I moved from digiscoping to DSLR bird photography using a 30D + 100-400mm set-up several months ago, but I feel the sharpness of the images does not seem to meet those from other users of this kit that I have seen.
Obviously to start with I thought it may be technique, but the more I use it, the more I am concerned about the quality of the lens (I have read mixed reviews). I almost always use some form of support, IS switched on, and I have tried many combinations of aperture, taking the zoom in from 400mm slightly, ISO setting, IS on/off....
Does anyone with this lens (that they are really happy with) have any standard sharpness test to compare results? (ie. photographing text at a set distance etc.) Or even anyone local who would be interested in swapping lenses for a few shots?
Could you post some examples, Chris? With Exif intact, please...
When you say "some sort of support", what do you mean, exactly?
Hi Keith,
Do you want to see original images or cropped versions (at 400mm I still need to crop a lot). What is the max size for posting pictures?
This was one thing I thought might be an issue - if the subject is small in the frame, although I use centre point focus, and aim for the eye/head - could this result in non optimal focus? (I have just ordered a 1.4x converter).
As for support, very often I am out with my scope+tripod, so I rest the lens across the scope (with its padded case), or if I am shooting low to the ground I rest the lens across the top of my rucksack that is standing upright (bit like a big beanbag I guess).
Chris