Lately have been trying to use my Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-300 4.5-5.6 G ED VR lens to photograph birds in the back yard. I need as much reach as possible with this lens. Have not been very happy with the results, they are not as sharp as I would like. Not sure if it is me or the lens. Did a test of the lens with the following results. The camera was mounted on a tripod, aperture priority, VR off, auto focus, center weight metering, ISO 100, and used a remote shutter release. I used auto focus because I don't trust my eyes, am 75 years old. Did test shots with the lens set at 300mm and 270mm. When image increased to 100% none are sharp. Any suggestions?
They don't look sharp to to me either (even at f11), however they are very underexposed (just looking at the histograms). I wonder if a lot of the sofness is due to noise.
Also did the lens have a filter on it? If it did then see how it goes without the filter on it.
RichardTaylor wrote:
They don't look sharp to to me either (even at f11), however they are very underexposed (just looking at the histograms). I wonder if a lot of the sofness is due to noise.
Also did the lens have a filter on it? If it did then see how it goes without the filter on it.
Yes, the lens had a UV filter and will take it off when further testing is done. I shot the full range of f stops in my tests, from F5.6 to F29. None were sharp at 100%. Also, I did notice that some were underexposed as compared to others. Don't know why inasmuch as the only thing I changed for each shot was the aperture. Did have white balance set to auto. Will check my noise setting.
charles brown wrote:
Lately have been trying to use my Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-300 4.5-5.6 G ED VR lens to photograph birds in the back yard. I need as much reach as possible with this lens. Have not been very happy with the results, they are not as sharp as I would like. Not sure if it is me or the lens. Did a test of the lens with the following results. The camera was mounted on a tripod, aperture priority, VR off, auto focus, center weight metering, ISO 100, and used a remote shutter release. I used auto focus because I don't trust my eyes, am 75 years old. Did test shots with the lens set at 300mm and 270mm. When image increased to 100% none are sharp. Any suggestions?
Lately have been trying to use my Nikon DX AF-S Ni... (
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I downloaded the first shot and it looks great considering...
It's about 1.5 or more stops underexposed and the flower doesn't fill the frame....both sharpness/detail killers no matter what the lens.
Having said that..I don't see a problem. I'd be happy with this level of detail. It looks like the AF focused on a blade of grass "slightly" in front of the flower but nevertheless, it's fine.
Bobs rules of sharpness.
Never underexpose.
Fill the frame with the subject.
Hi Uncle Charles, I have taken the liberty and made some small adjustments to your first photo in Adobe Light Room. It is now in jpeg format.....I do not think there is anything wrong with camera and lens or eyes. Maybe the other guys can give there comments also.
Len's set at 300 and 270 and ISO 100 would seem to me that the shutter speed is gonna be to slow. Any breeze at all can move light weight stuff and make it unsharp.
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