I can't seem to get a photo of a dog running towards me without having the dog blur.
I've had a high shutter speed, 3200, low iso 400, AF-C, spot meter, f1.8 but it still seems to blur.
Is there something I'm missing or just keep trying?
I would imagine your aperture is too low, and a part of the images in focus, just not the bit you want as the dog will have left the DOF by the time the picture taken. Try a higher aperture like f/8 and try again, still try and keep the shutter reasonably fast though.
I shoot Canon, so I can't help you with your AF setup, but I'd aim for a shutter speed of 1/1000 or faster and an aperture of f/2.8 to f/5.6, but you can certainly step outside those parameters and have good/great results. Here are a few recent examples with EXIF intact....
And an older shot with a different subject....
The degree to which I stop down is influenced more by lens IQ than DOF considerations. I'm happy to shoot a fast, quality prime (or zoom) at larger apertures, but my 100-400 benefits from stopping down (as do all lenses) which means I might be at f/8 rather than wide open at f/5.6.
If you go for super shallow DOF then there is the increased danger of a focus miss, but if that's the look you are after then just persevere and you'll get a winner or two soon enough.
Of course, there is always Photoshop.
p.s. I checked your EXIF - 65mm at f/6.3 on a crop body with a large dog is definitely not going to give you a shallow DOF. I don't know whether this is cropped, but if it is then that also won't be helping achieve the shallow DOF you are seeking. It's also harder, I think, to shoot a running dog at such short focal lengths. Try shooting wide open at 200mm, but fill the frame by shooting portrait for an oncoming dog, and see how you get on.
Definitely less DOF Now if only you'd switched to portrait orientation you'd have avoided the amputation.....
I will often nudge my AF point cluster up above middle just a little, which lets me maintain focus on the head and leaves room down below to squeeze in the feet.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.