Best lens for character picture in Disneyland?

[lorijohnhill]

Hi,
I got my first DSLR in May (a Nikon D3200). I'm still struggling to get used to it! Lol I seem to have focus problems. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Many times the lens will go in and out, find a sharp focus then stop on a blurry focus to take the shot. This can get very time consuming. I was at a wedding reception yesterday and missed many great shots due to this issue. So, that leads me to my question. I'm taking my seven year old daughter to Disneyland next month for a surprise birthday trip. I don't want to miss those great character interaction shots. What would be the best lens to capture those moments without spending precious seconds/minutes fiddling around to get it focused?

I would really appreciate some input. Thanks!

 

[boBQuincy]

Just a guess, if all the focus points are active sometimes (many times) the camera will focus on a point other than the one we want. I keep only the center focus point active unless I want a different one for a particular reason.

 

[lorijohnhill]

Just a guess, if all the focus points are active sometimes (many times) the camera will focus on a point other than the one we want. I keep only the center focus point active unless I want a different one for a particular reason.

Probably a dumb question, but is that a setting I can change on the camera or is that where you hold down the button part way and then press the shutter button?

 

[boBQuincy]

Focus points are selectable by changing some settings.
I do not care for Ken Rockwell's site but since I do not use Nikons and he does I figure he should know more about them than me.
http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3200/users-guide/index.htm#af

From what I read it is easy to inadvertently change focus points on a D3200 so that may be a contributing factor.

 

[lorijohnhill]

Thank you so much for your help. I will definitely check out that site!

 

[xlxo]

Some thoughts...

• I would take the camera back to the retailer and let them assess how you are taking pictures. Are you on continuous focus instead of single? With continous focus, the camera WILL hunt.
• was the wedding reception in low light? Low light can mess with auto-focussing
• when taking pictures, focus on the eyes. Forget the background, clothing and everything else can be blurry.... If the eyes are out of focus, everything will be out of focus.
• What lens do you have? Is it a Nikon? I had ton's of problems with third party lenses like Tamron.

 

[havoc315]

Getting proper focus is all about technique. Unless the lens is broken, it's not about the lens.
First off, make sure the camera is set to AF-s.
For starters, use only the center point for AF.
Half-press the shutter button, with the center over the eyes.
Keeping if half pressed (focus is now locked, it won't go back and forth), re-position the camera to frame the shot as you wanted (you don't want the person's eyes in the middle of the frame)
Then fully press the shutter button.

 

[lorijohnhill]

I have the two Nikon lenses that came with the camera. One is the 18-55 and the other is the 55-200. I've had the same problem with both lenses, so I'm very sure it's user error. I purchased it at Target, so asking for help there won't do much good. They didn't even know they had the package they were selling me, let alone how the camera worked. Lol

The reception was low (ish) light and I was trying to shoot with just the pop up flash, because I couldn't get my old (25 yrs) Vivitar flash to work correctly either. I was having a bad camera day!

I will check my camera settings today, as it sounds like the center point focus may not be set. The little red box showing what it is focusing on jumps all over the screen and I have to manually move it back to center all the time. I understand about half pressing the button to focus on your subject, then framing the shot properly. The main problem I am having is getting it to sharply focus on the subject at all in the first place. I get so frustrated with myself since there are times it all works great, but then I have times where all I get are a bunch of pictures that are completely out of focus. At least I have a month to try to figure it all out!

I am better off taking the 18-55 with me to Disney though, correct? Or should I be looking for a different lens? If so, what focal length would be best?

 

[mom2rtk]

Your 18-55 kit lens is best for character shots. But you'll want to figure out the focal point and flash issues.

Have you considered upgrading to a newer flash? Some of your character shots could be indoors. Even some of the outdoor shots will need flash to counteract mid-day shadows.

 

[xlxo]

I agree, your preferred lens is the 18-55mm for the characters as they will be less than 10 feet from you.

Hmm... Targee is not my preferred camera store.

I think your next option is bring your camera to someone who knows how to use a camera to assess if there are problems with auto-focus.

• Are you moving the camera too much? How steady are you holding the camera?
• Are you using the viewfinder instead of the LCD?
• are you letting the camera focus before releasing the shutter?
• are images sharper on a tripod?
• is your lens dirty? Is your sensor dirty?
• popup flashes are great as a backup, but external flashes like the Nikon SB-700 is preferred for quicker recycles and reach.

Forget the Vivatar flash.... Your new Nikon uses something called iTTL. Modern flashes can automatically adjust output depending on how close your subject is. The vivatar will either under or over expose the picture. As you get more advanced, you might be able to use the vivatar as a fill flash with a wireless slave trigger.

 

[lorijohnhill]

Your 18-55 kit lens is best for character shots. But you'll want to figure out the focal point and flash issues.

Have you considered upgrading to a newer flash? Some of your character shots could be indoors. Even some of the outdoor shots will need flash to counteract mid-day shadows.

I have looked at some flashes, but I don't understand what a lot of the terminology means. I didn't know how to know for sure it would work automatically with my camera. I'm on a tight budget, so the Nikon flashes are a bit out of my reach. If I can find something affordable, I will jump on it.

I agree, your preferred lens is the 18-55mm for the characters as they will be less than 10 feet from you.

Hmm... Targee is not my preferred camera store. Not my preferred camera store either. Unfortunately, the local store we had was Ritz and they went out of business several years ago. The next closest is a bit of a drive. If I can't figure this stuff out, I will go out there and see if they can help me.

I think your next option is bring your camera to someone who knows how to use a camera to assess if there are problems with auto-focus.

• Are you moving the camera too much? I don't think so. How steady are you holding the camera? I feel that I'm pretty steady. I do get good shots when I'm not having the focus trouble.
• Are you using the viewfinder instead of the LCD? I use the LCD.
• are you letting the camera focus before releasing the shutter?Yes. If it will focus. Sometimes it won't.
• are images sharper on a tripod? I haven't tried a tripod yet.
• is your lens dirty? Is your sensor dirty? I will have to check on that.
• popup flashes are great as a backup, but external flashes like the Nikon SB-700 is preferred for quicker recycles and reach.

Forget the Vivatar flash.... Your new Nikon uses something called iTTL. Modern flashes can automatically adjust output depending on how close your subject is. The vivatar will either under or over expose the picture. As you get more advanced, you might be able to use the vivatar as a fill flash with a wireless slave trigger.

So, as long as the flash says it uses iTTL, it will work with my camera and use the auto functions?

I checked the camera settings and found some that I hadn't found before. You were correct. It was set on continuous focus. I changed it to single focus. Hopefully that will help! I will have to run some tests.[/I]

 

[xlxo]

• Stop using the LCD unless you are using a tripod... The LCD has you holding the camera further away from your body's center of gravity. If you take pictures through the viewfinder there is far less camera shake. That's a bad habit from compact cameras.

Nikon makes several flashes for different budgets...

• SB910 for maximum range and power. It has mirrors to change the light shape to maximize coverage for your lens zoom. For sports, this flash allows you to add external batteries to quickly recharge to take multiple flash pictures a second.
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/832699-USA/Nikon_4809_SB_910_AF_Speedlight_i_TTL.html
• SB700 general flash, lacks the shape shifting mirrors and external plug-ins
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734997-USA/Nikon_4808_SB_700_Speedlight_Shoe_Mount.html
• SB300 budget flash
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/999547-USA/nikon_sb_300_af_speedlight.html
• just announced is the SB500. Haven't heard enough details on it yet. It has a video light when making videos.
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082606-REG/nikon_sb_500_af_speelight.html

 

[lorijohnhill]

Thank you! I will check those out.

 

[GigEmMickey]

New User, but I thought i'd chime in here. I recently began using the D3200 and experienced some of what you're experiencing. Havoc's advice is spot on. I also wonder if your AF assist lamp is on. It can help in lower light, though it can also be annoying.

Also what mode are you shooting in? Auto, manual?

Another lens to consider the 35mm 1.8. It's very sharp and great in low light with wide of an aperture. It's $200.

Can't help much on lights, but I'm in the market myself. Overall the d3200 is a pretty good camera. I've just taken it out and used it a ton. ANd read about photography a ton. I read and then then take what i've read and try to play with it.

Also, grab a book called Understanding Exposure or Understanding Photography. Both by Bryan Peterson. Both are excellent books that really walk you through the basics and mechanics and then help elevate your school into better compositions.

 

[lorijohnhill]

New User, but I thought i'd chime in here. I recently began using the D3200 and experienced some of what you're experiencing. Havoc's advice is spot on. I also wonder if your AF assist lamp is on. It can help in lower light, though it can also be annoying.

I believe it is, but I will double check.


Also what mode are you shooting in? Auto, manual?

I've been trying out a bunch of different settings. I play around a lot in the Guide setting to see what happens. I haven't done much on full manual yet.


Another lens to consider the 35mm 1.8. It's very sharp and great in low light with wide of an aperture. It's $200.

I was looking at that lens. I do want to get one eventually. I have to save up for that though....


Can't help much on lights, but I'm in the market myself. Overall the d3200 is a pretty good camera. I've just taken it out and used it a ton. ANd read about photography a ton. I read and then then take what i've read and try to play with it. Also, grab a book called Understanding Exposure or Understanding Photography. Both by Bryan Peterson. Both are excellent books that really walk you through the basics and mechanics and then help elevate your school into better compositions.

I will check out those books. I plan to look on YouTube as well.

 

[GigEmMickey]

Definitely read those books. Understanding Exposure might be an easier start. But try to explore the manual option, along with Shutter priority and Aperture priority. You'll learn a lot more there about what the setting in the exposure triangle are actually doing. It can seem daunting at first, but I think you'll find yourself more satisfied at the end results when you give yourself more control. Don't give up. Focus on learning one things at a time. I'm thoroughly enjoying learning new techniques and becoming more familiar with exposure and composition.

 

[Ljbadfan]

Take a look at the 18-140 mm Nikon lens. I used that in December when went to Disneyland and it works well for pictures parades and rides.