Digiscoping and Depth Of Field

[Skean]

To All,
I am sure that most of you know that when digiscopinging you get, what is called, excellent reach. With this benefit comes many drawbacks and one of the hardest to deal with is depth of field. I was recently going over some of my older pics (2005) and I came across these pics that I digiscoped with a Zeiss 85mm and a Nikon Coolpix 4300. I wanted you all to know that the reason I felt compelled to post this was some local photographers, seeing some of my pictures and lack of depth of field, lamented the fact that I just did not know how to take pictures. Oh well....

Skean

[johnno]

To All,
I am sure that most of you know that when digiscopinging you get, what is called, excellent reach. With this benefit comes many drawbacks and one of the hardest to deal with is depth of field. I was recently going over some of my older pics (2005) and I came across these pics that I digiscoped with a Zeiss 85mm and a Nikon Coolpix 4300. I wanted you all to know that the reason I felt compelled to post this was some local photographers, seeing some of my pictures and lack of depth of field, lamented the fact that I just did not know how to take pictures. Oh well....

Skean

Hi Skean,

Your Pic's look pretty darn good to me,

Maybe offer them the use of your gear,and let's see THEIR Efforts.

Those type of people REALLY Annoy me.

Regards.
John

[Texun]

One does not DEAL with depth of field, one simply tolerates it. The laws of physics will always over-rule the desire that they may be overcome. Narrow depth of field can be your friend.

[iporali]

If there is enough light, you can get slightly more DOF by stopping down the aperture - like in normal photography. Or if the camera is too automatic, increasing the ISO-sensitivity (which brings other drawbacks, though).

But I agree with John about those "photographers". Sounds like they haven't photographed before the era of "infinite" DOF of the small-sensor digital cameras. The effective use of blurred backgrounds can separate photographers from "photographers" :t:.

Ilkka

[JGobeil]

DOF can indeed be a friend. However it is more difficult when digiscoping because your aperture choices are more limited - high speed is mandatory because of the high magnification and P&S cameras are not very good at handling high ISO.

[Neil]

Skean,
I'm not sure they were referring to the lack of DOF here. Most likely they didn't like the composition. My personal view is that both photo would be better with only the sharp image in the frame. They are both excellent looking moths. Maybe if you have enough frames of them you could make a composite with two sharp images in the frame.
The 4300 has done well here with the Zeiss to pick up the detail.
Neil

[jc001]

Considering that you digiscoped those,they look impressive to me,especially the hair details.

I agree that the best way to show people like that,is to let them try and have a go at digiscoping,and watch their embarrasment and frustration after 30 minutes of just trying to find the subject !

[Baron Birder]

They are great shots - but as well great examples of how quite how tiny the depth of field can be, and the challenge to produce great shots that it brings!