 JEEVAN |
Best Slide Film for Wildlife? What is the best slide film that can be used for wildlife photography in all light condition (dawn, midday, dusk and low light)?
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Michael H. Cothran |
There's not a "best" slide film for "all light conditions." The general rule of thumb is: For optimum quality, always use the slowest - i.e., finest grain - film you can for the prevailing light and shooting conditions. If you're shooting inanimate subjects from a tripod, the slowest, finest grain film will do you well. If you're in dimmer light, your subjects are moving, and/or you're handholding your camera, you'll need faster speed film. If you're not sure of the upcoming conditions, have a variety of film in your camera bag.
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Autum Rhoades |
I read that the best slide film is Fuji Velvia, which has an ISO of 50. If you buy it from the camera shop, it will run you around $10, but if you shop online you may be able to find it for around $5. I was also told that keeping the film in a cooler or a refrigerator until use is a good idea.
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Michael H. Cothran |
In response to Autum, Velvia also happens to be my film of choice, and it comes in ISO 50 and 100 versions. It is a "professional" film, and as such, needs to be refrigerated until use. FYI - ALL professional film comes "ripe" from the factory, ready for immediate use, and should be refrigerated to keep it from ripening any further. "Amateur" films come "green", or unripe, from the factory, and should not be refrigerated, as they actually need time to "ripen" before use. Under normal circumstances, this "ripening" of Amateur film occurs while sitting on the shelf at your local retail store. You will not, or should not, ever find professional film sitting out. Most places that sell professional film will store it in their own refrigerators somewhere in-house. As to whether or not it is the "best" film still depends on what you are going to use it for. For "people" photography, Velvia is nothing short of awful (Astia is a much better choice for people). And if you are hand holding in low light, it is also bad (Provia 400 would be a better choice). When it comes to saturated colors, sharpness, and fine grain, it is the best on the market, in my opinion. Fuji rates the newer 100 speed as having even finer grain than the older 50 speed. The "best" film for one circumstance does not mean it is the best for another circumstance. As I originally stated, define your needs, and choose your film accordingly. If your needs vary, then have a variety of films for these needs in your camera bag. Never rely on one film to do everything well. Michael H. Cothran
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Bob Cammarata |
Provia 100F is my slide film of choice for all-around outdoor use. The colors are more accurate than Velvia,...which can be a bit to saturated for my taste. This film will push well to ISO 200 for low-light shooting or for when you need that extra stop of shutter speed to freeze action.
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