First ever night shot.

Hi guys, this is my first ever night shot taken tonight at the local church. I just wanted some feedback and suggestions for improvement... also how important is an expensive tripod? The one I used is just a cheap 'Miranda' from Dixons.

[IMG]http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy13/lennardinio/StMarksChurch.jpg[/IMG]

A 100% crop to see what you think of the sharpness:
[IMG]http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy13/lennardinio/100crop.jpg[/IMG]

The shot was taken using my K-m and a Zenitar 16/2.8 lens. ISO was 200, shutter speed was 1.00s and aperture was 2.8.

Thanks in advance.

Andrew

If the tripod was fairly stable, and you were using the self timer mode then I would increase the aperture to F8 the top of the spire looks soft. As long as the tripod was sturdy and spending more wouldnt make shot any sharper.

Hi Snappychappy, thanks for the feedback.

I will definitely try going to f8 next time as I agree the top is soft. I wasn't sure what I would get away with aperture wise and I didn't time for too much experimenting as the girlfiend was waiting in the car

Is a good spec tripod only necessary for windy conditions? I have read quite a few threads where people state that a good tripod is a must... but surely even cheap ones are pretty stable in calm conditions?

Thanks again

Andrew

Think a stable tripod is a must but that does not mean you have to spend a fortune there are reasonable priced tripods available but it does depend on what sort of use you wish to put it to - strong winds and mountain sides may require something stronger that available in the local Dixons. Try to find a shop that will advise you as to your needs, I don't know the tripod you mention but if it is stable enough for the work you wish to do then that is ideal equipment for you.

No good having a tripod that is so heavy you do no take it with you even the very best is no good if you left it at home.