Focusing a side shot

Littlebigaj · Mar 9, 2010

Does anyone know how to focus a full tank side shot on a long tank with a DSLR camera? I'm using the Rebel XT.

After many tries this is the best I could get. Thanks for any help!

Bio-nut · Mar 9, 2010

I would think that you need to change the type of focus from a multi-point to a single. focus on the fore ground and them open the fstop to the longest focal length.

I am not a professionaql at all so I would wait till you get another response from someone more experienced. I will look into it and se what I can come up with I am using a canon T1i.

gparr · Mar 9, 2010

Not sure why you're having difficulty, unless you're using autofocus. Autofocus would easily be fooled by such a shot. Manual focus and a smaller aperture should give you what you want with enough depth of field. Your shot is also very overexposed, by at least a stop.
Gary

Russellaqua · Mar 9, 2010

What lens are you using?

Littlebigaj · Mar 9, 2010

I'm using a simple 35-55 mm lens on auto focus, however I'm a very inexperienced photographer. Over exposed meaning i'm letting in too much light?

iani · Mar 9, 2010

There is no way to get everything in focus in one shot (if that is what you are trying to do). To get more in focus increase your f-stop. However if you increase your f-stop your shutter speed will decrease. You will probably have to at least shoot with a tripod.

Hammmerhead · Mar 9, 2010

Everyone has pretty much nailed it here. Try F8 to F11 first, but dont go too far or diffraction will start getting to the image. Underexpose your shot by a full stop, most tank pics look better underexposed anyway. If you dont have a tripod try pressing the lens flat against the glass...this may cut a lot out of you photo if the lens starts at 35mm, but it will help stabilize the camera.