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Use Live View in very low light


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19 replies to this topic

#1
Outdadarwin

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A trick I learned recently in the Nocternal House, at the Territory Wildlife Park.

 

The animals are in glasss cages, in very low light, and flash is not allowed.

 

I was using an AF 50mm F1.8, turned the ISO up high,,swicthed to manual focus (focus assist light reflects off glass), and a monopod.

Live View allowed me to gain more accurate focus than was possible with the viewfinder.

Here is an example photo of a Northern Quoll taken using this method:

 

Attached Thumbnails

  • Northern Quoll net.jpg


#2
Adam

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Well done!  That's one of the most useful things about live view IMO, being able to focus in the dark.  And if it's too dark, just light up your subject with a flashlight and try focusing again.



#3
nbanjogal

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Yes! I was at a night sky photography workshop this summer, and the live view on my D600 was essential for getting accurate focus! I had never used it for anything except the rare video before that. In live view, I could zoom in on a bright star for focusing purposes. 

 

 

Am I allowed to post a picture of my well-focused night sky? 

 

Can't quite figure out how to do it...

 

 

 

A link perhaps? 

Bleh.

http://nicolefernley.../nightscapes-4/



#4
Outdadarwin

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You could post a link,

The forum lets you attach a photo when you create a new thread.



#5
Mark Win

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Love to see your photo nbanjogal



#6
nbanjogal

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Thanks, Outdadarwin and Mark Win. I didn't realize you could attach photos if you started the thread. If you click the link at the bottom of my first post, it should take you to a few of my nightscapes. Just click on a thumbnail.

 

Also, Mark--Northern Ireland? Really? Scenic photography heaven...just step out your door. I'm envious...

 

I visited Belfast quite a few years ago--great place! I still remember being mooned by a couple of teenagers there... (Do you call it being mooned when someone drops their drawers in a defiant gesture--sort of like flipping you off?)



#7
Outdadarwin

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Nice photos Nicole.



#8
nbanjogal

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Very kind of you to look, Brian! I wish there was an easier way to post a photo in comments, but a link'll do for now.

 

I like your critter--sucker for anything cute and furry, right here. Curious--how high did you have your ISO for that shot? And which camera? And how close were you to the glass? Just imagining myself with my 50mm trying to get something similar--you'd have to be right up against the glass, yes? I don't see anything that shows it was shot through glass--nicely done.



#9
Outdadarwin

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Thanks Nicole,

The Quoll photo was taken at ISO 3200, and I was about a foot from the glass.

There is no back lighting and the viewing area is pitch dark, so reflections are minimal.

My D7000 gives me effective 75mm because of the DX sensor, and I usually crop my photos.

I did quite a bit of post work in Photoshop to remove noise, and fix the colour.

Regards Brian...



#10
Dtg10

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Brian lovely shot and in almost pitch black, great lesson.
Nicole lovely images, we get way too much cloud here in the UK to get the detail.

#11
Davem45

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Those night scenes are stunning Nicole



#12
Adam

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Yes! I was at a night sky photography workshop this summer, and the live view on my D600 was essential for getting accurate focus! I had never used it for anything except the rare video before that. In live view, I could zoom in on a bright star for focusing purposes. 

 

 

Am I allowed to post a picture of my well-focused night sky? 

 

Can't quite figure out how to do it...

 

 

 

A link perhaps? 

Bleh.

http://nicolefernley.../nightscapes-4/

Click on "more reply options" when replying and it will show you the uploader.  Nice shots!



#13
GregM1

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great tip outdadarwin. ill try that very soon.

 

nbanjogal, wonderful images.



#14
PrettyCranium

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Wow, great image. What shutter speed was this taken at?

#15
DanWeso

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Thanks for the tip outdadarwin.


Yes! I was at a night sky photography workshop this summer, and the live view on my D600 was essential for getting accurate focus! I had never used it for anything except the rare video before that. In live view, I could zoom in on a bright star for focusing purposes. 

 

 

Am I allowed to post a picture of my well-focused night sky? 

 

Can't quite figure out how to do it...

 

 

 

A link perhaps? 

Bleh.

http://nicolefernley.../nightscapes-4/

Great shots Nicole.



#16
Outdadarwin

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Wow, great image. What shutter speed was this taken at?

 

Shutter speed was 1/6 sec, so monopod was essential.



#17
PrettyCranium

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Shutter speed was 1/6 sec, so monopod was essential.

 

Wow, I'm surprised that little critter stayed still for that shot!



#18
lindax

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Love the shot! Thanks for the tip! :D



#19
Del g

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I will have to try this, thank you.



#20
mariah

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A trick I learned recently in the Nocternal House, at the Territory Wildlife Park.

 

The animals are in glasss cages, in very low light, and flash is not allowed.

 

I was using an AF 50mm F1.8, turned the ISO up high,,swicthed to manual focus (focus assist light reflects off glass), and a monopod.

Live View allowed me to gain more accurate focus than was possible with the viewfinder.

Here is an example photo of a Northern Quoll taken using this method:

I also use AF 50mm F1.8, thanks for sharing the idea. It would help me a lot. Focusing at night had been very difficult for me lately.