Zooming

SpeedLite · 12 Jun 2003, 07:49 (Ref:629159)

Hi everybody.

This is my first ever post anywhere. I am a litle nervous but here goes.

I have seen some pics taken using the technique of adjusting the zoom during exposure. Is there a name for this? I am going to try it but wondered if anybody had any advice before I do.
Is it best to zoom in or out? What sort of exposure times should I use? How fast should I zoom? Should I turn off image stabiliser? Will the metering get confused so should I meter manually? Is there anything else I should take into consideration? Have I asked enough questions?
Any help welcome.

If anyone has any pics like this I would love to see them.

SpeedLite · 12 Jun 2003, 07:57 (Ref:629165)

Just one more question-
Do I need a burst of flash?

PaulSands · 12 Jun 2003, 08:06 (Ref:629171)

Good question..I've been wondering about the practicalities of this myself and would love some expert advice

tanalised · 12 Jun 2003, 08:46 (Ref:629192)

Welcome Speedlite. My standard zoom on my camera (28-80) had a powerzoom functionthat allowed the automatic zooming from one extreme to the other, 28-80 or vice versa. I don't think I ever took a shot with it and it won't work anymore due to me smashing it on a fencepost. The lens still works very well, just that feature is buggered.
I know thats not very helpful!

SpeedLite · 12 Jun 2003, 09:13 (Ref:629197)

Sorry to here about your lens Tanalised. Unfortunately I do not have a powerzoom and cannot justify buying a new lens just for that feature, so I will have to zoom manually.

G_Ilott · 12 Jun 2003, 10:45 (Ref:629267)

There was an piece on just such an effect in Practical Photography or Photography Monthly several months back. I'll try and dig it out though I'll have to type it out - no scanner.

KC · 12 Jun 2003, 12:47 (Ref:629376)

I would do everything in manual. Meter the area you are going to photograph and lock that in. Stability is an issue, but with a long exposure I don't think the image stabilization will offer much assistance. I would sandbag the camera in to eliminate shake as much as possible as you zoom the lense. One thing to check, does your lense lose focus while it zooms. Many do and this will effectively ruin the image. Using rear curtain flash will freeze the subject at the end of the zoom very well. Be sure and bracket the image. Good luck and let us see how it comes out.

SpeedLite · 12 Jun 2003, 13:03 (Ref:629394)

I hadn't thought about the losing focus issue. Guess I'll have to check my lens for that. Fingers crossed.

G_Ilott · 12 Jun 2003, 13:08 (Ref:629400)

Which lens do you have? I assume it is the 75-300 Canon IS....? Does it have a push-pull zoom like the 100-400 or a rotating zoom ring like most other lenses?

This kind of effect would seem quite suited to a push-pull.

SpeedLite · 12 Jun 2003, 13:32 (Ref:629431)

I have a 28-135 Canon IS and a 75-300 Canon. Both have rotating zoom. I probably would have tried the former as it is a better quality build with a much smoother action.

SpeedLite · 12 Jun 2003, 18:34 (Ref:629720)

Ok. I have now checked my lens and the camera needs to refocus once I have zoomed in. I guess this is the end, right?