50mm f/1.8

[Lance Nelson]

I just bought a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens today and was playing around with it. I've never owned a lens in my life like this. Anyway, looking for some CC on this shot, it's one of the first shots I took with the new lens today. Does anyone feel that the ultra narrow DOF is distracting?

[clockdoc]

The shallow depth of field behind the cat's face is acceptable. The out of focus paw in the foreground in more distracting and takes away from the impact of the photo. Keep experimenting with your new lens.

[michellepotter]

I always find it unsettling when there is blur in the foreground like that. Otherwise, lovely shot!

[wyndhydra]

I do not find the paw or the DOF distracting. You got the eyes in focus, that is the important part IMO. I find myself wondering what thoughts are running through his/her mind. Nice shot.

[Lance Nelson]

clockdoc and michellepotter: I know what you mean, I find it to be distracting as well. But at the same time I think it draws more attention to the face. Thanks for the input!

I think he was probably thinking about eating next, wyndhydra. This was taken right after his afternoon nap which is usually followed by a meal. Haha. Oh man, the life of a cat...

[bigdoggold]

I agree with the out of focus foreground being distracting..other then that its a great shot...I love point of view shots with animals...it adds a nice touch when you take snaps at their level instead of looking down on them.

[wulf]

The photo might be better if the paw was more in focus but I think it is still a good image as it is. I think there is something interesting about working with a very narrow focal band and deliberately placing it back in the shot rather than just on the nearest items - it can draw the viewer into the picture.

That was what I was going for in this shot, taken with my 50mm at f/2.0:



It is worth experimenting though - a narrower aperture and greater depth of field might still have brought attention to the face of your cat without losing so much definition on the foreleg. Of course, that is assuming that the necessary slower shutter speed wouldn't end up causing motion blur because of the cat moving!

Wulf

[imabeginner]

I recently purchased one of these lens' too and find it to shoot fantastic clear quality pictures. I don't know if its technically correct or not but I love it for portraits, especially self ones! I found holding it at arms length was the perfect distance.

[NaturesPixel]

i don't find the paw distracting and i like it like that ... to me this is puuurrrfect

[jiminyClickit]

Lance Nelson,

Hindsight: if taken from a little to the right, paw would have been more in range and ears could have been completely shown. Highlight on shoulder might have been less blown, also. But you take them when the cat's ready, right?