Focus Problems (Are bird feeders acceptible)

[VinceRossi]

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

I have been trying to find out why I have been having focus problems. None of my pictures come any where near as focused as the photos I see posted here.

Also are birds feeders acceptable for bird shots?

1-8-2010
This photo was shot through window.
Aperature Priority
Pattern
1/200
F5.6
ISO 500
195 MM
Tripod Used
VR turned off

Any suggestions or comments appreciated. I realize shooting through the glass is a negative. But it was 22 degrees out and cabin fever is forcing me to shoot anyway I can.

Thanks

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Vince Feeders are fine !! That particular image I would show the bird and feeder only !!

Focus wise would try a target and see what happens, set up a newspaper flat on a wall then set you camera on a tripod with good shutter speed and fire away. Should be razor sharp .. if not there is a problem with equipment.

Things that will affect sharpness are varied and multiple, just a few ... low shutter speed, not having the AF point on the birds eye, large crops, low contrast, not pressing shutter smoothly .. I'm sure others will ring in with more !!!

... btw if you have one image that is not sharp and then try to sharpen in PS they seem to turn out even worse !!

[VinceRossi]

I realized after posting I should have cropped it.

[VinceRossi]

Didn't mention that I shot with remote control trigger with the hopes of keeping camera steady at shooting.

[Colin Knight]

Let us know what happens after you follow Alfred's advice.

What camera/lens are you using?

Colin

[VinceRossi]

Let us know what happens after you follow Alfred's advice.

What camera/lens are you using?

Colin

I am using Nikkor AF-s 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G lens. It is supposed to be a good lens. So I have been told.

Thanks

[Colin Knight]

Most manufacturers aren't going to produce high quality sharp glass at the consumer grade level and price. That said, you'll be able to get sharp results still, but maybe not "tack sharp" like some of the ones you see here.

Alfred's advice will tell you if you're in the ballpark though.

Make sure you try some tech forums too: like the one here or dpreview.com.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Sharp images are a function of several things and Al's advise is solid. Must start with a baseline, ensuring lens and rig are capable. Then move to technique and exposure settings (in no certain order). Must be able to use propers long-lens techniques (see Ed Forum thread on Long Lens techniques) and use exposure settings to get shutter up. Must have sharp image and that means good technique or high shutter or both :).

IMO feeders are alright, do not get to attached to them but fine.

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Vince,

As noted, there are a lot of factors at play in the game of IQ. What file format do you use - RAW or JPEG? Do your images look soft at their full size right out of the camera? Your original post is only 32Kb and shows lots of JPEG artifacting, while the cropped image is about 114Kb which would indicate less compression and looks better. What do you use for sharpening?

I recently figured out (took me way too long!) that my 400mm lens was front-focusing so I added focus compensation in the camera. I used the focus target that comes with CS4, but as Al noted pages of text works well too. Might also try manual focusing vs. auto on the same target and compare.

[VinceRossi]

I always shoot in RAW. After working on the photos in PhotoShop I mostly use PhotoShop to sharpen images.

WHERE IS THE FOCUS TARGET YOU MENTION IN PHOTOSHOP???

How did you apply the focus compensation in your camera?

Thanks.

[John Chardine]

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

I have been trying to find out why I have been having focus problems. None of my pictures come any where near as focused as the photos I see posted here.

Also are birds feeders acceptable for bird shots?

1-8-2010
This photo was shot through window.
Aperature Priority
Pattern
1/200
F5.6
ISO 500
195 MM
Tripod Used
VR turned off

Any suggestions or comments appreciated. I realize shooting through the glass is a negative. But it was 22 degrees out and cabin fever is forcing me to shoot anyway I can.

Thanks

One answer to focus/unsharp image problems is highlighted above!

[Desmond Chan]

I am using Nikkor AF-s 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G lens. It is supposed to be a good lens. So I have been told.

Thanks

Vince, the 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 VR is a good lens. In fact, a very good lens for the money. Here's a 200mm shootout:

http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/v...?f=57&t=168688

At 200mm (and yours photo was taken at 195mm), the 70-300 f4.5-5.6 VR II beats the 200-400 f4 VR according to that test. Go check the price difference between these two lenses.

Most manufacturers aren't going to produce high quality sharp glass at the consumer grade level and price. That said, you'll be able to get sharp results still, but maybe not "tack sharp" like some of the ones you see here.

I think clknight is wrong about the lens this time :)

[Desmond Chan]

One answer to focus/unsharp image problems is highlighted above!

Should've tried manual focus instead then. Or should've cleaned the window first :D

[Kerry Perkins]

Vince,
I have the "Master Collection" version, which comes with OnLocation (for video shooting), and the card came in the box. You can also download the target as a PDF from the Adobe web site. Just search on "sure shot" and you will find it. I would post a shot of it, but it's not my image so I won't. ;)

The Canon 50D allows you to set autofocus compensation for each lens you use.

[Lance Peters]

Hi Vince - I would not take any notice of this shot - Shot through a window - realy not a good one yo judge by.

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Vince,
Your repost is much better, I agree with the techs. mentioned and sound advise given. Keep them coming...:cool:

[VinceRossi]

Here is a test pattern that I shot this afternoon using my 18-55mm lens.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Vince When your able try with other lens !! ... btw if possible do try not to shoot through the window, John has a great point !!!