Taking photos at dusk

[vinvin]

Hi,
I own a D70s and have the Sigma F2.8 18-50mm lens. I have tried using this lens at dusk (i.e. ard 6pm - 7pm) and would like to bounce the following observations off the experienced photographers here to help in my understanding. The context of the observations is to take photos handheld in Manual mode with my above mentioned lens.

1) The shutter speed for taking photos handheld without noticeable handshake is from 1/60 onwards?

2) From dusk onwards, I would definitely need to up my ISO 800 onwards if I want to maintain a shutter speed(e.g. 1/60) at F2.8 to avoid handshake?

3) F2.8 seems to be the only aperture size to use after 7pm for handheld and the ISO is somewhat at 1600 which is very grainy. Is there any way to shoot a less grainy photo with my F2.8 lens during this time without tripod or PP?

Separate observation on metering
1) If I meter a darker location, the camera will tend to overexpose the photo? And vice-versa?

Thanks.

 

[night86mare]

Hi,
I own a D70s and have the Sigma F2.8 18-50mm lens. I have tried using this lens at dusk (i.e. ard 6pm - 7pm) and would like to bounce the following observations off the experienced photographers here to help in my understanding. The context of the observations is to take photos handheld in Manual mode with my above mentioned lens.

1) The shutter speed for taking photos handheld without noticeable handshake is from 1/60 onwards?

2) From dusk onwards, I would definitely need to up my ISO 800 onwards if I want to maintain a shutter speed(e.g. 1/60) at F2.8 to avoid handshake?

3) F2.8 seems to be the only aperture size to use after 7pm for handheld and the ISO is somewhat at 1600 which is very grainy. Is there any way to shoot a less grainy photo with my F2.8 lens during this time without tripod or PP?

Separate observation on metering
1) If I meter a darker location, the camera will tend to overexpose the photo? And vice-versa?

Thanks.

1) a rough guide for handholding is 1/focal length. there is more allowance for wide scenes, less for longer scenes, but for your kit lens range, just use this guide and you should be fine.

2) probably. but why f/2.8? why handheld?

3) use flash if you are shooting people. if landscapes, just get a tripod please.

metering question: which metering mode are you in?

 

[catchlights]

use a tripod, or find something can use to support your camera.

find a mid tone area and take meter reading from there.

 

[vinvin]

1) a rough guide for handholding is 1/focal length. there is more allowance for wide scenes, less for longer scenes, but for your kit lens range, just use this guide and you should be fine.

2) probably. but why f/2.8? why handheld?

3) use flash if you are shooting people. if landscapes, just get a tripod please.

metering question: which metering mode are you in?

Hi,
thanks for the quick response.

2) Handheld because I'm not bringing my tripod for my overseas trips. I read on the forum regarding getting a fast lens to help in taking photos under low light(indoors of restaurants, etc.).

3) I'm using matrix metering. Hope I got this right. ;p

 

[night86mare]

Hi,
thanks for the quick response.

2) Handheld because I'm not bringing my tripod for my overseas trips. I read on the forum regarding getting a fast lens to help in taking photos under low light(indoors of restaurants, etc.).

3) I'm using matrix metering. Hope I got this right. ;p

bring a tripod. a light one will do. or just don't shoot at night, i guess.

for low light, f/2.8 is already pretty good.

for matrix metering, it depends; usually pictures with high contrast end up getting underexposed because the camera is tricked by the bright light. if you are in an area of low contrast, i.e. the place is uniformly dark, then yes, it would tend to overexpose for matrix metering.

 

[catchlights]

Have your even heard about String Tripod?

 

[vinvin]

bring a tripod. a light one will do. or just don't shoot at night, i guess.

for low light, f/2.8 is already pretty good.

for matrix metering, it depends; usually pictures with high contrast end up getting underexposed because the camera is tricked by the bright light. if you are in an area of low contrast, i.e. the place is uniformly dark, then yes, it would tend to overexpose for matrix metering.

Thanks. I'll look out for a lighter and more portable tripod in this case.

Have your even heard about String Tripod?

This is good! Have not heard of it before. I'll go find out more about this. Thanks!

I don't expect my F2.8 to do everything without the tripod. I just wanted to understand if I have utilised its potential under the circumstances. I'm also considering switching to my 50mm f1.8 at night for indoor shooting if it helps although there will be trade offs.