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1. You need a sturdy tripod.
2. ND Filter

If you follow the Sunny 16 rule then for ISO 100, for aperture of f/22 speed is 1/50 sec. If you want 1 sec then it is 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 times less light (actually 64).

Each 1/2 represents one stop of light reduction, so you need 6 stop ND (Neutral Density Filter) and for 2 second 7 stop. Now you know why ND Filter!

Why a sturdy tripod - at the beach there will invariably be wind which will induce a slight vibration and spoil your shot. The most prevalent method is to fill a bag with around 5-10 kg of sand and hang it from the hook on the central column, at the same time bring the central column to its minimum extension.

I had recently taken the following snap on a trip to Nelliampathy (Wildlife sanctuary in Palakkad, Kerala).

The snap looked very good on the camera LCD but was not satisfying when transfered to my laptop. I have a couple of questions regarding the snap:

1. What is the red arc seen just above the vehicle?
2. What is the best method to get an infinity focus?
3. Suggestions on how I could have improved the snap.

The settings were: 25 sec, f/4.6, ISO 800 @ 18mm on a Canon 1000D 18-55mm

@ajman, that seems to be lens flare.

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That is lens flare, its not a problem but kit lens has its limitations.

2. What is the best method to get an infinity focus?
On this kit lens I think the sweet spot is between f8 and f11, moreover I think you should enable Hilight Tone Priority from Custom Functions Menu, else correct it in post processing via Lightroom or PS for the bright hilights of the vehicle.

3. Suggestions on how I could have improved the snap.
Dunno what exactly you wanted to capture but I feel you have collected a lot of light 25sec is long. If you see the lights from the streetlights are bright behind and stars are out of focus.

You can try in zoomin.com.
This site gives best rates + lots of goodies like free prints, photo books, discounts on large prints etc.

Flipkart is also good in pricing. You might actually check for Canon 550D which comes with better video capabilities - price below 36k with kit in zoomin
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BTW, I recently picked my Nikon DSLR from Zoomin:thumbs up

Post your pictures anyway Arun.

Thanks Dude,

I am looking at 550D only, not 500D. Is it safe to purchase from that site.

Definitely safe. Transactions are transparent. Shipment thru reliable courier. Mine came thru Fedex. All invoices and warranty were pucca.

:Cheering: Here is my new DSLR! Kiss X4/550D/Rebel T2i :D

Requesting some tips from the professionals out here.

Congratulations. But please do not point it at members of the opposite sex. For fear of being misunderstood. :D

Ha ha. Good one lol:

Isn't lens flare supposed to come only against very bright light directed onto the lens? In this case, both the brake lights and the headlights were actually quite dim and both were facing away from the lens.

Nope. You have to see the actual amount of light entering the lens. 30 seconds of exposure can be though of as equivalent to a short exposure of a bright light source.

See this picture

30 seconds exposure ISO 400 F5.0 with kit lens.

Ok. Got the point. Thanks :)

How did you get the focus sharp in your photo? Was it on AF or MF? I am just not able to get sharp focus in these cases. Would love to have some tips on this regard.

The best thing in such situation is to focus on a bright object, for example I focused on the lights, and then flick the switch to Manual focus, and shoot away,
Sometimes I focus on the moon and then simply move the switch to MF