Focus

[Deucebiggins]

Having trouble getting that perfect focus in night shots of the city. Any tips or tricks?

[PhotogChic]

What settings are you using? If your aperature is too wide you may see some softness. If your shutter speed is too slow and you are hand holding your camera, you will have some blurriness from the camera shake.

Are you using a tripod? Can you post an example?

[OsmosisStudios]

Also keep in mind that many cameras dont focus well in low light. This is especially true with the entry-level bodies using kit lenses.

[Deucebiggins]

Here is an example...



Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure: 8
Aperture: f/9.0
Focal Length: 35 mm (Canon 24-70 2.8L)
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[CaptainNH]

On the wild assumption that you're looking for maximum DoF for your night shots - google hyperfocal distance.

With the 24-70L you're using you are able to switch to manual focus and set your focus distance manually according to your focal length and aperture.

I use an iPod app called DoFMaster - saves me carrying bits of paper, or actually remembering numbers.

There are lots of DoF calculators on the web - just remember that your sensor size makes a difference too and needs to be added into the mix.

[Deucebiggins]

Thank you, I'll check it out...

[kencaleno]

You are a couple of stops underexposed

[navcom]

I'll second the hyperfocal distance. Turn off the auto focus. Depending on the camera, there are too many things that can go wrong with auto focusing at night. The less light there is, the better chance the camera won't be able to focus right.

Between you and me, I don't use auto focus at all for landscape shots...even during the day.