Always feel like I need the fastest shutter speed

Kendall_

Senior Member
When out shooting, I always feel the need to use the fastest shutter speed I can for fear of photos not being sharp.

I read about the shutter speed = focal length or more. I know its not necessarily but I feel like I need to unless I'm using a tripod.

I mostly like shooting wildlife and thats where my biggest problem is with this. Usually in the woods, where I shoot, its pretty shaded and I tend to go out more when its sunny so I can use higher shutter speeds.


Any tips? Thanks in advance!!

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paul04

Senior Member
If taking photo's of wildlife, what settings do you use.

I normally use auto iso, shutter speed 1/1000th or higher..
 

Kendall_

Senior Member
I shoot with a mix of S & A priority depending on lighting. I have my auto-iso limit at 3200 for noise (unless theirs a way to "fix" that in post)

Maybe its time for me to move onto manual. I've played a little with it but not much. I actually just updated both firmwares on my camera today too. Completely forgot about that, so I was 6-10 months behind.

Below are a few examples from the past few weeks. These are my best ones from that bunch but they're still lacking. I leave the woods disappointed a lot haha. If I see an animal off in the shade of the forest , I don't even bother most of the time.


f/5.3 -1/60 - 220mm - ISO=160
*Mid-morning sun {SOOC}

6f68203036076945ac15a0620116aecf.jpg


f/5.6 -1/200 - 300mm - ISO=250 (I feel this one's tack sharp but that just luck and a car to lean on)
*Mid-afternoon sun {SOOC}

4397a80f64dc922fb776a13d19b57f55.jpg


f/5.6 -1/100 - 300mm - ISO=3200
*sunset - shadow {edited some}

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Daz

Senior Member
So you say you need the fastest shutter speed but those are below optimum... The rule of thumb is you shoot your shuttue at or above the focal length of the lend (I.e a 50mm lend above 1/50th a 300mm about 1/300th). You are shooting with a crop sensor (D5200) so you need to multiply that number by 1.5x

When you said you needed the fastest shutter I was expecting you to be shooting at 1/4000th hehe.

Manual is certainly the way to go, you can manipulate the camera a lot better! :)
 

Lawrence

Senior Member
You have to go manual.
There are several things you can do to shoot faster
First off test your sensor capabilities - these cameras sensors are way better than we think. I say this because up until very recently i was reluctant to shoot above ISO 1600 but have now discovered that my camera (D7100 - I wouldn't be surprised if the D5200 is similar or even better) is very capable at 6400 and even 12800. So push your ISO to find the maximum that will give you a very aceptable image.
Secondly open the aperture as wide as it will go (although lenses are often sharper 1 stop closed - test).
Now with wide open aperture and a high ISO you can up your shutter speed to get that sharp image.
Turn VR off if using a tripod or shooting above about 1/500th of a second.
Hope that helps
 

Kendall_

Senior Member
Yeah I guess I didn't even notice that haha. I feel really stupid now, oh well 😧

I think I ment to say, I can't get a fast enough shutter speed with most lighting. Which is why I tend to shoot more on super bright sunny days.

I feel like I need faster speeds but thinking I'm stuck with either slow speed or tons of noise. Wonder if maybe looking into some different programs with noise reduction would be worth it. I have Paintshop Pro x7 and Aftershot 2 but haven't played with them a whole lot.

Sorry, I feel I'm turning this into more of a pity-party rant for myself haha
 

RON_RIP

Senior Member
Well bright sunny days carry their own disadvantages and unique problems. i think the replies you received should point you in the right direction. Trust you sensor and up that shutter speed.
 

Blacktop

Senior Member
@Kendall
f/5.6 -1/200 - 300mm - ISO=250 (I feel this one's tack sharp but that just luck and a car to lean on)
*Mid-afternoon sun {SOOC}

Not really luck, as you said yourself you had a car to lean on. I assume the engine was turned off.(no vibrations).
You'd be surprised how much leaning on something like a tree, a car or even putting your back against the wall will help get you sharper shots.

Also don't be afraid to up your ISO to get a higher SS. You still had plenty room . Even if you creased your ISO in that shot 2 stops to ISO 1000, that would have given you 1/800th SS
There is not much you can do about darkness. You go into a forest, it will be dark ,unless there is an opening in the canopy.

Wildlife photographers will spend many thousands of dollars for fast long lenses and for cameras with cleaner high ISO capabilities,for the pursuit of higher SS .

I wouldn't feel too bad if I were you. The D5200 is only capable of so much.
 

Kendall_

Senior Member
I love you guys (& gals :wink-new:)

Went out to the lake early this morning (before sunrise) and I had the best day so far! Played with that scary manual mode and switched to back button focus and wow. I am so happy with the results! I'll post later today.

I also learned that you can swim without going in the water. Filled my boots and soaked my entire body just from the dew. Stopped and picked up some scotch guard on my way home for next time. It's definitely needed haha.


:victorious:
 

Kendall_

Senior Member
what autofocus mode and focus points are you using?

AF Mode - For the most part I use AF-C but sometimes switch to AF-S for things that don't really move.
Focus Points - I was using 9 until this morning. Switched to 21 and seemed to do better when tracking birds. Not sure how it'll do with animals on the ground though. I would think it might switch between the subject and the background but I'll be giving it a try on my next outing (same with 36*)

-

Really appreciate the helps though Nikonites! I can't thank you enough.
 

Kendall_

Senior Member
Took a little long (setup new tablet) but here's some from the other day. Much better imo

Sunrise Buck - He did NOT like being photographed. Standing his ground, lifting his leg at me and stepping towards me slowly. When I finally moved on, he followed about 15-20 yards behind me for like 40 yards maybe. Then he made a dash down towards the lake.

3223040f130761b3e4aed3bf1d3acee3.jpg


One of two fawns out eating together. Didn't see any adults so I'm wondering if they were just "let go" to be on their own.

b15cb9169c5fa4739f9422fc7d8fae7f.jpg


Lastly, a heron going in for a crazy barrel roll flip then right when it came out of it - Missed the actual flip but at least I got the "boring" parts Not a huge fan of shooting into the sky but I just love these guys. So agile while flying.

b9bb848e0c4cc6d6f80a86867d3d670e.jpg

cab9733350096d6c54a839f503e3e97c.jpg


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hrstrat57

Senior Member
I don't use auto ISO, just a mental block from my film shooting days......it is my final item of control. If I'm not getting the shutter I want I bump it up slowly as a last resort.

With my gear I usually start at ISO 320, I won't go over ISO 800 on the D300 but the D700 shoots well at ISO 3200. I've got a couple extra stops to play with as well due to fast D f2.8 glass....it appears you have kit lenses which are great but slow. (I have a pair of kit lenses as well that I use a lot for walkarounds so I'm not too much of a lens snob) D lenses are not an option for you with the D5200 so upgrading to fast G glass = big $$$$$$.

I have zero experience with 5 series Nikon cameras but I think bumping the ISO as suggested here is a place to experiment....shoot and test for satisfaction.

Doesn't appear you have any glaring technique issues your hand is steady and you have a good eye.

At some point you may find that you simply outgrow the D5200 and the kit glass and you need to upgrade to a more capable (faster) camera and better glass to accomplish your goals.

Doesn't have to cost thousands there is plenty of pro level gear avail at bargain prices especially if you time your shopping with the release of new models. Getting away from the 3/5 series cameras also allows you to shop for D lenses as I did. Mine are super fast and wonderful.

A D7200 for example with a previous version 300 F4 should slay those animals you seek easily....add my 80-200 f2.8 D and you'd be a dangerous hunter indeed. At current prices you could perhaps not break the bank with such an upgrade.
 
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