mikedent Loc: Florida

Thanks all! So I used AF-S one shot focus. I have NX2 but did not check it for focus points, but I tried to aim at eyes as is suggested. I figured shutter speeds should be high enough for the focal lengths. Probably need a higher fstop for more DOF as was brought up, along with a higher ISO. I'll try that next time. Did not use the tripod, the bird would walk around a lot, I tried to get him when stationary. Maybe I'm expecting too much from this lens, I'd like the shots to look more like the beautiful shots posted on this site. None of the images have been cropped or processed. Perhaps there has been a new firmware update since April? I can check. Was hoping to avoid a big-bucks prime lens....

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

You can and probably should use a tripod; a tripod with either a good ball head or better yet, a gimbal head. Look into it.
Read the information in the opening pages of the BIRDS IN FLIGHT forum. Check your focus points with either the Nikon program or set the option in the camera. You'll be fine.

mikedent Loc: Florida

Thanks again for all the advice- I just saw this was in Photo Gallery, I really had meant to post in Photo Analysis, sorry. Here are some photos I just did using Nikon 70-200 f4, both f8 and f6.3 as comparison. To me they seem more crisp and more fine detail in the feathers and body. Not as long focal length tho. Would be nice to compare to Nikon 200-500 and see.

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imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I agree, they are not REALLY sharp ! If you are using a "protective filter, take it off. Have you done a micro focus adjust with the body ?? You really need to get closer and use some sort of support ( not hand held).

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

These photos are beautiful and sharp, Mike. I don't see a problem with them!

mikedent Loc: Florida

Thanks again! I use UV filter, could remove it and just use the lens shade as protector. Did not do MF adjustment yet, don't know which lengths I use most often. Maybe should do a mf at a longer 450mm length and hope that focus would be good above and below that? I know support would be better but I want to get more stable handheld for when I may be just walking and not have tripod available. Plus I didn't want to back into the house to set it up! I wasn't really that far away, maybe only 25-30 yards or so, it's in the small creek behind the house. I'll probably contact Tamron to send for adjustment, could they also do a MF with my body? Wait and see...