Using Manual with 750D/Rebel T6

[mike21]

Mostly I photograph birds and use the manual setting with auto ISO, because both shutter speed and aperture are important. Often the exposure, as shown on the resultant screen image and histogram, needs adjustment, so I then manually set the ISO up or down, because "exposure compensation" will not work in Manual with Auto ISO. This way is crude because varying the ISO means one stop rather than theone third of a stop with exposure compensation. Is there a better/faster way?

[ebiggs1]

Whatever you get the point.  Oneof these things......

Only without the hangy thingy.  

[mike21]

The long distance shots are for identification only, where binoculars are inadequate – basically using the camera as a telescope, when the birds are much closer the depth of focus is shallow so spot focus important. I use spot metering because it is the bird that needs to be correctly exposed – evaluative on a gull will result in the whites being burnt out, even though the background may be correctly exposed.

[diverhank]

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@mike21 wrote:

The long distance shots are for identification only, where binoculars are inadequate – basically using the camera as a telescope, when the birds are much closer the depth of focus is shallow so spot focus important. I use spot metering because it is the bird that needs to be correctly exposed – evaluative on a gull will result in the whites being burnt out, even though the background may be correctly exposed.

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You use whatever modes and methods that work for you.  That's the bottom line.  I think the previous advices (from Waddizzle?) are meant for BIF...when the birds are moving fast, it's very hard to keep a small dot on them for focus and exposure.

[Waddizzle]

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@mike21 wrote:

The long distance shots are for identification only, where binoculars are inadequate – basically using the camera as a telescope, when the birds are much closer the depth of focus is shallow so spot focus important. I use spot metering because it is the bird that needs to be correctly exposed – evaluative on a gull will result in the whites being burnt out, even though the background may be correctly exposed.

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Okay.  You are using spot metering and complained about your photos not being properly exposed.  You will not always get everything in a frame ideally exposed, especailly when shooting outdoors.  There is too much dynamic range for the camera during most outdoor shooting conditiona, especially those involving the sky.

One word about spot metering on the T6.  If it is like my T5, which strongly suspect is the case, then only the center AF point can be used for spot metering. 

Even if you select another AF point, spot metering will only be performed at the center.  You must lock metering using the center as your spot, and then recompose and focus your shot if you wish to use another AF point besides the center.

Again, how automatic exposure is locked changes in One Shot and AI Servo mode when you control it with the shutter button.  You can even change the behavior through custom programming of the rear [AE LOCK] button. 

At the distances you are shooting, have you considered using a spotting scope as a lens?

[John_]

Hi Waddizzle,

"At the distances you are shooting, have you considered using a spotting scope as a lens?"

Not sure if he is but I am, I'd like to hear more on this option.

[Waddizzle]

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@John_ wrote:

Hi Waddizzle,

"At the distances you are shooting, have you considered using a spotting scope as a lens?"

Not sure if he is but I am, I'd like to hear more on this option.

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Spotting scopes will have magnification factors ranging from 20-60x.  A 1x magnification is roughly equivalent to a 50mm lens, A spotting scope with a range of 20-60x would be equivalent to a 1000-3000mm zoom lens.

[John_]

And at a fraction of the cost of a 1000-3000mm lens too. Do you know how well a spotting scope will work with the T6i's metering systems when attached together?

[Waddizzle]

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@John_ wrote:

And at a fraction of the cost of a 1000-3000mm lens too. Do you know how well a spotting scope will work with the T6i's metering systems when attached together?

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Focusing will, of course, be manual focusing only.  I recommend a tripod, a chair, and a 45 degree viewfinder.

As far as metering goes, the lenses have fixed apertures.  They will typically be in the f/11 - f/16 range.  How well the camera will meter a scene will depend on how much available light you have, the sensitivity of the camera’s metering system.

I would not expect any problems shooting in Live View with a spotting scope and a T6i.

[BTW]. I just noticed that the OP is probably talking about a T6i not a Rebel T6.

[John_]

Ok that all makes sense. I am wondering why you suggest a 45 degree viewfinder? Would that be to help with balance on a tripod or is there an optical advantage? I would use Live View or prefer to use it.

[Waddizzle]

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@John_ wrote:

Ok that all makes sense. I am wondering why you suggest a 45 degree viewfinder? Would that be to help with balance on a tripod or is there an optical advantage? I would use Live View or prefer to use it.

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With spotting scopes, the body is usually made at an angle, not the viewfinder.

If you have ever tried to photograph the Moon using Live View, then you would appreciate an angled body.  Having a twist and tilt rear display screen takes some of the incovenience out of the equation.  In most cases, looking through an angled body is easier than a straight body.

Search for them a BH Photo Video dot Com in the Optics department.