DSLR moms - please help me understand this!

I want to use the instructions in this link below to take a pic in front of my lit Christmas tree and have twinkling lights.

I am having a hard time understanding this part of the instructions. I have a Canon Rebel DSLR, but even if someone with a Nikon can explain a bit better I can try to figure it out.

Please "translate" this for me
"Here is a trick to get this right...In this case I wanted to go from my widest aperture to my most narrow aperture. After I got the shot of Gavin, I switched from 1.4 to 22, but I counted the number of clicks that it took me to get there (16 I think). Then when I changed my shutter speed to compensate, all I had to do is turn it 16 clicks in the opposite direction and wa la, I have the same exposure. Only difference being the starburst and of course DOF."

Also, can I do this with my 50mm 1.8 lens? I know I can't get down to 1.4 (just to 1.8), but can I move to F22 with that lens?


Here's the link with the entire instructions:
LINKY

THANK YOU! I would love to get a good pic with DS!

Re: DSLR moms - please help me understand this!

Yes, You can get to 22 with that lens. Or at least 16.

I have a Nikon, but I'll try. Not sure if the settings are different.

Put the camera in Manual. When you click the shutter half way it will allow you to change the f stop using the dial in front of the shutter button. Then click the shutter half way again and use the back dial to move the shutter speed.

This may be different on a Canon, but you can always google "change shutter in manual on X camera"

ETA: Its been a long day (lol), but I *think* she is saying is that she slowed/lowered her shutter speed by 16 clicks b/c it was 16 clicks from 1.4 - 22. So you would count how many clicks yours is from 1.8 - 22 then slow the shutter speed by that many.

I need to try this!

Message edited 12/14/2010 4:51:49 PM.

Re: DSLR moms - please help me understand this!

Thank you! I probably won't get to try this until tomorrow... hope it works!

Re: DSLR moms - please help me understand this!

I did it tonight with my Nikon D90(I am sorta beginner-ish ) I just followed the steps(most of which I knew how to do on my camera) The one step I did not know, I just googled.
It WORKED!!!! You will be so excited!

ETA: I used my 50mm 1.8.

Message edited 12/14/2010 11:09:31 PM.

Re: DSLR moms - please help me understand this!

Posted by ChrisDee

I did it tonight with my Nikon D90(I am sorta beginner-ish ) I just followed the steps(most of which I knew how to do on my camera) The one step I did not know, I just googled.
It WORKED!!!! You will be so excited!

ETA: I used my 50mm 1.8.