Tip of the day: enjoy a fast lens

A “fast” lens has a large maximum “f” number (small numerically) eg f/1.2, f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2. A large aperture allows higher shutter speeds because it delivers a much brighter image.

A wide-range consumer zoom whose aperture at 85mm is f/5 or so would have required 1/5 second instead of the 1/60 second made possible by f/1.4, a speed making a sharp image next to impossible (camera shake and subject motion).

Shooting this scene under heavy foliage late in the day, the “fast” f/1.4 maximum aperture of the Zeiss ZE 85mm f/1.4 Planar came in handy at (1/60 sec).

Panhandlers
Canon 1Ds Mark III + Zeiss ZE 85mm f/1.4 Planar @ f/1.4

Of course, f/1.4 presents certain challenges in getting accurate focus, not to mention subjects moving at the same time. I shot a 2nd frame where I nailed the focus on the gander’s eye at left, and with the head turned just the best angle into the light—but the other ducks did not line up as directed.

Boy, that eagle would enjoy one of those fat city ducks...!

Next tip/question…