9 replies to this topic

[cloudyeverynight]

So my eclipse photos came out great and exceeded all my expectations. I’ve posted many of them on this forum already.

 

But while sifting through the 658 shots trying to find all the best ones, of which there were many, one issue became quite apparent…

 

So my EOS-R was setup to take 7 shot bracketed exposures during the eclipse. I shot 94 sets in total. The bracket sequence was set as (0, -, +). So the standard exposure first, then darkest to brightest.

 

To my surprise, only the first shot out of almost every single bracket group (94 in total) was in perfect focus. Luckily the first exposure was the standard exposure in each group. However each subsequent shot within each group becomes increasingly blurry. This occurs in almost the exact same way for all 94 groups. Annoying…

 

So, my theory is that it’s caused by camera shake due to the mechanical vibration of the shutter during each burst. This would be a very bad behavioral malfunction for this camera if this is indeed the case…

 

I was using my AM5 tripod and mount tracking the whole time. The lens was the Canon RF 800mm F11. The filter for C1 & C3 was a Helios Glass SeymoureSolar filter. No filter for C2 of course. The exposures were triggered remotely via intervalometer.

 

Please comment if you have any insight on this issue. Thank you!

 

Here are the first 4 shots from a random group near the end of totality:

 

 

 

 

 

I also have a video detailing this issue HERE if you care to check it out.

Edited by cloudyeverynight, 21 April 2024 - 10:17 AM.

[maj]

Was the lens image stabilization active? 

[cloudyeverynight]

Was the lens image stabilization active? 

No. From all my research on the matter, the general consensus was to leave it off. 

[maj]

Yes, that should be right. After the eclipse, I noticed that somehow the VR on my lens had been switched on. Probably from handling the lens or something. It didn’t seem to affect the IQ of the images but then I wasn’t shooting at very slow shutter speeds. I did see some blur from mirror slap from my SLR but not too bad. Good luck with your trouble shooting. 

[Anhydrite]

Was your EOS R set to First Curtain shutter, or not?

 

Looks like shutter shock.

 

You can hear the shutter actuating when you take the pictures.....Mine was set to only use the physical shutter to end the exposure....but I can see that if you take a burst that vibration may not have completely stopped before the next shot was taken.  In that case you would want to use fully Electronic shutter, or silent shooting.

[cloudyeverynight]

Was your EOS R set to First Curtain shutter, or not?

 

Looks like shutter shock.

 

You can hear the shutter actuating when you take the pictures.....Mine was set to only use the physical shutter to end the exposure....but I can see that if you take a burst that vibration may not have completely stopped before the next shot was taken.  In that case you would want to use fully Electronic shutter, or silent shooting.

I just had it set to whatever the default is. I’m embarrassed to admit I really don’t understand what “first curtain” is or what it’s for. I’ll look into it. Thanks for the thoughts. Are there any downsides to using fully electronic? Does it create more lag by any chance? I’m going to do some tests with different shutter setting’s tomorrow. I’m also going to try to recreate the issue. 

Edited by cloudyeverynight, 21 April 2024 - 04:50 PM.

[Cajundaddy]

Looks like shutter shock indeed and using the silent shooting mode would minimize this.  Also shooting at f/11 and 800mm I would likely have cranked up the ISO for a faster shutter speed to freeze camera movement and also atmospheric turbulence.

[cloudyeverynight]

Looks like shutter shock indeed and using the silent shooting mode would minimize this.  Also shooting at f/11 and 800mm I would likely have cranked up the ISO for a faster shutter speed to freeze camera movement and also atmospheric turbulence.

Great point. I was going to switch to ISO 400 during totality but got so caught up in the moment I forgot. I even almost forgot to remove the solar filter during C2 ! 

[TrailExplorer]

This is definitely camera shake from the shutter. I experienced a similar thing even though my settings were less extreme than yours. My totality shots were in brackets of 5, with a +, 0, - sequence. Starting with 1/50sec and dropping to 1/800sec. Despite that, my first shot was always tack sharp and my second and third shots were very frequently slightly blurred. And that was with 1st curtain shutter and a lower focal length of only 500mm.

 

Those Canon f/11 superteles are very sensitive to motion blur; I have the 600 f/11 and when handholding it, I have a hard time getting maximal sharpness out of it with any exposures longer than 1/1000 sec (even with IS on).

[Anhydrite]

Another thing to consider...

 

How is the camera connected to the tripod or mount with the long lens?

 

Is it connected by the base of the body?  or were you using a foot on the lens?

 

I used a lens foot for my 600mm lens with EOS R and I think having the mount in the center really cuts down on the vibrations at the end of the lens.