Back in Europe, back in the Alps.550D w/ 18-135mm still doesn't fail to impress me! But any tips or pointers are always more than welcome!Thanks.flx.

CatLikeFelixwrote:Back in Europe, back in the Alps.550D w/ 18-135mm still doesn't fail to impress me! But any tips or pointers are always more than welcome!Nothing wrong with your lens and those pictures. Beautiful! -- Olga

Thanks you!

Not sure about this one...

I like the clarity and sharpness of your pics. Beautiful sights I have to say. Nonetheless, did you notice you got some noise in the sky @ ISO 100.It might be induced by sharpening...Perhaps you should try masking a bit after sharpening?Cheers -- Younes ( Paris, FR) K10D

Yes - I think it is from sharpening in ACR.Masking? - guess that's something I need to learn in PS.Thanks for the tip - appreciated.flx.

Nice shots. In which place in Europe did you shoot this photos?Thanks for sharing.

Onthe third photo you posted there is some significant evidence of flair induced by either spots on your filter or front element.. almost dead center over the middle section of fence

Thanks.French Alps - in between Grenoble & Turin

Yuk. Yes there is! Wasn't using a filter. They are not present on other shots with the same lens. Where did they come from?

nice pics. I liked the 1st one the most. 2nd could have been better w/o flare IMO. -- love to shoot both airguns and pictures

Thanks! Yeah, must remember to use the lens hood!

Love Europe! Love the Alps! Looks like you're off to a fine start - I can't wait to see what else you can come up with. -- The world is too big for one lifetime, and one lens.http://www.flickr.com/photos/oliviamair/

Thanks! Yeah - there's stuff to shoot everywhere you turn. Pretty hard getting anything else done as I'm always reaching for the camera!Thanks again for your comments.flx.

I'm going to be in a position to take some pics like this soon. I was wondering where your point-of-focus was. I'm guessing up close, like somewhere on the fence? Do you have any general suggestions for focusing far away scenery? Where would you focus if you want detail both close up and far away? (BTW, I shoot in Av mode 99% of the time).

I'm a complete beginner but using Manual Mode I find setting aperture to f/11 then adjusting shutter speed to get the correct reading on the light meter to be the best way to take these types of shots.Focus is set to One Shot with all focus points active. If you find some of the image is still out of focus up the aperture to maybe f/16. I know plenty of people on this forum will tell you not to go much higher than f/16 as you can start getting light diffraction(?) issues but in my limited experience f/11 produces fine results while allowing you to keep a relatively fast (no tripod necessary) shutter speed.Basically just play around til you find something that works well.Good luck make sure you post some of your results!flx.

I really like that first shot. The lens flare in #2 is a bit distracting IMO.Tim -- New gallery: http://www.pbase.com/tvw/downunder

Nice shots. --I took a course in art last winter. I learnt the difference between a fine oil painting, and a mechanical thing, like a photograph. The photograph shows only the reality. The painting shows not only the reality, but the dream behind it.

CatLikeFelixwrote:I'm a complete beginner but using Manual Mode I find setting aperture to f/11 then adjusting shutter speed to get the correct reading on the light meter to be the best way to take these types of shots.Well, keep in mind that f11 is getting you close to diffraction territory. At f8 and 18mm, you already have everything in focus...Focus is set to One Shot with all focus points active. If you find some of the image is still out of focus up the aperture to maybe f/16. I know plenty of people on this forum will tell you not to go much higher than f/16 as you can start getting light diffraction(?) issues but in my limited experience f/11 produces fine results while allowing you to keep a relatively fast (no tripod necessary) shutter speed.Basically just play around til you find something that works well.Good luck make sure you post some of your results!flx.

Thanks for your comments