Long exposure and tripod issue - position of camera shifted when turning dial

[David]

Hi guys,

I wonder if you all have experienced this when you do long exposure (several seconds) using a tele zoom lens.

I am using a Sirui tripod and Markins ballhead. I fixed a Canon 6D and zoomed in to 135mm to take a shot. After that, I adjusted the exposure by turning the camera dial slowly and carefully. When I did this, I noticed from the viewfinder that there is a slight movement of the setup.This is despite me locking the ballhead tightly and the camera was firmly fixed to it. But it looked like the camera went back to its original position after that. I then took another shot.

When I reviewed the images on the LCD screen, I noticed the 2 images were not in the exact position. There was a very slight difference in position. So when I turned the camera dial, the camera must have moved, even though very slightly.

Is this commonly expected or does it mean it's time for me to consider a more stable tripod and better tripod head?

Thanks and appreciate your advice in advance.

 

[Kit]

Which Markins head are you using? It could be too light for your setup. If you need precise movement, use a 3-way pan head or geared head instead.

 

[catchlights]

it is common, you are shooting with a tele focal length, any slight movement will simply magnify it,
instead of upgrading tripod set up, consider using a mobile phone apps to change exposure setting, so you won't have to touch the camera set up between exposures.

 

[David]

Thanks guys for the advice.

Kit: It's the Markins Q3i Traveler. Quite lightweight but supposed to be able to take a heavy load. I was only using the lighter 70-200mm f/4L.

Catchlights: That sounds like a good idea! Though I'm quite suaku, haven't heard of this! So it works via Wi-Fi? Ok, will check out to see if there is any such apps for my Samsung S3 phone. Thanks!

 

[David]

wow so cool the apps! Thanks Catchlight!

But is it correct I can only control the aperture, shutter speed and ISO on my phone? I can't seem to be able to change the other settings like White Balance, etc.

 

[daredevil123]

Thanks guys for the advice.

Kit: It's the Markins Q3i Traveler. Quite lightweight but supposed to be able to take a heavy load. I was only using the lighter 70-200mm f/4L.

Catchlights: That sounds like a good idea! Though I'm quite suaku, haven't heard of this! So it works via Wi-Fi? Ok, will check out to see if there is any such apps for my Samsung S3 phone. Thanks!

Markins Q3 series is not super strong. I find it very weak in pan lock. The biggest problem is in stability. I presume you are mounting quick release plate on the camera. When using tele on tripod, best to get the tripod collar if available.

 

[kiwi2]

Markins Q3 series is not super strong. I find it very weak in pan lock. The biggest problem is in stability. I presume you are mounting quick release plate on the camera. When using tele on tripod, best to get the tripod collar if available.

Thanks Daredevil. Yes, I did also use a tripod collar so I tried everything I could to keep it stable but surprised just a slight turn of the camera dial could cause such a noticeable movement.

This is something unrelated: I also notice after I lock the ballhead in place after freely moving it to get the composition I want, there is a slight shift in the position. Either I accept it or if very crucial, I will have to loosen the knob and try to recompose. I remember this seemed to happen also with the Acratech ballhead I owned many years ago.

Is this normal for ballheads in general? Or are there any excellent ballheads you'd recommend that is a lot more stable?

Looks like I may have to consider getting another ballhead. The Q3 is great for travelling though and on non-tele lenses. A 3-way head as Kit mentions is tempting especially for more critical fine adjustments but they are heavier and bulky.

 

[daredevil123]

First off David/kiwi2, it is very rude to delete threads after your questions have been answered. The forum is meant for a place for people to search and find answers from questions previously answered.

Secondly, after accidentally posting a reply with a clone account, you tried to delete your post and the thread. You really think the mod team cannot see deleted threads and posts? Thread and post undeleted.

Clone accounts are not allowed nor tolerated here in ClubSNAP. The fact that you actually tried to cover up by deleting your post and the thread shows that you know already know it is not allowed.