Working with a long-range zoom lens can sometimes be the only way of getting that perfect shot. A 500 mm zoom lens is an ideal choice for sporting events and wildlife photography and other situations where the photographer cannot get close to his or her subject. A 500 mm zoom lens can also be a challenge to work with due to lighting difficulties and the likelihood of "camera shake." If you use the right tools for the job, though, anyone can take a decent photograph with a 500mm zoom lens.
Instructions
1. Look for a lens with an image stabilizer for the best photos. If you cannot afford a lens with an image stabilizer, try to purchase a model that has some type of stabilization built in.
2. Get as close to the subject as possible. Even though you have the ability to take a shot from a distance, even the best lenses are not as sharp at their longest zoom length.
3. Use a tripod to prevent camera shake. A zoom lens can make your camera front heavy, which makes it more difficult to handle. In low-light situations, you will also need to use a slow shutter speed, making a tripod a necessity.
4. Use the lowest ISO possible. Lower ISO gives greater quality, but with a zoom lens, even in bright sunlight, you may need a higher ISO. In most zoom situations, your flash won't have as long a reach as the lens itself.
5. Use the timer, especially in low-light situations. When setting up for a long-distance, low-light shot, the shutter speed will need to be slow, and any camera shake will cause interference. Just pressing the button on the camera may result in too much camera shake to keep your photo sharp.
Tags: camera shake, zoom lens, close subject, image stabilizer, lens with