fma38 wrote:

A few tips:

- use a tripod
- use a larger aperture than f22; something like f11 should give you better results
- set the focus to hyperfocal if you know it
- use a lower ISO value (you shot at 400)
- make some tests outdoor for a better light, without hard high/dark areas

To which I'll add set the focus to something like 1m as a start. FE lenses have massive depth of field; I doubt you'd ever need to use an aperture smaller than f8.

See also:
http://www.autopano.net/forum/p56902-20 … -56#p56902

Here's what Michel Thoby has to say:
"Shooting with the distance of focus ring set at just a tiny bit below the "Infinity" mark is probably the best all around setting that can be. Closing the aperture ring to f/5.6 or f/8 and every thing should be as sharp as it can be!"

In his short review of the Samyang lens:
http://michel.thoby.free.fr/SAMYANG/Ear … eport.html

Last edited by mediavets (2010-03-02 12:44:29)

cptpicard wrote:

I'm probably just being incredibly dense, but, when you change the focus, say from 0.3 to 1.5, for example, shouldn't you notice a difference when looking through the camera, as when I do it, nothing changes?

Probably not - the camera LCD is very low res. really. Only way to optimise focus, bearing in mind that FE lenses like this have massive depth of field at all apertures, is to take a few test shots and when you've got it 'right' to perhaps tape it.

I'll keep playing, I guess I'm just not used to doing things manually, as usually, I just put it on auto and it does it all for me

You are learning that shooting panos just ain't like that. The usual recommendation is always to use manual everything when shooting panos.

A few other little questions... Should I use the flash, or just change the Aperture and ISO accordingly?

NEVER use flash when shooting panos - try if you like and you'll see why not. Normally you would shoot at fixed aperture (always), say f8, and adjust shutter speed, shooting at as low an ISO as possible vs. shutter speeds to minimise noise. Of course in a scene with a lot of movement you may wish to have as fast a shutter as possible so then you might crank up the ISO and even increase the aperture (smaller f no.) a bit.

Also, I guess I'm going to have to change these settings each time I'm inside or outside?

No, you will normally keep the focus (some people tape the lens at a particular setting to avoid it changing unintentionally) and aperture the same all the time and merely adjust the shutter speed and ISO (but keeping them constant for every shot is a pano). Repeat - do not change the settings between shots when shooting a pano.
..........

FWIW there were a lot of things I couldn't quite grasp, and advice I didn't really understand, about shooting panos until I actually started shooting panos. So perhaps at the outset just 'follow the rules' (even without trying to fully understand them) and practise, practise, practise. It will all become clear and pretty much 'second nature' soon enough if you just shoot lots of panos.

Last edited by mediavets (2010-03-02 13:09:15)

I've been having a play with various different settings.  I have to say, it's probably the best thing I've done buying this manual lens... its made be HAVE to learn all about shutter speed/ISO, Aperture, focus ring etc...

My settings for the Canon EOS 450D with Samyang 8mm F3.5 FE Lens are;

Focus Ring:        3  (just before infinity)
Aperture:           5.6 / 8
ISO:                  800 (in low lit room)  200 outside
Shutter Speed:    1/30 (changes depending on whether inside or outside)

I'm getting much better photos now.  I'll keep playing to find the optimum setting.

Thanks for all your advise, I've really learnt a lot so far

Cpt

Last edited by cptpicard (2010-03-03 14:38:20)

Yes, the quality isn't the best. Although a lot better than I've had previously. 

I've put the ISO down to 200 and also decreased the shutter speed to 1/6 instead of 1/30.   Overall, I can't really see a big difference in quality.  Still look quite grainy!?

cptpicard wrote:

Hi guys - I bought myself a Samyang FISH-EYE CS Lens Multi-Coated 8mm F3.5 from EBay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OUT-NOW-Samyang-8 … 518def0397

I've put the new lens on my Canon EOS 450D and have taken a few shots, but the quality is really bad!!  I'm really new to photography and don't understand a lot of the terminology, so please be gentle with me.

I understand that this lens is a manual lens and have therefore followed the simple instructions in the lens user manual. 

I’ve set the camera mode dial to ‘M’.  I have to turn the brightness all the way up to 22 on the lens itself; otherwise I can’t see anything when looking through the camera, or it’s just very dark. 

When trying to adjust the focus ring, absolutely nothing happens?  Nothing changes at all?

Then, when I take a photo, the quality is terrible. 

Is there something wrong with my lens, or, have I done something wrong?

Thanks for your help.

Hi, i have the same settings.
how i use it:

450d:
Tripod and 303sph
Manual Shot - iso 100 (work with the shutter speed)
Samyang f11 ever ( in the night change everything ) to ∞
The shots are really good in every situation, best lens for this price.

Samyang is a good lens for the price, I think you have to experiment with your settings. If you are methodical in your approach it should work fine.

As for grainy noise!! I'd say look at you iso and your aperture maybe your doing something wrong. Other members maybe able to give you a more definitive solution, also why not post some of your grainy images up to enable us to see if they are really grainy of just normal!

Best
Gordon