Stop Making These Telephoto Lens Mistakes

A telephoto lens is an incredible tool for landscape photography, however, there are a few mistakes you want to avoid. In this video, I cover some of the most basic mistakes you can make with a telephoto lens and I show how to avoid them. On top of that, I drive around in the Danish countryside for some landscape photography and get some incredible photos!

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0:00 - Focus?
1:45 - Not Spending Enough Time On Composition
6:05 - Vertical Photos With a Telephoto
8:12 - Why You Want to Use a Lens Collar
9:33 - Avoid Blurry Photos Because of Wind
12:28 - Bring your Telephoto EACH time!
15:37 - Sunset and Last Photo

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[erichstocker]

Folks, if you are thinking of Mads' composition books, don't bother with the lite-version. They are really well priced and excellent. Just buy them. I purchased them a while ago and still periodically go through them. There always seems to be something that I learn on rereading. I have a sigma 100-400 for my Sony RIII. I always bring it with me but I'm used to hauling 4x5 and 6x7 film gear. My problem is acrophobia not my mule duties. Couldn't even begin to climb some of those features in the Faroe Islands. :-(

[seantomlinson]

That comment at 1:36 is so crucial. I've learned that many times from my wildlife photography. The atmospheric interference will eat the sharpness you expect for landscape or wildlife. Cool is always better and earlier in the day is better.

[in_the_woods]

Love the comments about being carefully evaluating the composition in the field. I have had two many objects cut off at the sides or corners of the frame. It's easy to miss, but also easy to correct.

[kimcarr]

I love your videos!! Thank you for making things easy to understand. I will be enrolling in your photoshop editing course as I struggle with photoshop and mainly use Lightroom.

[Scirocco]

I've seen many-many videos about landscape photography but I still managed to learn some new and useful things from your videos. Thank you a lot.

[telebruce]

I shoot micro four thirds because I am a backpacker and carry a full system with me. 8-18, 12-60, 50-200 with a 2x teleconverter available. My last purchase was the 50-200. I have always preferred wide angle views, but honestly since I've purchased the 50-200, it lives on my camera! I find so many uses for it, I cannot imagine leaving it at home or in the car. If you own one, just bring it!

[prjw]

As a rule of thumb in windy circumstances I have image stabilization on when mounted on a tripod. I have photographed in strong winds with plenty sharp pictures as a result.

[pamwalton]

Beautiful, beautiful shot today! My husband and I often go out to different locations to attempt to capture dramatic sunsets. Only the dramatic ones generally occur on the days we decide to stay home!

[matpez]

Just started my lunch break at work and get a notification for a new mads video.. Brilliant

[davemacdonald]

Thanks Mads. That was terrific! Each point you raise regarding telephoto lenses is true and very important. This was a very useful video

[Wheeljack]

I primarily dabble in astrophotography, but between the months of early May and Mid-August the nights are too bright as the sun doesn't dip far enough below the horizon. Without fail, every summer, I still get the bug and I consume as much guides on landscape photography as I can come across. I like your videos and I'm going to purchase your guides - if nothing else to support you and the content you provide.

[jameslazar]

Mads, a couple of additional tricks for combating the wind when using a tripod. The first is to suspend a weight from the bottom of the center shaft of the tripod. For most of us, our camera bags are heavy enough that they can function as the weight, so we don't even have to bring extra stuff along with us. The weight ensures the legs stay planted to the ground. The second tip is to not extend the legs of the tripod, if composition allows for it. As the leg segments fit into one another, they get progressively thinner and particularly on cheaper tripods, can be less supportive than the thicker segments. So if the conditions are bad and the composition allows for it, leave the smaller leg segments nested inside the bigger segments and just use the thicker portion of the legs for the most stability.

[andrewwatson]

I always enjoy your videos Mads. One of the aspects I appreciate most is how clearly you explain the techniques and approaches you use. Thank you for the hard work you put into these, and I look forward to seeing your next one.

[glynparry]

Thanks Mads for sharing. Well that final image was worth waiting for. Very nice 👍

[rlfisher]

Another great video. This one is timely for me, as I am making an effort to create more intimate images with my longer lens, and not always the wide-angle vistas.

[robertdavis]

Thanks for sharing.... Great advice & comments which I can learn from & put into practice.... Cheers..

[sbuchan]

Hello Mads just wanted to say I really appreciate the work you do with your YouTube tutorials for budding photographers like myself they are priceless!
Thanks again 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[christinebrobst]

Mads. I always enjoy your videos. You provide excellent tips. And without intending to sound condescending your use of the English language is excellent. Chuck

[bobbyw]

Excellent video Mads, lots of real-life usable tips. Thanks.

[cyberwaste]

A lot of tripods have a hook you can hang your camera bag or some other heavy object from underneath the help stabilise in high wind too. Great tips. Appreciate it.