First attempts with my new DSLR

[GuyF]

Hi everyone,
Earlier this week my Canon 400D and Sigma 50-500mm and 105mm lenses arrived. I didn't have time to try any photos in the week but I spent most of this morning with the 50-500mm lens pointing in the front hedge to try and get some photos. I am amazed by the quality of the camera and lenses, it's a huge step up from my Olympus C740uz. Basically I would like some tips to try and improve my shots. At the moment, I think my main problem is that I'm not used to the weight of the 50-500mm so these images are quite blurred because of camera shake, but I will be interested to see what you think. All of these images were taken hand held. The Long-tailed tit is the only one which isn't fully zoomed in. I have cropped all of these shots a bit but I haven't tried sharpening them or changing colour/brightness.

This is my Buzzard, it's my first go at an inflight shot but it's quite blurred.

This is a House Sparrow that was in the hedge. Once again it's a bit blurred

This is a Coal Tit from the hedge. This was one of the few shots I got while the sun was out.


And finally this is a Long-Tailed Tit on a feeder. This was taken through a window so you can see the reflection a bit but it was good to be able to get so close to it.


All tips welcome.
Many thanks.
Guy

[themightyzog]

Hi Gary,
Not bad for starters, especially in this light.
One thing you can always do, if the shot is a little blurred - problem with long telephotos and not enough light - is to unblurred it digitally!!!!!
I have to do that sometimes - see my web site on how to do it
Good luck and have fun
Chris
Web Site: My Left Eye

[Wolfhill]

It might just be something with my computer but all I see are question marks in blue boxes?

[GuyF]

Thanks Chris, I will give your site a look tonight. Wolfhill, all I can see is X's in white boxes but possibly when you click on them it might take you to the Gallery.
Thanks
Guy

[Ollie]

Hi Guy
They aren't bad photos at all for a first attempt with a DSLR, especially using the 50 - 500mm lens. I use the same camera and lens and was weeks before I got a photo I was happy with.
The best advice I can give is practice, practice and more practice. Hand holding a large lens takes some doing and I would invest in a decent tripod or monopod to help the camera shake. Don't be afraid of experimenting with the camera settings ISO etc, and ask as many questions as you can think of. There are many on here who will be more than happy to advise you.
Roger

[AlphaZeroOne]

[quote=GuyF;87660]Hi everyone,

[quote=GuyF;87660]Hi everyone,
Earlier this week my Canon 400D and Sigma 50-500mm and 105mm lenses arrived. I didn't have time to try any photos in the week but I spent most of this morning with the 50-500mm lens pointing in the front hedge to try and get some photos.

Hi GuyF

I too have been out trying my new Bigma lens on my D400. I know what you mean when you say that the lens is heavy. I guess that I was half expecting to obtain something approaching the standards of some of the great photographs that can be seen on this site but of course the reality is a long way off. My realisation is that the camera and lens is just one small element of getting those killer pics. Certainly, I found myself much more aware of the quality and direction of the light but still have much work to do on understanding the camera settings. I also suspect that some of the shots that I have seen here have been very well planned rather than expecting to happen on the right spot by chance. I am guessing that those perfects photographs are a combination of lens, camera, careful planning, heaps of patience, years of fieldcraft and photographic experience, knowledge of birds and their behaviour and maybe even some judicious food baiting and heaps of luck!

I will follow your progress with interest. As we seem to have the same equipment, it might be interesting to see how we compare gaining success from the same starting point. By the way, how did you find the zoom range of the Bigma? It certainly some lens and, Like you, I am really looking forward to the spring and summer to be able to practice and improve my skills.

[Raffman]

Hi there Guy,

I used to own the Sigma 50-500 (aka - Bigma) myself few years ago and certainly with good light and good long lens technique you'll achieve some wonderful results.

My biggest advice with the Bigma is use a tripod or at least a monopod. As you've stated its has some weight but at 500mm any lens heavy or not is going to be hard to achieve tack sharp images with. There are many articles around for long lens technique (google it) but to get you on your way I find that having my left hand resting on top of the lens just in front of the tripod/monopod and applying just the dead weight of my arm and then applying a small amount of presure to the eyepiece helps to provide a nice steady image through the viewfinder, then its just a case of watching your shutter speed.

Enjoy your new set up and look forwards to seeing some more shots.

All the best
Raff

[AlphaZeroOne]

Thanks Raffman

Thats a great tip. Keep them coming! What lens do you use now?

[GuyF]

Thanks for all your advice everyone, I will spend as much time as possible using the lense until I get used to it. I would like to buy an attachment that would allow me to put the camera on a manfrotto tripod that I have for my telescope but otherwise I will buy a new tripod/monopod. Hi Alphazeroone, it's good to know there's someone else starting out with this equipment. At the moment I'm amazed by the bigma's zoom, especially when comparing it to the Olympus. I really can't wait until spring as well, it will be nice to have some sun and maybe get out to some places that I know should offer good photo opportunities. Also, there's not much scope for macro work in winter because most of the insects are hibernating.
Thanks again everyone for all your replies, it's very helpful.
Guy

[Raffman]

I now have the 100-400L IS and the 600L IS!!!! But I originally purchased my glass for shooting surf. I have my surfing work published in UK mags and used for advertising so it was essential to have the highest quality and best performing equipment. When I started getting interested in wildlife photography I was lucky enough to already be half way there with my existing setup.

Like Ollie says practice and practice some more, you'll soon see an improvement as you develope your technique.

Although not ideal dont be affraid of using 800 iso the 400d, unless you have a nicely lit subject you're going to struggle with shutter speeds. I recently download a free version of Neat Image which reduces the affects of digital noise up to 1024x1024 pixel images, so for PC and web viewing thats fine. Also remember that if you shoot RAW (I recommend personally) your images will lack in sharpness straight out the camera, you are expected to use various shapening methods to bring out the best.

Cheers
Raff