Red ball sun images- how to ?

[gtirman]

In my previous overseas trips i used the suppied kit lenses for obtaining some fantastic sunrise or sunsets with the sun as one huge red perfect ball.
On my recent trip i didnt have my kit lenses as i had upgraded to 70-200 2.8 L and Tamron 17-50 dx 2.8.....both amazing lenses....until it comes to red ball sunsets !!!

Using these lenses i only get a fuzzy ball and not a distinct clear circle.

The only thing i can think off difference wise is that the kit lenses have IS .......surely this would not make that much difference eh?


Any tips on my mis-use appreciated :}

Cheers John

[GeoffWessex]

Would you be using a tripod, by any chance? If so, IS (or VR or SR, depending on camera and lens make) should be switched off.

[chris-p]

These newer lenses also have faster maximum apertures so you might be lacking in depth of field. Impossible to say without some more information on the settings you used when you got shots you like and settings you used when you got shots you didn't.