Beware of the Devil Horse!!!!

[theantiquetiger]

This thing was wondering around my backyard. It is huge, about 3" long (6.6cm), and that is a medium size one. I was trying to piss him off because when they get threatened, they flare out their wings, which are blood red. He didn't want to have anything to do with me.

He was very camera shy, so I could not get a shot of his head in focus (I took 42 shots before giving up).

[theantiquetiger]

This one maybe a little better

[theantiquetiger]

I was not satisfied with any of those shots, so I went back out and found him. My biggest problem is that I don't have a remote button yet

[Mad Aussie]

Those last two shots are an improvement. He looks like quite a beast. Shame we couldn't see those big wings open.

Why the trouble with focus? What sort of camera are you using?

[theantiquetiger]

Those last two shots are an improvement. He looks like quite a beast. Shame we couldn't see those big wings open.

Why the trouble with focus? What sort of camera are you using?

The first set of shots, I was trying to shoot it handheld. The last two shots were mounted but no remote button. I am buying a button here in about 30 mins (and maybe a macro kit for my 75-300 lense)

[Mad Aussie]

You shouldn't have any trouble shooting handheld with that lens. However, remember to keep your shutter speed at least as fast as your focal length is long. So if you are zoomed out to 300mm use at least 1/300th. Also be sure you have a single auto focal point selected on the camera to ensure you can actually target the subject properly.

[theantiquetiger]

The first shot settings of the second set of images were ISO 800, 1/400, F5.6, 220 focal length

The second shot settings were ISO 800, 1/400, F5.0, 220 Focal length

[Mad Aussie]

Well ... assuming you have a focal point in the viewfinder right on the subjects eyes then I guess it's movement you are getting as you push the button. Try breathing right out and gently squeeze the button at that moment ... or also try using the 2 sec timer if you have it. I guess the remote button you are getting will help but you really shouldn't need it for such shots.

[theantiquetiger]

Well ... assuming you have a focal point in the viewfinder right on the subjects eyes then I guess it's movement you are getting as you push the button. Try breathing right out and gently squeeze the button at that moment ... or also try using the 2 sec timer if you have it. I guess the remote button you are getting will help but you really shouldn't need it for such shots.

Yes, I shot the second set with live view 10x focus on the face

[Mad Aussie]

Some older cameras with live-view don't focus when live-view is on.

[theantiquetiger]

Some older cameras with live-view don't focus when live-view is on.

I have a Canon EOS Rebel XSi

[Mad Aussie]

I had the model before that one and you couldn't focus in live-view. Not sure, but I don't think the Rebel XSi (450D) can.

[Iguanasan]

I had the model before that one and you couldn't focus in live-view. Not sure, but I don't think the Rebel XSi (450D) can.

I'm not sure if auto-focus does but manual focus does for sure. The whole reason for the 10x zoom on the live view is to get razor sharp focus on your subject when the auto-focus can't lock on. I've used it once or twice myself that way.

Really cool, antiquetiger, that you could go back out and find him again. I would have thought his visit to be fleeting at best. Are you putting the 70-300 in macro mode?

[theantiquetiger]

I'm not sure if auto-focus does but manual focus does for sure. The whole reason for the 10x zoom on the live view is to get razor sharp focus on your subject when the auto-focus can't lock on. I've used it once or twice myself that way.

Really cool, antiquetiger, that you could go back out and find him again. I would have thought his visit to be fleeting at best. Are you putting the 70-300 in macro mode?

My camera has auto or manual focus in live view. These were taken all in manual. I take everything in manual for the practice.

It does not have a macro mode (that I know of). There is no switch for macro like the other lens I had. The lens is a Canon EF 1:4-5.6 75-300 ii

[theantiquetiger]

OK, went out today, bought some macro filters for my lens. Luckily, the subject is still around.

Edit: after I uploaded the first image, I realize it is OOF.

[Mad Aussie]

Well that last one is almost right so I reckon it's practice, practice, practice.