Nikon 300s 'basic' settings
Hi, I have a D300s and been quite frustrated with the 'softness' of many shots and the occasional sharp one. I was using a 70-300 lens.. and have this week got the very impressive 200-400. I would now like to be able to do the lens justice! Is anyone able to suggest some of the more important settings that I should focus on (excuse the pun). Generaly I am trying to capture smaller birds in the UK.
For example... High ISO NR On/Off High, Normal Low?
I have found the 51 point a bit slow so am now going to try 21 point AF.
Queries such as...
Long exp.
Fine tune optimal exposure
High ISO NR on/off?
Some that Currently I have:
Active De-Lighting (trying that on high)
AF-C on Focus
Dynamic Area (has been on 51)
Focus tracking Normal
AF Activation On
AF Selection 11
Centre Weighted area 8
AEL/AF-L Centre position
Any hlep very gratefully received... and just to say that I have managed to get some very good shots.. just a few too many seem to be 'soft' and not as sharp as I would hope for... (although the light in the UK at present hasn't been great.... just coming into Spring - hopefully) generally I hope to shoot ISO 500 or below...
Thanks in advance...
Neil
Is F8 the best aperture for sharpness?
Thank you everyone for some brilliant advice... STILL waiting for the sun to come out.. (or at least not be overcast and raining)...
Robert can I ask what aperture you would suggest as being the sharpest with the 200-400? I have seen test shots on an internet website where F8 seems to be the sharpest at 400mm.
My guess is that the ISO and shutter speed will also impact this... I am generally taking photographs of relatively small British birds... which does make it extremely difficult to get up close... but occasionally I can...
Thanks
Neil