Image Stabilizer (IS)

dSLR Noob Guide: Fireworks

To shoot fireworks, I highly recommend:

  • Tripod (You will seriously need a GOOD tripod)
  • Remote Switch (Highly Recommended)
  • Wide Angle Lens
  • dSLR

My Setup/Settings

  • Stable Tripod
    Impossible to shoot handheld, or with a lousy tripod.
  • Remote Cable Switch
    Reduce camera shake.
  • Mode: M – Manual
    Other mode won’t work well.
  • Focus: Manual Focus
    It is nearly impossible to focus a firework before it goes off.
  • Aperture: f/8 – f/12
    Most lens are at their sharpest at about f/8.
  • Shutter Speed: 2 – 8 seconds or B – Bulb Mode
    This depends on your composition. Totally up to you.
  • ISO: ISO200 – 400
    The least important setting. Set according to your exposure.
  • White Balance: Daylight
  • Quality: JPEG
    You will want to shoot as many fireworks possible. RAW files wont help much here.
  • Image Stabilizer: Off
    Discussed at Stable Tripod + Image Stabilizer (IS) = Blur
  • Lens: Wide angle
    You can always crop the photo.

Samples:

IMG_5798
Canon Rebel XSi, Canon EF-S 18-55, f/8, 5s, ISO400

IMG_5862
Canon Rebel XSi, Canon EF-S 18-55, f/8, 6s, ISO200

IMG_5878
Canon Rebel XSi, Canon EF-S 18-55, f/10, 6s, ISO200

dSLR Noob Guide: Stable Tripod + Image Stabilizer (IS) = Blur

Equipment:

  • Canon Rebel XSi
  • Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6
  • Dolica Proline Tripod

Setup:

  • ISO100 f/8 10s 240mm (IS on/off)
  • Tripod stabilized

Results:

image
Image Stabilizer (IS) ON

image
Image Stabilizer (IS) OFF

Conclusion:

Turn off Image Stabilizer (IS) on a stable tripod.

Credits:

Ian