Wildlife in the evening

I went out to photograph some wildlife and was having trouble with lighting. My apeture was as low as it goes and my shutter speed was so low that the photo was blurred. I was not using a tripod. Below is a photo I got of a deer. I had to up my ISO to 6400 to let light in. Can anyone one help me out on better setting for this situation?

Shutter 1/25
Apt 6.4
ISO 6400

I used my Canon 50D with 100-400mm L series. Focal length 400

In this situation you couldn't have gotten a good shot with your equipment. Slow lens+slow shutter+very high ISO+no tripod=blurry image. You're limited by your slow f/6.4 lens. You're max ap of 6.4 is going to limit you to using slower shutter speeds, higher ISO, and always using a tripod/support.

You should have been able to use f/5.6 at the 400mm range on that lens. That would have given you a third of a stop more light and a shutter speed of something like 1/32 or 1/35 which could help a little. It wouldn't have done anything about the ISO though.

Assuming you had a 400mm, f/2.8 lens, your could have shot at f/2.8, 1/120, at ISO 6400 - still not that fast a shutter speed and a very high ISO. I'd think that shutter speed would barely be fast enough to maybe get some sharp pictures for a lens that long (if you could brace it, etc). Lowering the ISO toward a reasonable range would simply have slowed the shutter speed back to where it was.

In short, it was simply too dark - unless you're willing to use ISOs that high or higher, or use flash to get more light.

I generally want about 1/500s to get those kinds of shots. With a 400mm f2.8 lens and a tripod you might have had a chance. Or, if you buy some monolights and battery packs, and some radio triggers, you could photo deer in total darkness if you wanted.


Kent in SD

Not that it would have bought you much, but you said you were using your 100-400 @ 400. The maximum aperture for that lens at 400mm is f/5.6 and you show you shot at f/6.4. You could have gone to f/5.6 and gained a little shutter speed. If the subject is still, I've had success handholding that lens with the IS turned on as low as 1/40. The other comments are right on with a faster lens. Just be prepared to haul a LOT more weight.

I don't see any plane within the image that is in focus, suggesting camera movement. The most advanced gear in the world will not give you a clear image with motion blur! Good support is as important as you camera or your lens! I suggest you invest in and routinely use a good, solid tripod. It might feel like lots of cash but you will never regret it. Yes there are times you will not be able to use your tripod but the concept of good support is still critical. A bean bag and good technique of holding and squeezing the shot can yield tripod-like results. Always try to find a way to brace on or against something. And good luck!

Agree with all. Definitely open up to 5.6 and be sure I/S is "on". You should be able to get hand-holdable @ 1/30 sec even at 400mm zoom. I have with the same lens. If you were in a car, be sure the engine is off. Steady yourself as suggested. Lean against something. When all else fails, set the camera drive to hi-speed continuous. Often times the second or third image in a burst is sharper as they occur so fast that some movement is mitigated. Doesn't always work but with digital it doesn't cost anything to try it either.

Otherwise, keep boosting ISO - a noisy photo is often better than no photo or a blurry one. If absolutely nothing works, then remember what I tell all my classes...there are simply some shots you can't get, period, so sit back, enjoy the gift of seeing it and be happy.

JR

Your shutter speed was two stops under the capabilities of the IS system. It is one of Canon's older IS systems. The shot really didn't have a chance of being sharp, completely handheld.

If you absolutely can't use a tripod (which is probably the best choice), consider a monopod. It still really isn't a great solution but is better than handheld, especially at 400 mm.