Lens advice

[stokecity_m]

I currently use one of these on my 1000D, now the reach it gets is nice and long enough and i do like having the IS, however due to the F# the shutter speed i can get sometimes isn't good enough, resulting is blur :(

What would people recommend?

I'd like to spend less than £200 + the 55-250 money if i sold it.

[wontolla]

Is this when mounted on a tripod? If so, turn the IS OFF.
No problem with this lens for me, 90% of my shots are handheld, which is what the IS is for!

[stokecity_m]

using it hand held - saw a robin yesterday but due to the badish light the shutter speed was only 1/250 and i got some blurring.

[wontolla]

Did you up the ISO?

[stokecity_m]

Did you up the ISO?


nope :( didn't have time as it was there and gone in a few seconds - it was at 200 though.

[wontolla]

Increasing the ISO will give you a faster shutter speed-less blur!

[stokecity_m]

Increasing the ISO will give you a faster shutter speed-less blur!


what shutter speed would you recommend for birds?

i mean the higher the better - but i'd like to keep the iso as low as possible too, so could do with finding a good balance.

[martyp]

1/500 and above is good for freezing action from my experience.

Using approx 400 - 800 ISO will be required in poor lighting conditions though.

[wontolla]

what shutter speed would you recommend for birds?

i mean the higher the better - but i'd like to keep the iso as low as possible too, so could do with finding a good balance.


Wellllll, how long is a piece of string?
Entirely depends on the situation. Is the bird perched, or flying? I find Robins are easy (relatively!) but LTTs are VERY hard! (they flit about a LOT!) As a compromise, I set the mode to Av, up the ISO to suit conditions, and let the camera work out shutter speed. This doesn't ALWAYS work but take enough frames and you should end up with some usable shots!

[stokecity_m]

cheers guys - think i'll stick with my 55-250 and give it another go :)

[andyred]

cheers guys - think i'll stick with my 55-250 and give it another go :)

It's a good lens, do stick with it and you will be happy with your results. :thumbs:

I find sometimes you need to get a great shot in good light to give your own confidence a boost.