Super telephoto lenses with focal lengths from 300 millimeters allow for impressive insight and detailed shots, whether it’s wildlife, sports or action photography. But they have physical limitations.
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In the new issue of C’t Photographie Sandra Petrovitz explains how best to take photos with a super telephoto lens and why you need practice and patience. Beginners first have to get used to the greater weight and size. Three to five kilograms is not uncommon for a combination of camera and super telephoto. Excessive magnification makes it difficult to aim accurately and focus.
A stable substructure is therefore essential. Sturdy tripods provide stability. In nature photography, many photographers use bean bag or car window tripods. Gimbal tripod heads enable accurate tracking of moving subjects such as birds in flight.
Shutter speed plays an important role. Optical image stabilizers only compensate for the motion of the photographer, not the subject. So dynamic scenes usually require very low shutter speeds. 1/2000th of a second or less is ideal for flying birds. If the shutter speed is too slow, images will be blurry. The focus must be correct for this to happen.
Beginners should start with static motifs and gradually increase it. Careful preparation and testing of equipment before major photography tours is essential to get the best results.
Other topics in the issue
Lighting in Landscape Photography
Light is the basis of landscape photography. It decides whether a location will become a captivating motif or not. But what exactly does “good lighting” mean? The answer is complex and depends on the subject and the photographer’s creative vision.
Different forms of light shape the effect of the image. Front lighting illuminates the subject from the front and ensures uniform illumination. Backlight, on the other hand, creates dramatic contrasts. And the time of day also plays an important role: “Golden hour” gives scenes a magical glow. “Blue hour” offers subtle colors and balanced contrast. Landscape photographers should study the properties of light even away from the camera. This will help you develop a sense of promising situations.
cameras for travel
Summer is the perfect time for travel and photography. Regardless of whether you are planning a city tour or a long-distance trip, your camera should be lightweight and compact. A system camera with suitable accessories delivers beautiful images in all conditions, but a small or specialized camera is often a better travel companion. If you want to take photos spontaneously and carefree, choose a handy camera that is instantly ready for use – even when vlogging.
The automatic mode is often sufficient to capture natural moments. Outdoor compact cameras are particularly suitable for outdoor activities. These are robust and waterproof, ideal for the beach, water and rain. But even for animal watching or sporting events, where cameras with interchangeable lenses are indispensable, there are easy alternatives to larger full-format system cameras.
The right camera depends on your individual needs. We offer you different models for a variety of situations.
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Portfolio: Claudia Strangehoner
Attraction from mountain animals
Radomir Jakubowski takes readers into the fascinating world of Europe’s mountain animals and gives valuable tips on how to best display them. He emphasizes how important it is to gain knowledge about animal behavior and habitat. In addition to practical advice, from choosing equipment to the optimal time of day, he describes various techniques for bringing animals into the spotlight. These include, among other things, frozen movement and spectacular silhouettes in backlight. He particularly emphasizes the importance of image composition and the right background.
Jakubowski inspires his readers to explore nature and discover their passion for wildlife photography. His experience and expertise convey not only technical knowledge but also a deep connection to nature. An inspiring insight for anyone who wants to capture the beauty of mountain animals through the lens.
AI Image Generators – Curse or Blessing?
Professional photographer and expert book author Tilo Gökel discusses the effects of AI image generators like MidJourney on photography. Since the launch of MidJourney in July 2022, the work of image makers has changed significantly. Gökel explains how AI images offer both opportunities and risks. Critics accuse AI of stealing images and demand ethical standards when dealing with artificial images.
In his article, the author shows examples of AI-generated images, such as an image of Pope Francis washing dishes, which is amusing but legally questionable. He explains that the quality of the AI images is made possible by LAION eV’s database, which contains billions of images.
AI opens up many possibilities for photographers. Tilo Gockel shows various applications in workshops, from flat backgrounds to mock-ups of advertising photos.
Contents of C’t Photography 4/2024
c’t photography 04 2024 content
Have you received it The current issue of C’t Photography (4/2024) in the Heise Shop for 12.90 euros. There you will also see a complete overview of the content and information about the exclusive online extras that we offer through a clearly designed user interface, as well as preview images and editorials. The ePaper and Amazon Kindle version costs 12.49 euros.
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(CBR)
