ISO settings so I wouldn't be afraid of going as high as ISO 400 here. I always prefer to risk a little bit of background noise to get a suitable shutter speed and aperture.

I think that a little bit of careful sharpening might manage to overcome the worst of the problem on that photo. But careful is the optimum word here as over sharpening will only make matters worse.

[iainL]

Thanks for the reply Geoff.

This was aperture priority and I did think after seeing the results that stopping down a bit might help. So I went out the following day and tried again with F8 - I could probably convince myself that it was slightly better, but to be honest both images still had this noticeable effect. I never quite got around to trying F11 for some unknown reason.

And for a solution, would Plan B be to avoid this type of lighting (strong light from side) altogether?

Am I right to say that if the sun was directly behind the camera then this would minimise (or even completely eliminate?) this problem or is this something I'm just thinking makes me sound like I know what I'm talking about?

Iain

[Geoff F]

Having the light behind you will help to overcome a lot of possible problems; except your own shadow over macro subjects!

But there can be many causes for slight imperfections. What are your camera auto 'improvement' settings to sharpness, saturation, etc? I always set mine to zero then adjust as required during editing. Do you use any filters on your lenses, like UV filters, etc?

On this photo forum Chromatic Aberration there are currently a number of discussions about Chromatic Aberration which may prove useful. Although it can get a bit technical at times.

You could always post your images there for some really professional analysis. Everybody there is very friendly and helpful.

[iainL]

Thanks for that Geoff.

I'm still finding out a lot of things - I sort of know what I should be doing but it's quite a learning curve. My first macro shots were taken at f22 - guaranteed to increase the depth of field was my theory, which I'm sure it did, but...

And so on. But I do rather like understanding what when wrong and why. The link certainly makes for interesting reading and I'm sure I'll be revisiting that site again.

Cheers

Iain

[albannach]

I would say it's a lens issue. It's the sort of softness common with consumer lenses.