Advantages of taking pictures of cherry blossoms with an interchangeable-lens camera

Recently, the camera performance of smartphones has greatly improved, making it easy to take beautiful pictures, but for those who want to take more serious pictures of cherry blossoms, we recommend using a single-lens reflex camera. By using an interchangeable-lens camera, you can take more artistic and beautiful pictures of cherry blossoms that cannot be expressed with a smartphone. One of the major advantages of an interchangeable-lens camera is its ability to create beautiful bokeh. It is possible to obtain large, smooth bokeh while capturing every detail of the subject cherry blossoms. This allows you to create a “typical interchangeable-lens camera” photo that makes the cherry blossoms stand out in a more impressive way. Another major advantage of interchangeable-lens cameras is that they allow you to finely adjust various settings such as shooting mode, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity. By controlling exposure according to the scene, you can take pictures exactly the way you want. Furthermore, you can enjoy more authentic photography by using different wide-angle and telephoto lenses according to the image you.

Setting up the main unit of an interchangeable-lens camera

To take beautiful pictures of cherry blossoms with an interchangeable-lens camera, the camera's exposure settings are important. This section explains the basic settings for shooting mode, F value, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity.

Shooting mode

Aperture priority mode” is recommended when shooting cherry blossoms with a single-lens reflex camera. In this mode, the shutter speed is automatically adjusted to obtain the correct exposure by setting the F-number (aperture value). Since the degree of blur in a photo depends on the F-number, this mode is easy to use for subjects such as cherry blossoms for which you want to take advantage of the blur effect. If you want to capture a subject in motion, such as cherry blossoms dancing in the air, you can use “Shutter Priority Mode. When you become accustomed to taking pictures, try using “manual mode” to create your own expressions.

F-number (aperture value)

The smaller the F-number, the wider the aperture and the more light enters the camera, while the larger the F-number, the narrower the aperture and the less light. On the other hand, the larger the F-number, the smaller the aperture and the less light enters the camera. F-number is also related to the amount of bokeh in a picture: a smaller F-number produces a larger bokeh, while a larger F-number produces a smaller bokeh. For this reason, it is common to use a F-number of F8 or higher when taking photographs to precisely depict entire landscapes. On the other hand, for close-ups and portraits, where you want to blur the background and make the subject stand out, it is best to set the F-stop close to maximum aperture, around F2 to F4.

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is a numerical value that represents the amount of time the camera shutter is open, and is related to exposure and subject blur. The faster the shutter speed, the easier it is to capture a moving subject, but the less light is available. On the other hand, a slower shutter speed produces more light, but subject blur is more noticeable. When taking pictures of cherry blossoms when they are mostly still, there are not many situations where a fast shutter speed is required. It is recommended to start with a shutter speed of about 1/100 to 1/250 second and adjust accordingly.

ISO sensitivity

ISO sensitivity is a numerical value that expresses the amount of light captured by a digital camera's sensor when light passes through the lens, and the higher the number, the brighter the picture. In dark environments, setting a high ISO sensitivity will increase exposure, but setting the ISO sensitivity too high can result in noticeable noise, which can deteriorate image quality. Therefore, it is also important not to set ISO sensitivity unnecessarily high. On sunny days, a low ISO sensitivity (around ISO 100 to 200) will provide sufficient brightness. On cloudy days with little sunlight, set a slightly higher ISO sensitivity (around ISO 800 to 1600) or adjust the brightness by adding exposure compensation.

Basics of taking beautiful pictures of cherry blossoms

Here are some specific tips for taking pictures. In order to take beautiful pictures of cherry blossoms, it is important to keep a few basic points in mind. By being aware of choosing an appropriate lens, adjusting exposure, and composition, you will be able to take more impressive photos of cherry blossoms.

1) Confirm the blooming forecast and plan your shooting plan

Even if you have taken the trouble to acquire an interchangeable-lens camera and lenses, it will be worthless if you miss the timing of the blooming of the cherry trees. Therefore, be sure to check the bloom forecast and weather conditions. You can check the blooming forecast at the Japan Meteorological Agency and weather forecast websites. Also, since crowds are expected at popular photo spots, it is a good idea to plan ahead of time when you will be taking photos. In addition, the weather during the best time to view cherry blossoms can be changeable, and there are days when the flowers are cold, so be sure to pay attention to the weather forecast as well.

2) Selecting the right lens

Close-up of cherry blossom petals

To capture the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms, close-up shots of the petals are also recommended. By getting close to the subject with a standard lens or using a telephoto lens, you can take pictures in which the details stand out while blurring the background. Composition is also an important aspect of close-up photography. By keeping in mind the sunken circle composition and diagonal composition, you can make effective use of background blur and foreground blur. On the other hand, be careful not to blur the subject. If the subject itself, such as a flower, branch, or petal, is swaying in the wind, it will be difficult to focus on the subject. If this happens, use a faster shutter speed.

Making the cherry blossoms look impressive in the background

Hana-ikada (flower rafts) and upside-down cherry blossoms

Wide Angle Zoom lens

  • 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD a046(Model )

    The 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046) achieves a filter diameter of ø67mm, which is surprising for a large aperture ultra wide-angle zoom lens for full-frame cameras. It’s small and light weight with a good camera balance. It's a dedicated lens for mirrorless interchangeable -lens cameras that can be carried easily and can be used in various situations.

  • 17-50mm F/4 Di III VXD a068(Model )

    The 17-50mm F/4 Di III VXD (Model A068)It's the world’s first lens covering from ultra wide-angle 17mm to the standard 50mm focal length. The highly-compact TAMRON 17-50mm F/4 Di III VXD (model a068) for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras offers maximum versatility for still and video creators. From landscapes to living rooms, this lens captures all that you see.

  • 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD b060(Model )

    The 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Model B060) is the world's first compact, lightweight F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras. Can be a great choice for video shooting.

Standard Zoom lens

  • 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD a062(Model )

    The 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A062) is a new large-aperture standard zoom lens that thoroughly pursues portability. While covering the range from the ultra-wide angle of 20mm to the standard range of 40mm, it is the smallest and lightest in its class. It also offers high image quality throughout the entire zoom range, making it useful not only for still image shooting but also for video recording such as vlogging. The VXD, which is quiet and agile, achieves high-speed, high-precision autofocusing. It is a new, unprecedented large-aperture standard zoom lens that allows users to easily enjoy taking out and shooting both still and video.

  • 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 a063(Model )

    28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063) is the second-generation fast-aperture standard zoom lens for Sony and Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras, offering significantly improved optical and autofocus performance and new function customization.

  • 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD b070(Model )

    The 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070) is a large-aperture standard zoom lens for APS-C format mirrorless cameras. With a focal length range of 17mm to 70mm (a full-frame equivalent of 25.5-105mm) for daily use, this achieves a 4.1x zoom. The optical design ensures high resolution and high contrast not just in the center of the image but also in corners and at the edges. The quiet AF drive motor and the VC image stabilization mechanism facilitate hand-held shooting. In addition, by counteracting focus breathing, the 17-70mm F2.8 empowers users' expression of their creative intentions to the fullest degree. This highly practical lens allows you to easily enjoy the high image quality of a large F2.8 aperture for both still and video shooting.

Telephoto Zoom lens

  • 50-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD a069(Model )

    50-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A069) is a 6x telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount that delivers outstanding convenience and image quality. Discover the groundbreaking capabilities of a 300mm telephoto zoom that starts from 50mm at the wide end.

  • 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD a058(Model )

    The 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058) is a high resolution travel zoom lens that covers everything from the 35mm wide angle to the 150mm telephoto focal length, the first zoom lens achieving an aperture of F2 at the wide angle end. It has a groundbreaking fast-aperture and utilizes the linear motor focus mechanism VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive), thereby achieving high speed, high precision autofocusing. The innovative lens design enabled us to greatly improve the lens's grip and functionality. The software, developed in-house, enables to easily customize functions and to update firmware.

  • 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 a065(Model )

    70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Model A065) has evolved to G2 level.This is the world’s smallest and lightest, fast-aperture telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount with astounding portability and superb image quality.

  • 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD a047(Model )

    The 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Model A047) for full-frame mirrorless cameras is a telephoto zoom lens designed and created so photographers of all skill levels can enjoy high quality images comfortably. The 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 covers a broad telephoto zoom range yet is the small and lightest weight. With special emphasis on resolving power, TAMRON has deployed special lens elements appropriately arranged to correct chromatic aberration, generally very strong in a telephoto lens, as well as other aberrations. Users can enjoy high-resolution images combined with stunning bokeh qualities that are achievable only with a telephoto lens. The lens also incorporates the RXD, a high-speed precision AF drive system that is remarkably quiet. The 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 is a versatile lens for photographing landscapes, sports and other action, pets, wildlife, and more. The lens also demonstrates its potential for portrait shooting, casual snapshots, and scenarios that require you to be mobile and shoot handheld, like sporting events.

All-in-one Zoom lens

  • 28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD a074(Model )

    28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD (Model A074) is a compact and versatile all-in-one 10.7x zoom lens for Sony E-mount. The lens boasts class-leading high image quality, and is equipped with high-speed AF VXD and VC. Go from wide-angle to long telephoto in an instant and capture every moment of the world around you.

  • 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD a071(Model )

    Tamron has distilled all the technical capabilities and know-how amassed over the last 28 years in its development of all-in-one zoom lenses into the creation of this 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD (Model A071), designed exclusively. The lens has a large maximum aperture of F2.8 at 28mm wide end, which represents a world’s first* for all-in-one zoom lenses, and delivers high-level performance across the entire zoom range, from the 28mm wide-angle end to 200mm telephoto.

  • 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD b061(Model )

    The 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Model B061) achieves 16.6x zoom and is equipped with the VXD for a quiet and agile AF drive. The optical construction includes several special lens elements, specifically four LD (Low Dispersion) and three hybrid aspherical lens elements. These elements help to produce clear, sharp images from the center to the corners and deliver top-level image quality in its class. It is enabled close-up shooting and is equipped with the VC system. The 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 makes photography more fun because you can use it in an unlimited number of situations. It’s so versatile, it will inspire you to push your creativity further and further.

Take advantage of the features and techniques of the lenses to capture beautiful cherry blossom photos!

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