peggers Posted March 17, 2019 Share #1 Posted March 17, 2019 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) I wanted to see what users of the 80-280 need to do to get sharp images at infinity. (Think landscape with lots of tree detail.) My attempts can be a bit soft and I have a huge suspicion it’s user error. Would be very grateful of any advice: - Shutter speed: 1 / focal length or 1 / 2x focal length - f8? - Image stabilisation? - Do you need a tripod? - Sharpen or not in post ? - Other tips or experiences? - Manual focus or auto (cross target)? Much gratitude... Edited March 17, 2019 by peggers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 17, 2019 Posted March 17, 2019 Hi peggers, Take a look here Getting sharp images at infinity with the 80-280. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted March 17, 2019 Share #2 Posted March 17, 2019 Quoting Günther Osterloh: "if you want a sharp horizon, focus on the horizon." Having said that, you often will have to contend with haze. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 17, 2019 Share #3 Posted March 17, 2019 Not very helpful really, other than to say I've had no problems when using a tripod (which I'll always do for landscape/infinity shots anyway). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildlightphoto Posted March 18, 2019 Share #4 Posted March 18, 2019 Atmospheric conditions can be a problem. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
helged Posted March 18, 2019 Share #5 Posted March 18, 2019 36 minutes ago, wildlightphoto said: Atmospheric conditions can be a problem. +1. Irrespective of the equipment you have and whatever you do to maximise the shooting, having enormous, constantly and randomly moving 'air-lenses' between you and the far-away subject will dictate the end result. And the far-away subject doesn't have to be that far away, 10 m can be more than enough... That being said: Ensuring proper focus by means of focus magnification, putting the camera on a solid tripod, activating the electronic shutter, activating the 2 sec shutter delay, and turning the lens stabilisation off should give you tack sharp images. If the air is 'clear', that is... If you are hand-holding the camera, then focus magnification + electronic shutter + lens stabilisation + shutter speed higher than 1/focal length (and certainly 1/(2 times the focal length)) should do the job. If not - get the lens checked... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 18, 2019 Share #6 Posted March 18, 2019 I might add that hot atmospheric conditions will distort and blur at longer distances. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpittal Posted March 18, 2019 Share #7 Posted March 18, 2019 Advertisement (gone after registration) I use the large zoom for landscapes so I always use a tripod. My sharpness issues occur during windy conditions (20+mph) causing vibrations, even when using my large tripod. I am in the habit of turning off the vibration reduction when using a tripod, but next time that I am in that situation, I will try leaving it on to see if that helps. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peggers Posted March 24, 2019 Author Share #8 Posted March 24, 2019 Guys, Thank you for all your suggestions. I'd completely forgotten about the electronic shutter. I went out yesterday morning (without the kids!) and took a quick series of test shots. It was a bit hazy - but here are a set of shots at f4, f8, f16 and f22, electronic shutter and no stabilisation, manually focused. Processed in COP - no sharpening, but curve to bring in a little contrast. I am happy with the result - my initial thought that my problems were user error where correct! Although f22 does look soft. The exercise has shown me that it takes quite a bit of care to get the shots sharp Here's the whole scene: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/295316-getting-sharp-images-at-infinity-with-the-80-280/?do=findComment&comment=3708328'>More sharing options...
peggers Posted March 24, 2019 Author Share #9 Posted March 24, 2019 (edited) Sorry - edit issue Edited March 24, 2019 by peggers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peggers Posted March 24, 2019 Author Share #10 Posted March 24, 2019 1/40s @ f4 and 0.1s @f8 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/295316-getting-sharp-images-at-infinity-with-the-80-280/?do=findComment&comment=3708333'>More sharing options...
peggers Posted March 24, 2019 Author Share #11 Posted March 24, 2019 0.4s @ f16 & 0.8s @ f22 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/295316-getting-sharp-images-at-infinity-with-the-80-280/?do=findComment&comment=3708335'>More sharing options...
Vieri Posted March 24, 2019 Share #12 Posted March 24, 2019 Quick question - did you use any filter (Grad ND, ND) for these samples? It is a well known fact that with longer lenses filters can cause loss of sharpness, which is why Formatt-Hitech developed the Ultra line of filters (you can read about it scrolling down this page: https://www.formatt-hitech.com/blog) Hope this helps, best regards Vieri Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 24, 2019 Share #13 Posted March 24, 2019 Those shutter speeds are relatively long for this lens though right? I'm surprised those are as sharp as they are, considering that. I do believe that f22 is pushing the lens too far, I never go beyond f16. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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