Hi there, I have a EOS650 and a 24-70mm lens. When I take photos for one or five people, it is OK (Sharpness, very sharp). But when I take photos for groups, for example, 15-30 people, it is not acceptable. Its sharpness is too bad. THerefore, I feel shameful!! Can you tell me how to take the better photos? Thank you very much! Shark

-- Shark king (nvuhoang@fpt.vn), March 11, 2002

Answers

If those 15-30 guys are in a line in front of you,then 24mm (a non- canon lens,i guessed)focal length may not be wide enough.Even if it is wide enough the image may be not be sharp.This is a problem due to the lens' design. If they are in rows,then surely some basic ideas about depth of field are needed.Visit www.photozone.de

-- legnum (legnum212@email.com), March 11, 2002.

The difference could also just be from proximity. If you are shooting 1-5 people, you are likely very close, so the facialy details will be very clear.

If you are shooting 15-30 people, you are standing many meters back, so the detail will not there--such is the nature of 35 mm photography.

-- Preston Merchant (merchant@speakeasy.org), March 11, 2002.

How to get sharper pictures:

The usual methods include; Use a sharper lens (either spend a great deal more on a very good zoom or use a prime (non-zoom) lens, Set the lens aperture two stops less than wide open, Use sharper film (Fuji Reala perhaps), Use a tripod.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), March 11, 2002.

Preston got it right, with a group you have to use a hyperfocal distance. This is the midpoint of your group that you focus on then select the correct aperture for sufficiant sharpness. With the eos650 you have a stopped-down preview button on the lower left side of your lens mount that will show you through your viewfinder. good luck.

-- joe cap (joemocap@yahoo.com), March 11, 2002.