Turtles in pond

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pambonello

Senior Member
Last weekend I discovered a number of turtles swimming in a small pond in the park. I thought of taking some shoots of them bobbing their head out of the water but cannot seem to get the right shot. I am attaching one of the best ones, which is still not in focus. Can you guys give me some tips on how I can take such a shot.

2013-10-06 17.jpg

D3200; f/5.6; 1/50 sec; ISO 100
 
J

john*thomas

Senior Member
It's tough. Turtles are skittish. I have a local pond that I enjoy walking around and seeing the turtles. It's full of them. All sizes from small to large snapping turtles. If I get anywhere near one down they go. I have taken some longer range pics but you did good IMO to get the pic you did.
 
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Moab Man

Senior Member
I'm guessing this was hand held? The shutter speed is too slow for hand held. I would suggest taking the ISO up to 200, 250, 320... so that you can get that shutter speed up. If they are pretty steady and still use a tripod. If they are moving too quickly then use a tripod. Either way, You need to get that shutter speed up. Your natural sway that you can't really cancel out will affect your picture at 1/50.

Not sure what lens you were using so I can't tell you the shutter minimum. Assuming it was maybe the kit lens of 55-200mm and you were at 200mm full zoom then you need a shutter speed faster then 1/200.
 
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pambonello

Senior Member
Moab Man said:
I'm guessing this was hand held? The shutter speed is too slow for hand held. I would suggest taking the ISO up to 200, 250, 320... so that you can get that shutter speed up. If they are pretty steady and still use a tripod. If they are moving too quickly then use a tripod. Either way, You need to get that shutter speed up. Your natural sway that you can't really cancel out will affect your picture at 1/50.

Not sure what lens you were using so I can't tell you the shutter minimum. Assuming it was maybe the kit lens of 55-200mm and you were at 200mm full zoom then you need a shutter speed faster then 1/200.
Click to expand...

Yes it is a handheld shot, using a 55-300mm lens. I was at 300mm full zoom. Will take up your advice next weekend and see what I can come up with. Thanks
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
Definitely use equal or faster than 1/300 and up your ISO to a more usable level (200 - 400).
But in saying that at 1/50 you have done quite well to have it as sharp as you do.
As I have been told "A noisy sharp photo is better than a Out of focus no noise photo"
​Nice shot and I could only imagine at how hard it is to get a shot of them coming out of the water like that.
 
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