Low-light city landscape photo problems

StopCzas wrote:

Hello, thank you very much for all the advice. As I read all your comments, I immediately realize my mistakes.

-1EV was not intentional, i used "C" function on dial. There was a strong wind and this shot was one of few other attempts. I set such a low ISO thinking that I would get the best quality image, but with windy conditions, long shutter time and a light tripod (Manfrotto Traveler) it was a big mistake. In addition, the lens is very light, which makes it susceptible to wind

I`m using Capture 1 for processing(RAW). I like dark frames with the glow from the lights - this is probably what i miss the most and maybe more details in more visible scene. Some sliders and local adjustments were able to pull out some of the lights.I didn't calibrate the monitor, but I noticed that most people judge my frames as too dark, I have to look at it.

Publishing a photo in this forum was a very good idea, I have not encountered such constructive criticism for a long time, for which I thank you. I I will take your advice and try some new shots and come back here for sure.

Regards,

I

In my view, you should avoid non-native ISOs unless you really need a longer exposure to blur motion. (or in the opposite cases with higher-than-native ISOs, a faster exposure in ultra-low-light conditions). So if I were in your shoes, I'd set the ISO to the lowest native (160 on the X-T3).
Additionally, with long lenses the need for solid support is even greater than when using shorter lenses. Don't extend your tripod all the way, place it as low to the ground as possible. Do not extend the slimmest tripod feet sections unless absolutely necessary for getting the shot. Use a remote to release the shutter or the camera timer.
And lastly, make sure you nail the focus (it can be hard to do so with slow lenses the 50-230 but it's not impossible). You can try autofocusing on a bright light (the one in the foreground should be easy for the AF to pick on) but then I'm not sure the background city would be in focus. Switch to MF if needed, zoom in and adjust the focus ring till focus looks good, then shoot away.

Here's a couple of night cityscape shots taken with the 50-230mm lens. Hopefully you don't consider this stealing your thread. Good luck and keep on shooting!