Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

madame72 · **Camera or lens? -** 08-20-2011, 02:03 PM

I'd like opinions. Here's the situation... I have a Canon Rebel xt and I mainly use a Canon 50mm f1.8. Sometimes I have issues with my images not looking as sharp as I'd like and I'm willing to take a step up in one direction (for now). Trying not to hit $2000+, what would you do? (I occasionally get asked to do portraits so I'd like something to benefit that area in addition to my usual "whatever I come across that looks interesting" pics.)

TheFantasticG · 08-20-2011, 02:11 PM

What would I do? Work on my hand holding technique or get a tripod.

KenJulio · 08-20-2011, 02:15 PM

Melanie - there could be reasons why the images arent sharp, if you have examples, along with their EXIF data, we can help to see if it's either the hardware(body or lens) or technique/mode.

Flores · 08-20-2011, 02:59 PM

My sister had a similar issue with her camera... I cleaned the lens for her, and she was happy :)

Not to say that is your problem, but if your gear is giving consistently out of focus/blurry images, there are dozens of reasons that could be happening. Lets make sure your gear is really the problem before you open up your wallet :)

if it'd not consistent, and you are using one of the 'auto' modes on the camera, it's probably lowering the shutter speed to something slow enough that the motion of your hand is making your image blurry.

we need more info to give you a 'real answer' but the last thing you should do is spend money at this point.

Snarfy · 08-20-2011, 03:16 PM

That camera + lens combo should be able to yield beautiful, sharp images. As others have mentioned, check the cleanliness and technique first. Also, consider buying lighting.

To address your question, if you are going to upgrade one or the other, buy glass.

dartlrt · 08-20-2011, 11:01 PM

Also don't forget to use the DPP software and check your focus point and make sure it is wee you wanted it.

shnitz · 08-21-2011, 03:21 AM

That is a wonderful combination that should be giving you tack-sharp photos. Take your $2,000 and invest it into photography courses. These pictures are taken with the Canon XS and 18-55 lens, a highly inferior combination to your setup when it comes to sharpness:
Flickr: The Pictures of Canon EOS 1000D/Rebel XS, Taken with the 18-55 lens Pool

kenw · 08-21-2011, 10:00 AM

Let's see what data you have from the 'not-so'sharp ones. As mentioned, that combo can and should give you very sharp images, however there are settings you can control that will impact sharpness. It's more a matter of learning how to use it to get what you want.

bryanlindsey · 08-21-2011, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madame72

Camera or lens?

The answer to this question is almost always "lens."

Tom · 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryanlindsey

The answer to this question is almost always "lens."

Except when it is "user". I make far more mistakes than my camera or lens do.

kenw · 08-21-2011, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

Except when it is "user". I make far more mistakes than my camera or lens do.

ditto!

venchka · 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

Except when it is "user". I make far more mistakes than my camera or lens do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenw

ditto!

Amen!

I don't know where the cute emoticon thingies are, but this thread is useless without examples.
Set up a base referenece. Camera on a rock solid tipod. Subject matter rock solid. Include something in the subject to remind you where you wanted the focus point to be. A tape measure and a pencil pointing to a particular foot mark on the tape works. Keep the shutter speed above 1/125. Higher if you can. Make several exposures at various f/stops and minimum (or close to it) focus distance. If those images are sharp, begin practicing to duplicate those results hand held. It's not hard. It just takes practice.
Examples with full EXIF data helps a lot.

Sample: Rock solid subject.

Rock solid tripod/tripod head/camera. 1/8 sec. shutter speed @ f/16 (maybe f/22). Click the small image.

shnitz · 08-22-2011, 08:48 AM

Good call. Because of the technology aspect of the equipment, people often assume that if you buy a better camera, you'll automatically get better pictures. While there is truth to that if you know what you're doing, for the most part it's like thinking that you'll be a better biker if you had Lance Armstrong's bicycle. He'd still kick my ass up and down the street, even if he was on a Huffy!

venchka · 08-22-2011, 09:00 AM

Lenses have been critically sharp since the 19th century. There is a small possiblity that the lens+camera isn't 100% perfect. It happens. The only way to know is to eliminate as many variables possible. Mounting the camera+lens on a solid tripod and photographing staionary objects will tell you if the camera+lens combination is capable of producing sharp images.