I'm not trying to be argumentative, just sloooww around here, soooo, looking for something to do
Looking at image I'm -guessing- the focal point was very near the eyes/noise of the bottom lion. Notice how sharp the grass is at bottom of frame.
If so, we need the help of our landscape photo friends and learn that "focus" occurs not only at the "focal point" but also before and after the focal point. Soooo, I'm thinking if focus were on middle lions eyes and at f8-f9 all three lion would look sharp. ??? At this point kind-of-like arguing how many angels can dance on the head of a pin!!!
Merry Christmas Everyone and Best in the New Year - Tom