Craigdca Loc: California

I took this picture on a walk from almost 1/4 mile away this afternoon with the sun on the left. I was using a handheld 18MP Canon T2i from 2010 and a Tokina 400mm zoom lens that’s probably as old. I could do better with a tripod but am I expecting too much clarity from my gear? If someone has a similar photo using a setup costing around $3000 then I’ll consider investing in it one of these days.
I’m thinking of Canon only because I have the two kit lenses and the 400mm Tokina. Thanks in advance for your comments - I appreciate it.

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

Very nice also very serene.

Craigdca Loc: California

Here's the hi-res version prior to adding the vignette.

(Download)

Craigdca Loc: California

Thank you, Bob.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

No you are expecting too much clarity in these conditions.
1. almost 1/4 mile away
2. an older 18MP sensor
3. only a 400 mm lens at that range, yes at that range 400 mm is "only"
4. hand held if I understand your "I could do better with a tripod..." so even the 1/3200 SS isn't enough to cancel movement - esp. at that distance where a tiny fraction of a millimeter movement/vibration of the camera is greatly exaggerated.

So not the highest resolution gear at extreme range and nothing has a sharp edge - might be focus but I will go with camera movement + not enough pixels for that distance/lens combo.
You were hiking so probably breathing and heart rate above normal. So impossible for you to be perfectly still, or even very close to it. In the future either take a tripod (even a monopod) or learn to love trees, posts, fences, large rocks or anything else you can brace against or lean on to hold the camera steady. Not another person their breathing and heart etc. impart movement also.

So use a tri/monopod, use a brace that is solid and you might focus on the rear screen if you can instead of the view finder. That eliminates the tiny bit of vibration of the "mirror slap". If you use a tripod then focus and compose, then lock the head so the camera doesn't move and before the shutter fires lock up the mirror and wait a second or two to fire the shutter to get rid of the "slap" vibration. You might also use either the timer or a cable to release the shutter so the mashing motion of your finger doesn't impart any tiny movement.

Craigdca Loc: California

Robert, thank you for taking the time to analyze even the EXIF data. You give me hope that I may be able to squeeze out a decent photo even from my dad’s old gear. I’ve been happy with my moon photos and this sounds like the same technique. May be obvious to you but new to me to make that connection.
Stay safe,
Craig

cameranut Loc: North Carolina

There is no way at that distance that you are going to get great resolution with 400mm. I also use the T2i and have it paired with a Sigma 150-500mm., and can tell you from experience that you are going to have to get a lot closer. If you do a large crop you will have a lot of noise. A blind, even a vehicle to hide in will do wonders if you can manage it. I won't suggest a tripod because they are a bit unwieldy and cumbersome for birds and fast moving wildlife. I used to sit down with my legs pulled upward and used my knees to steady my camera/lens. That was before my left knee went south. It won't bend now.

Craigdca Loc: California

Sorry to hear about your knee, and thanks for sharing your T2i experience and setting realistic expectations. I tried a tripod once for a few hours and got the Crow Under Trees post on UHH the other day, but that took a lot of spinning the camera around. I’ll try your tip next time I need to get stable in a hurry.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I happened to me also. Everyone unless they had lessons from an experienced photographer has to learn that a fairly long lens does not mean you can shoot portraits from two counties over.
Strangely up close it is subject movement that can cause the most blur while out at distance it is camera movement.

Bill_de Loc: US

One other thing that can cause image blur at long distances.

"Heat haze or shimmer is the visual effect of temperature differentials between air layers."

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rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Considering the distance, this is really good.
--Bob

Photocraig

I agree, these are about as good as it gets. Sure, High resolution $5,000 cameras and $5,000 lenses could help. But as Bob says, the limitations are really external. Think of that 400mm as a long lever. Small movement at your end reflects long movement at the subject end.

Nice work, keep shooting. And learn the limitations beyond your camera but distance to the subject, distance of the subject from the background. Light direction and atmospheric conditions. Especially wind. A windy day could have made that tree look like a Big Green Fuzz Ball.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I am impressed with this capture. It is nicely done. As for the T2i it is a worthy Canon camera. I think the Tokina lens is just as productive and just as worthy. If you are happy with your results why spend more money to get the same results.

CaptKK Loc: Edmond OK

That’s a great shot at qtr mile and that it came from your dad’s old equipment makes it even better.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Yes, you’re expecting too much clarity from your gear. A 1/4 mile is a long way to stretch a 400mm.