Use a tripod or mono-pod when shooting with a 500mm lens.
For many photographers attaching a lens to a camera is all they need to do to start shooting. However when you start using super-telephotos lenses like the Canon 500mm f4.0 and the Canon 50D digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) there are some further adjustments you need to make to set up the system. When set up properly the Canon 50D and 500mm f4.0 telephoto lens is a powerful combination that can be used for a number of photographic applications.
Instructions
1. Attach the Canon 50D to the Canon 500mm f4.0 lens by lining up the red dots on the cameras mounting ring and the dot on the outside of the lens barrel. Rotate the camera until it locks into place. Normally you would attach the lens to the camera, however with the size and weight of the 500mm lens, you attach the camera to the lens.
2. Attach the lens to a tripod or mono-pod. While the lens has Canon's Image Stabilization program built into it, this is a big heavy and expensive lens and you will need to use a sturdy tripod or monopod to support it.
3. Turn the "Auto Focus" switch to "AF" in this mode the lens will still accept manual inputs from the photographer.
4. Turn the Image Stabilization feature to "On" by sliding the "Image Stabilization On/Off" switch located on the lens barrel. Turn the "Stabilizer Mode" to match your shooting needs. Mode "1" is for subjects that are not moving. Mode "2" is for subjects where there is some movement. Mode "3" is for subjects that require panning: where you follow the subject with the lens.
5. Set the "Focus Preset" to "(I)" which turns on the focus preset but does not provide a sound warning, adjusting the switch to "(II)" will turn the system on and provide an audible sound when activated.
6. Loosen the knob on the side of the lens to allow you to rotate the lens from vertical to horizontal. You can adjust the knob to provide a little bit of resistance when turning, lock the lens in place, or let it slide completely loose.
7. Turn the Canon 50D on and set the exposure mode to "Tv" which is Canon's designation for "Shutter priority" and rotate the "Main dial" just behind the shutter release and set the shutter speed to 1/250th of a second or higher.
8. Press the "AF-DRIVE" button and rotate the "Main dial" and select "AI Servo" this will place the camera and lens into Canon's "Predictive" focus mode which is used when you are photographing moving objects. If you subject is stationary you can select "One shot" mode that will lock in the lens focus when the shutter release is pressed halfway.
9. Position your eye to the viewfinder, compose the image and press the "Shutter release" button to take the picture.
Tags: Canon 500mm, Image Stabilization, Mode subjects, 500mm lens, camera lens