Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
07-04-2011, 08:26 AM   #1
New Member




Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Shanghai
Photos: Albums
Posts: 12
Da40 f2.8

I got a new DA40. but I don't know how to use at night or dark environment.

any advice?

07-04-2011, 08:42 AM   #2
Senior Member
Mr. B's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Varaždin, Croatia, Europe
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 295
What exactly is your problem?
07-04-2011, 08:52 AM   #3
New Member




Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Shanghai
Photos: Albums
Posts: 12
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Mr. B Quote
What exactly is your problem?
the Pic is too dark and out of focus
07-04-2011, 08:54 AM   #4
New Member




Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Shanghai
Photos: Albums
Posts: 12
Original Poster


07-04-2011, 09:06 AM   #5
Senior Member




Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 119
What shutter speeds are you shooting at? I assume that you're shooting wide open (f2.8), and you've increased your ISO; which camera are you using? Photography still requires some light, though

If you're having problems focusing in the dark, maybe you need an autofocus lamp or a flash (which would allow you use a higher f number and get more in focus)?

Are your subjects moving? Is SR on?
07-04-2011, 09:12 AM   #6
New Member




Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Shanghai
Photos: Albums
Posts: 12
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by alphanerd Quote
What shutter speeds are you shooting at? I assume that you're shooting wide open (f2.8), and you've increased your ISO; which camera are you using? Photography still requires some light, though

If you're having problems focusing in the dark, maybe you need an autofocus lamp or a flash (which would allow you use a higher f number and get more in focus)?

Are your subjects moving? Is SR on?
I am new Kr user.

try to attach a photo.but failed, how to attached the photo?
07-04-2011, 10:14 AM   #7
Veteran Member
Andi Lo's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Posts: 2,924
Just upload the picture here and copy the [IMG] tags you get later from the website to the forum.

ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting

07-04-2011, 02:21 PM   #8
Veteran Member
Pentaxor's Avatar

Join Date: May 2009
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 6,513
wrong section.
07-04-2011, 07:21 PM   #9
Veteran Member




Join Date: Feb 2010
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 971
um... you should do a search on google or something and learn how to utilize the dSLR body for dim-light situation (higher ISO, tripod, etc.)

the 40mm f2.8 is a pretty fast lens, but it is not intended for low light shooting. For that, you should try getting a lens with an aperture of f2 or lower.
07-04-2011, 07:55 PM   #10
Veteran Member




Join Date: Jul 2010
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 2,395
QuoteOriginally posted by Eagle_Friends Quote
the 40mm f2.8 is a pretty fast lens, but it is not intended for low light shooting. For that, you should try getting a lens with an aperture of f2 or lower.
For his usage, I doubt a fast lens with slow AF would make matters better.

Put the camera in "M" mode.

Put the ISO up to the maximum value and shoot some photos.

Set the aperture to 2.8.

Press the green button.

Shoot a photo.

If the photo is still black, you are simply in too dim light. You should invest in a flash.

Pr
07-04-2011, 09:07 PM   #11
Veteran Member




Join Date: Feb 2010
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 971
QuoteOriginally posted by paperbag846 Quote
For his usage, I doubt a fast lens with slow AF would make matters better.
er... it would allow more lights in, so it would help? is he talking about astronomy photographs, or did i miss that part?

i assumed that he was referring to typical day to day night shots like in a street or in a dimly lit restaurant or bar. If that's the cause, then something with a faster f-stop would definitely help.
07-04-2011, 09:52 PM   #12
Veteran Member




Join Date: Jul 2010
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 2,395
QuoteOriginally posted by Eagle_Friends Quote
i assumed that he was referring to typical day to day night shots like in a street or in a dimly lit restaurant or bar. If that's the cause, then something with a faster f-stop would definitely help.
In that case, yes, but lets be sure that its not just a setting issue and he would be fine with the 2.8 (i.e., not investing in faster glass).

Besides, DSLRs just artificially bump the iso with ultra fast glass anyways due to the limitations of sensors. Aperture is really more about low DOF, not light gathering, below about f2.4.

This is the reason that "M" glass underexposes at wide apertures.
07-04-2011, 10:02 PM   #13
New Member




Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Shanghai
Photos: Albums
Posts: 12
Original Poster
Hi all

tks for your suggestion. will try tonight.
07-04-2011, 10:12 PM   #14
Veteran Member
Marc Sabatella's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denver, CO
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 10,685
QuoteOriginally posted by Eagle_Friends Quote
i assumed that he was referring to typical day to day night shots like in a street or in a dimly lit restaurant or bar. If that's the cause, then something with a faster f-stop would definitely help.
Somewhat, but you pay for that help in reduced DOF. I personally find f/2.8 the sweet spot.
07-05-2011, 03:40 AM   #15
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter




Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Gladys, Virginia
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 27,662
Either bump your iso up a lot (should be able to get to iso 3200) or use flash. I agree with Marc that in few situations going wider than f2.8 makes your photos sharper, because while your shutter speed will get faster, your photo often looks softer due to narrow depth of field.
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
da40, k-mount, pentax lens, slr lens

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Misc My DA40 Ltd. Photos s.randy Post Your Photos! 8 06-05-2011 02:16 PM
To Da40..or not to Da40...tiss the question! Shutter-bug Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 7 10-26-2010 08:46 AM
Where is the Da40? space-pentax Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 4 10-05-2010 07:29 PM
DA40 Ltd focus advice sought leadfoot Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 4 02-18-2010 08:25 PM
For Sale - Sold: (Canada-Toronto) DA40, DA70, FA50, Sigma 24-60 more... augustmoon Sold Items 10 07-13-2008 11:46 PM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:42 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top