Nightshots - How to?

Mp4 · 24 Oct 2006 at 17:49

Hi all,

I have the Canon 400D with the basic lens EF-S 18-55MM

I’ve only had it for a few weeks and still getting used to it. Today I thought id go out and venture at about 8pm tonight and see if I can get some shots of the pier.

Does anyone have any tips for taking night images? I tried last night but not with any decent images, e.g. loads of lens flares and lighting flares this was using the automatic settings. What settings would be best for manual settings at night?

FranchiseJuan · 24 Oct 2006 at 19:59

If it is flair you are having problems with it is probably cause you are shooting directly into a light source or too close to a bright light source. You need to move to more of an angle to avoid it.

Raymond Lin · 24 Oct 2006 at 20:02

Use a tripod, F/22, 30 seconds.

Start with that, if it's too bright or too dark, adjust the time accordingly. You might need a remote release for longer shots.

FranchiseJuan · 24 Oct 2006 at 20:32

Raymond Lin said:
Use a tripod, F/22, 30 seconds.

For most croped frame DSLRs you get to maximum depth of field at F16 (can't find the link right now), and going above that only introduces defraction, which will make the image softer. On a 400D I would not use anything above F16 (unless it is in the studio, but that is another conversation).

Mohain · 25 Oct 2006 at 00:31

If you're shooting into the light take any filters off the fronts of the lens to minimise flare.

cyKey · 25 Oct 2006 at 00:51

FranchiseJuan said:
For most croped frame DSLRs you get to maximum depth of field at F16 (can't find the link right now), and going above that only introduces defraction, which will make the image softer. On a 400D I would not use anything above F16 (unless it is in the studio, but that is another conversation).

But going above f/16 adds to the cool starred light effect

FranchiseJuan · 25 Oct 2006 at 00:55

cyKey said:
But going above f/16 adds to the cool starred light effect

If you really want the star effect, then you can get a star filter, which will give you that effect on all lights at all apitures. They come in Star 4, 6, and 8 from memory, and the number corresponds to how many points you want to split the light into.

cyKey · 25 Oct 2006 at 01:07

FranchiseJuan said:
If you really want the star effect, then you can get a star filter, which will give you that effect on all lights at all apitures. They come in Star 4, 6, and 8 from memory, and the number corresponds to how many points you want to split the light into.

But they're so cheesy 70's porn film style. You know like on a Cylon or when Dirk Benedict smiles.

f/22. Lovely stars.

Raymond Lin · 25 Oct 2006 at 01:23

cyKey said:
But they're so cheesy 70's porn film style. You know like on a Cylon or when Dirk Benedict smiles.

You would know