Thanks, Paul .... I'll probably try a few more shots in a bit. T'pod is already in the car. I may also try the K85/1.8. Interested in comparing it to the 77mm anyway. I don't think this car would look better foreshortened much more than that.
Shel > [Original Message] > From: Paul Stenquist > Hi Shel, > For a 3/4 rear shot (like this) or a similar front angle I focus on > the license plate. The viewer's impression of sharpness is shaped by > the foreground sharpness. The stop I use depends on the DOF of the > particular lens. With that 77, I think you'll need f11 or f16 to keep > the entire car in focus if the license plate is the focal point. With > cars that look good foreshortened, I sometimes shoot this angle with my > A400 at f32 -- off a tripod of course. However, this car is too much of > a jelly bean for that kind of pull. The 77 looks to be close to ideal. > The light direction is good, but full sun is always a bit harsh. A > similar light direction with the sun just below the horizon in early > morning or late afternoon would be excellent. Or the same light > direction as you have here with a light cloud cover would be very nice. > Of course that would make the tripod a necessity. I would also move the > car as far away from the background as possible. (That's why good car > shooting locations are hard to find:-). > > http://home.earthlink.net/~scbelinkoff/bmw.html

