Sunset Photos

[gary135r]

I'll soon be taking sunset photos on Cadillac mountain at Acadia National Park and I was wondering what ISO would be suitable if I don't not go Auto ISO which I don't like. Will be shooting in aperture mode and manual mode. I'm using my D7000 with my Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II, and my Tokina AT-X116PRDXN AT-X PRO DX 11-16mm.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[cwgrizz]

@gary135r, I am not an expert, but there are a lot of other factors that will determine what ISO to use. There is really no correct answer because it will depend on many factors. Some of which might be: Will you be using a tripod? Is it cloudy, in other words the available lighting? On and on. The only real answer that I can give would be to use the lowest ISO setting you can. If shooting from a tripod, the slowest shutter speed depending on factors like is it windy... Then you have the aperture settings, depending on how close you are and what kind of depth of field you want and can use. I guess the only true definitive answer would be to shoot with ISO set to auto and set max and min parameters. Oh wait, I see you seem to be avoiding Auto ISO. That's about as good as I can do. Maybe others will be able to chime it and give you something from a better, more experienced point of view. Ha!

 

[Horoscope Fish]

... There is really no correct answer because it will depend on many factors. ... The only real answer that I can give would be to use the lowest ISO setting you can.

That's pretty much the correct answer, IMO, as well. Exposure is always a juggling act of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO so there's no real definitive answer here. I'll just point out that, since digital "noise" tends to be the most visible in the shadows, you'll want to keep your ISO, "as low as possible", as Walt points out. What ISO that is, exactly, will depend on your exact shooting situation... As Walt also points out.
....

 

[gary135r]

Thanks guys. i should have been more specific and said I am planning on using a tripod. I understand a lot of the variables, and maybe I was thinking old school film suggestions like using ISO 100 outdoors sunlight and ISO 400-800 for indoor shots. I was thinking of experimenting this time around with my aperture/manual priority skills and maybe I was looking for an easy answer, or a baseline to start from and play around from there. I'm not totally against auto ISO, but I want to keep my photos my decision and not the cameras as much as possible.

 

[RON_RIP]

Near Sunset, Alpine Lake West Virginia

After Sunset, Alpine Lake West Virginia

 

[gary135r]

Tripod?