I am using canon r8 and RF 100-400mm lena

[Sudhir Shivaram]

That’s a very common issue many photographers face when using long lenses like the Canon RF 100–400mm — especially hand-held or in low light. Let’s go step-by-step so you can troubleshoot and fix it easily.

1️⃣ Blurry Images — Possible Causes and Fixes

a) Shutter speed too slow

At 400 mm, even small hand movement causes blur.

Fix:

• Use a minimum shutter speed of 1/1000 sec for moving subjects, 1/500 sec for static ones.

• If shooting handheld or from a vehicle, go faster — even 1/1600 sec if light allows.

b) Focus accuracy

• Use Servo AF (AI Servo) mode for moving subjects.

• Use single point or small zone AF, and place it precisely on the subject’s eye or head.

• Avoid “Face/Eye AF” if the camera keeps picking up background or wrong subject.

c) Camera shake

• The RF 100–400 mm has in-lens IS (Image Stabilization) — keep it ON for handheld shots.

• If you’re using a tripod, switch IS OFF to avoid micro-vibrations.

• When handholding, keep elbows tucked, lean against support, or use a beanbag/monopod in safaris.

d) Heat haze or atmospheric distortion

In open fields or hot conditions, heat shimmer can soften distant subjects.

Fix: Try to shoot early morning or late evening when the air is stable.

2️⃣ Noisy Images — Possible Causes and Fixes

a) High ISO

• Noise increases above ISO 3200 on the R8.

  Fix:

  • Use wider apertures (f/5.6 – f/7.1) and higher shutter speeds only as needed.

  • Increase ISO only when absolutely necessary.

  • Expose correctly — slightly overexpose by +⅓ EV if safe; underexposure amplifies noise when brightened later.

b) Low light

• Try shooting in good natural light; avoid very cloudy or dim conditions.

• If possible, lower ISO and use support (monopod/tripod) to allow slightly slower shutter.

c) Post-processing

• Use software like DxO PhotoLab (DeepPRIME XD) or Topaz Photo AI for excellent AI noise reduction without losing detail.

3️⃣ Ideal Starting Settings (for Wildlife or Birds)

• Mode: Manual with Auto ISO

• Shutter: 1/1000 – 1/1600 sec

• Aperture: f/6.3 – f/7.1

• ISO: Auto (limit max ISO 6400)

• AF Mode: Servo AF (Animal Eye Detection ON)

• Drive: High-speed continuous

• Metering: Evaluative

• IS: ON (Mode 1)

4️⃣ Extra Tips

• Make sure the lens and camera firmware are updated.

• Avoid shooting fully extended at 400 mm if light is very low — zoom out slightly (to ~350 mm) for sharper results.

• Review at 100 % zoom on your computer — sometimes mild motion blur looks like “soft focus” in the field display.