My first outting with 70-200 L C&C

[dr.devious]

I ventured out for the first time with my freshly purchased 70-200mm f4L

This was my first group of photos with the 70-200mm f4 L
Feedback would be appreciated!

1. The American River

2. The Folsom Dam

3. Cool Cables

4. Part of the new Bridge since the Feds closed the road over the Dam after 9/11

5. I liked the contrast of razor wire and the beautiful scenery...the area is covered in it since 9/11

6. Part of the Old Folsom Prison

7. More of the Old Prison

8. I though this was a good capture coming off the new bridge.

 

[dr.devious]

9. Old Town Folsom

 

[GoCubsGo]

There is something odd about many of them.
What is with 1, 4, 6, & 7 color wise? Is this a victim of poor post processing or HDR gone semi wrong?

I only ask because I like the lens, it's a well regarded lens IIRC, and yet your photos appear to be over saturated and oddly contrasted.
6 in particular looks like moire but not? I'm just finding my eyes go funny while looking at some of the pics.

 

[Abstract]

Congratulations, it's supposed to be a great lens.


I hate to rain on your parade, but some of the shots don't look as sharp as I'd expect, based on what I've read about how incredibly sharp Canon's 70-200 mm f/4 lenses are supposed to be. Did you crop shot #2 and #9 a lot? Did the wind affect some of your photos that included trees?


Also, Jessica is right regarding the colour. The colour in photos 2, 6, and 7 seem far too saturated.

 

[dr.devious]

There is something odd about many of them.
What is with 1, 4, 6, & 7 color wise? Is this a victim of poor post processing or HDR gone semi wrong?

I only ask because I like the lens, it's a well regarded lens IIRC, and yet your photos appear to be over saturated and oddly contrasted.
6 in particular looks like moire but not? I'm just finding my eyes go funny while looking at some of the pics.

Probably a victim of bad PP...here are the originals for reference

I hate to rain on your parade, but some of the shots don't look as sharp as I'd expect, based on what I've read about how incredibly sharp Canon's 70-200 mm f/4 lenses are supposed to be. Did you crop shot #2 and #9 a lot? Did the wind affect some of your photos that included trees?

There wasn't a lot of wind. There is no doubt the lack of sharpness is user error. If there are any pointers you can give I would appreciate it. As far as cropping goes, #2 and #9 were not cropped other than to level the horizon.

 

[wheezy]

The pictures are okay, I think the general problem is that the lighting is really just boring. A hazy/overcast day makes the images flat and dull. It was your first outing so you couldn't have had much control over that, but that's my general take.

Also, when it comes to L glass, you won't have to do much color boosting/contrast adjustment when you hone in your lighting skills - they just shine straight from the camera. The ones you boosted really had some noise show up - if you head back on a nice sunny evening when the light is warm and shoot the same shots, you'll have incredible results.

The 70-200 is a gorgeous people lens. Learn how to use it for people shots and you'll really appreciate your investment.

 

[JoshJosh117]

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[dr.devious]

The pictures are okay, I think the general problem is that the lighting is really just boring. A hazy/overcast day makes the images flat and dull. It was your first outing so you couldn't have had much control over that, but that's my general take.

Also, when it comes to L glass, you won't have to do much color boosting/contrast adjustment when you hone in your lighting skills - they just shine straight from the camera. The ones you boosted really had some noise show up - if you head back on a nice sunny evening when the light is warm and shoot the same shots, you'll have incredible results.

The 70-200 is a gorgeous people lens. Learn how to use it for people shots and you'll really appreciate your investment.

I am going to go back tonight or tomorrow night around 7ish and see if I can improve my results.

 

[kreuzberg]

Your efforts aren't bad for a first try, I especially liked the more "industrial" pictures with the cables, the razor wire and the derelict building.

As for the other pictures, the lighting lets them down a bit but nature isn't something you can control! You've definitely got a good setting there and as wheezy said, head out a couple of hours before sunset on a day with less clouds and the low sunlight will totally transform your pictures.

I am going to go back tonight or tomorrow night around 7ish and see if I can improve my results.

I'll look forward to seeing them

 

[dr.devious]

Since this location is only ten minutes from the house, I thought it might be cool to go in the morning and see the contrast in lighting.

Here are morning shot without editing
1.

2.

3. I think this abandoned structure will be much better closer to sunset

4.

5.

 

[Phrasikleia]

Better light, but still not great light. How early did you go? The sun looks pretty strong already. Morning light is best shortly after sunrise, while the sun is still low, the shadows are still long, and the hues are warm. I look forward to seeing your pre-sunset shots; this site definitely has some potential.

 

[dr.devious]

Better light, but still not great light. How early did you go? The sun looks pretty strong already. Morning light is best shortly after sunrise, while the sun is still low, the shadows are still long, and the hues are warm. I look forward to seeing your pre-sunset shots; this site definitely has some potential.

We didn't get out early enough...I knew as soon as we got there, but it was about 8am. We are going to venture out around 7:30 this evening and see what we can get.

 

[dr.devious]

Life has been crazy and I have not been able to get out to the dam again but here are some "sunset lit" shots from the front yard magnolia tree with the 70-200L

 

[miles01110]

Unless it's a really incredible flower shot, don't bother. Flowers are boring.

 

[gkarris]

Unless it's a really incredible flower shot, don't bother. Flowers are boring.

Yes, but okay if you want to practice.

OP - keep practicing! I think your shots are coming along, and that lens is awesome.

 

[dr.devious]

Yes, but okay if you want to practice.

OP - keep practicing! I think your shots are coming along, and that lens is awesome.

I agree that flowers are boring but if you are looking for a quick way of checking color and practicing light, I think they are good subject. I am learning alot about light and aperture with this lens.

Thank you, everyone, for the feedback!

 

[TheSVD]

shot 8 - would have been so much better if you could have show the feet of the children, so you would have seen the whole of them, and there would have been less space a the top. The composition definitely would have been alot better had this been done! Nonetheless, nice shots