Picsee

OK specs first: The new lens I got is this: Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens with Built In Motor for Nikon Digital SLR, and I'm shooting with a Nikon D3300 camera body, so not the best but certainly good enough for where I'm at in my learning curve at this time I think.

Now, I took it out and did some experimental shots mostly learning how to use the Macro Zoom and when to use it and when to not use it, etc. I shot in raw and then edited (as little as possible) in ACD Systems Ultimate 10 Photo Studio.

I shot in 3 modes: first auto everything to get used to the camera/lens. then aperture, then shutter. Since I was shooting in bright light, on aperture and shutter, I kept the iso at 800 or below.

I think one error I made was cropping too much on some of the pics, and another error I made was not using a tripod religiously as there is some camera shake in some of my shots that I hand held. For some reason, I found it very trying to hold the camera with this lens, despite it being lighter than what I normally shoot with.

Anyway, here's a few that I got. I think my major concern aside from some composition issues is that they're just not as sharp as I had anticipated and I don't know what I should change to make them sharper.

Pointers are most welcome. I've looked at a number of truly spectacular close up photos others have posted here, and they're all so much closer and bigger than I've got here. I guess I need to get closer to my subjects with the lens I'm currently using?

repleo Loc: Boston

I think you should have uploaded these with 'Store Original' so others could download them to examine in detail. Hard to tell anything from these small images.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I think in the first three pics the shutter speed wasn't fast enough to freeze the movement of the wind-blown fronds.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Need to store original to asist with answers to your questions.So, I assume hand held? If so crank up the ISO to 1000 and shoot at 1/1000 second and reshoot and store. My sense is is it is your movement and not freezing the action is causing your non shapes.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Let me put this into perspective, a tele lens without VR will be better served using a steady tripod. I am not familiar with the lens you are using but today the majority of the lenses made are capable of good results using good technique.
If no VR you know that your shutter speed with such lens should be at least 1/500sec. if hand holding the camera. I insist that you will be better off using a steady tripod.
All lenses do their part best when we do our part also.

Picsee

Ah yes. A very good point. I've added them again here. As well, a bit more info: the palm tree tops were all hand held. The squirrels were on a tripod. I hope I got the same as I originally added, but I can't say for sure as I can't see the originals while I'm uploading.

hand held

(Download)

hand held

(Download)

hand held

(Download)

tripod

(Download)

tripod

(Download)

tripod

(Download)

Picsee

thanks I'm going to re do these pics with faster shutter speeds.

Picsee

thanks, I'm going to try these suggestions and re upload.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Every camera body/lens combination takes some getting used to. Lighter is not necessarily easier to steady than heavier. I know I had a considerable learning curve getting acceptable results with my Canon HS-50 handheld after I had been getting great results with my Nikon D800e with the Sigma 150-500mm lens handheld in similar conditions. The lighter, smaller Canon was actually harder to steady for shooting than the heavy, awkward Nikon was. Practice makes perfect. I can handle them both equally well now.

Picsee

Thanks. I couldn't agree with you more. My idea that I can hold a non-VR lens steady enough to snap a pic at a slower shutter speed has now been thoroughly disabused. Not only with what the pics tell me, but also with the comments I'm getting. Appreciate this very much.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

If you click on | Quote Reply | under the post that you want to respond to, we'll know who you're answering.

Picsee

Got it. thanks

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

I have the same lens and the focus sucks. Sent it back to Tamron 2x and they say it's fixed. After a little bit of research I've come to this conclusion.
Sorry to say this but, It's a $149.00 cheap zoom lens. It will take fair to good photos but nothing will be very sharp. Your photo of the squirrel on the ground is about the best sharpness you'll get.
I put mine for sale on ebay got $125 for it and bought a very nice nikkor 105mm macro.

BTW: I also had the lens on a D3300 and a D7100 same results

Picsee

You know, I did a bunch more shots last night, using a tripod, working with ISO, aperture, and shutter in different lighting and with different subjects, and I finally came away from the process thinking maybe it's not me and I just cheaped out too much and believed in the reviews too strongly. Because nothing really comes out as crisp and clear and sharp as I get with other lenses.

I'll post a few examples later.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

Getting closer is always good advice - assuming you safely can.