TRSquared Loc: South Carolina

I have analyzed your photograph and have some questions. Is this image cropped? Is it resized? I cannot make its pixel count match the sensor for the 2Ti. As I look at the tips of the hawks wings I clearly see that your system has recorded the presence of the fanned out wingtip feathers but they are not sharp. They are only a few pixels across and quite visible. I did a quick estimate of how much sway could shift your image one pixel during the time of your exposure and got an estimate of 1/4°/second. That is a pretty small number. Some poor tripods I have seen can sway almost that much. Those facts tell me your system is capable of more but not hand held at 400mm.

But don't take our opinions. Do a test of a similar subject in similar light at a similar distance. I would focus as carefully as you can. I would have the camera on a solid tripod and shoot some images and then repeat the same images with the mirror up or delayed shutter whatever the 2Ti permits. Then repeat the same images handheld. That simple operation will tell you more in answer to your question than our speculation.

K7DJJ Loc: Spring Hill, FL

I ran this through topaz and got more detail.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

No problem, but I prefer mine a little lighter

AnotherBob

I see that you labeled your image "hawk." At my 3,500 mile viewing distance..........could it be a vulture?

I have newer equipment than yours (Nikon d500 and 200 - 500mm lens), and have on occasion asked the lens / body to resolve far more than is reasonable. When I show disappointment, the camera just shakes its (tripod) head and shrugs. Even when the results are less than hoped for, I do enjoy the chase.

Craigdca Loc: California

Thanks everyone for your valuable responses! I've been schooled by the best. The serenity compliment for the original low-light image may have influenced my personal style to mimic classic western paintings. The camera technique coaching is huge as that's the foundation for any post-processing starting with raw files. The Topaz work inspired me to eek out a little more sharpness. And, the comments for the good shot are the most encouraging with the understanding that my gear is actually pretty good!
I'll go back with a tripod one of these days to try again, but I'm not expecting the hawk to cooperate, LOL. Here's the uncropped, slightly enhanced and sharpened version with many thanks to all of you.

(Download)

alphadog

Image is an acceptable snapshot given the equipment being utilized.

IF using a longer zoom, best to use tripod or monopod.
i have commented before, on other inquiries [ not yours] ... a zoom is NOT as sharp as a prime lens.

So to improve the QUALITY of the image, one must employ better glass, when you can afford it... any camera, or cell phone utilized correctly these days using PS or something similar is capable of excellent images.

good luck

Bill_de Loc: US

Blanket statements like that are not really helpful. It depends on the zoom and the prime. If you want to compare specific lenses, that would be another story.

---

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Viewing things at a long distance regardless of the optics is difficult to discern sharpness due to 'atmospheric shimmer'. It is more pronounced in warmer weather and we've all seen movies where people are on a desert and see a mirage from the rising air currents.

Another factor concerning perceived sharpness is that zoom lenses are not as sharp across the full spectrum of focal length as a fixed prime lens at the same focal length would be although we may be splitting hairs in some cases and after all, we have to agree on what the definition of sharpness is to start with.

Craigdca Loc: California

That’s the let’s-see-what-it-can-do attitude I’m trying here, and everyone’s feedback is just what I needed. And one of my friends agrees with you that it’s a vulture

Craigdca Loc: California

True, there could also be dust in that area. The hawk or vulture was definitely a thrill as it appeared at just the right moment as I was releasing the shutter, so with that I’m a happy camper.