I am restless and discontented at this stage

[mindfulness]

can give 100% crops of 1) the whiskers, 2) the eye, 3) the paw (where the claws are) and 4) the leaf of the bird nest fern?

Thanks for all the suggestions, let me begin by the process of elimination of possible causes of sharpness factor ... I will supply the info for Mod Clown to diagnose the photo first. Thanks

 

[havocidal]

At that resized image, I can safely say that you can get a sharp image for ANY of the current EF lens. Heck you can get a sharp image from a p&s for web sized images.

A large part will probably be the way you are using it.

 

[mindfulness]

At that resized image, I can safely say that you can get a sharp image for ANY of the current EF lens. Heck you can get a sharp image from a p&s for web sized images.

A large part will probably be the way you are using it.

Let Mod Clown diagnose the problem first ... what u mean "can safely say that you can get a sharp image for ANY of the current EF lens?", I used the EFS 55-250mm to take that tiger shot .. the question is: is this image of the tiger sharp?

 

[JW73]

No need to whack..
Think positively, those who upgrade their tools believing tools help them, is also beneficial to people who can get good quality tool from them in the 2nd hand market...sell sell.

The camera companies also like people to upgrade so that they can survive or made profits.

end of the day, if TS think high end stuff, u can shoot better and can shoot happier, go ahead and upgrade. Those who believe tools is not the most important, just live with it or make use of it.

Most important,everyone must go out and shoot

 

[Dream Merchant]

While waiting for your original file, here are a few interesting articles:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/sharp.shtml

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/lens-sharpness.htm

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/technical/lens_sharpness.html

Meanwhile, it might be helpful if you shared with us other information like what I asked earlier. Sometimes, even the way a camera is held, body posture etc right down to the final moment of tripping a shutter, has a very direct effect on stability.

While we're at it, you'll find that resolution alone is only ONE component of lens performance, and that many other factors affects the perceived 'sharpness' of a lens:

http://www.mellesgriot.com/pdf/CatalogX/X_01_11-16.pdf

http://books.google.com.sg/books?id...utmNCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4

You may or may not want to read through the more technical articles, but it would be good to remember resolution is only one small component of a larger sum.

 

[havocidal]

Let Mod Clown diagnose the problem first ... what u mean "can safely say that you can get a sharp image for ANY of the current EF lens?", I used the EFS 55-250mm to take that tiger shot .. the question is: is this image of the tiger sharp?

The image you posted is 799 x 533 pixels. The general rule of thumb is that images that are downsized, will usually be sharper. But that is provided that the original image isn't ridiculously blur.

If a 15mp image (from your 500D) still appears unsharp even after downsizing to 799 by 533, there is something seriously wrong. Usually it lies in the fault of the photographer.

As to your question, no it is not sharp for a web-sized image. If the problem lies in your camera lens, you can probably get it fixed at CSC. But if the problem lies in the way you are using your camera, upgrading to a 5D2 will make not much of a difference.

 

[pikapig]

may be its your technique?...:think:

afaik the 55-250IS is performer. this one is 55-250IS on 450D, and its pretty sharp for me.

*photo by Berge*:thumbsup:

i felt this lens is very sharp too....for that range..even in low light situation..as long as u hold it well.

 

[Zeisser]

dun blame on the tools blame on the person using it ;p

if 5D can makes anyone a pro and produce superb pictures. Then whats 500D, 50D for? Toys?

I agree with the above comment by localhost.Take a look at Zeckson Chow's pictures for
example. He only uses a Nikon D80 not the D300,D700 or D3X for that matter and his pictures
never fails to mesmerised and enthrall.What you need to do is to is to master your camera,
shoot alot of pictures, it takes time and patience but you will reach there.So practice more.

 

[LukaviZ]

hmm... share my few Cents worth,
try a prime lens, like canon's 50mm 1.4
if you're still getting 'unsharpness', practice more =p
afaik, 55-250 isnt exactly super sharp beyond 200mm; at least that's what i noticed when i tested the lens last week. below 200mm seems sharp enough to me. if sharpness is what you really like, go for prime lenses. won't go wrong with them.

 

[Old Boy]

There are some lenses that perform better than others but before you can nail the problem. Try using a tripod and shoot a ruler at approximately 45 deg. If the region where it focus is blur, then it is your equipment at fault. I sent my crappy copy back to manufacturer to resolve it. If lenses do not perform differently , then those lies are still out there in manufacturer's brochures, the MTF etc...Then again, holding technique, selection of speed versus lenses length have to be considered. The pic of the Tiger is definelty OOF which is not sharp. Hope you find your solution and enjoy photography again IS helps but in your case, it doesn't look like it.

 

[Anthony Lee]

TS, be patient as you've got a good camera and reasonable lenses. Read the manual, guide book and learn more about the camera. I got this from a newsletter from Canon, take a look.

http://www.digitaldreams.com.sg/eos500d/

With enough practice and good knowledge of your system, you should be able to take wonderful photos.

 

[rongwei82]

I'm a user of the 55-250. The lens is really quite sharp if taken with a good technique and skill. And most impt i guess the lighting conditions to get really sharp image. Take note of your shutter speed and your focal length... you dont really want to blur your photo using a combine of 1/15 and a max focal length of 250mm....:sweat:

And the aperture that you are using might also affect your sharpness...

 

[jesbert]

maybe TS set really has a focusing problem??? why don't let TS show some pic & data. a fellow CSer & friend has the same problem with his 450D, fortunately, we shared and I lend him my 17-55 f2.8 which is very sharp on my previous 350D ... and still having problem in his 450. So he send back to Canon for fixing (take a few times) and now a happer person ...

 

[clioboy]

alot of beginners have problem understanding the concept of selecting the focusing points.

 

[YoungPictoraider]

mindfulness has used handhelded his zoom at 154mm APS-C (= 246mm equ 24x36) with a 1/125è s shutter speed and he has focused on the leaves behind the tiger (probably with the central focusing point)...If he has shot in RAW and developped with DPP, may be the noise correction settings by default were not appropriated and has led to lost in sharpness, too.

Stupid question maybe : was there a glass window between the lens and the tiger at this zoo ?

 

[icelava]

Take special note about point number 6

http://enticingthelight.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/15-truths-about-photography/

Actually, just take note of all.

Since you mention you are a newbie, I have a hard time understanding how you have already come into the quick conclusion that the lens is faulty.

I just picked up SLR photography a couple of months ago myself, and was somewhat disappointed the raw equipment did not had me "instantly level up". But instead of stating I made the wrong decision of buying inferior equipment, I realise I have ahead of me volumes of photography and lighting topics/techniques to study and learn before I acknowledge that I have used all the limits of the equipment I presently own. There are still plenty I have not even realised yet, let alone mastered.

This is one of reasons why I strictly refuse to buy L lenses at this stage; my skill is no where close to absolutely requiring that quality. My use of L lenses have only provided marginal improvements so far. So my course of action is practice, not purchase.

It is not necessary to purchase a top-grade guitar to learn how to play chords. Just grab an entry-level model, and concentrate on learning techniques and increasing experience. And enjoy the moments of slowly improving in photo output.

 

[ahboy168]

:bigeyes:Get my EFS 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM ! V.V.Vsharp:bigeyes:

From my observation, canon lens focusing are quite sharp unless u are using tamron ...
Even the kit len like 18-55mm is quite good during day time.

For indoor/low light, u really need a fast len w/f2.8 or better tom pump up the shutter speed ! if u are not usinf flash

 

[Anthony Lee]

Take special note about point number 6

http://enticingthelight.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/15-truths-about-photography/

Actually, just take note of all.

Since you mention you are a newbie, I have a hard time understanding how you have already come into the quick conclusion that the lens is faulty.

I just picked up SLR photography a couple of months ago myself, and was somewhat disappointed the raw equipment did not had me "instantly level up". But instead of stating I made the wrong decision of buying inferior equipment, I realise I have ahead of me volumes of photography and lighting topics/techniques to study and learn before I acknowledge that I have used all the limits of the equipment I presently own. There are still plenty I have not even realised yet, let alone mastered.

This is one of reasons why I strictly refuse to buy L lenses at this stage; my skill is no where close to absolutely requiring that quality. My use of L lenses have only provided marginal improvements so far. So my course of action is practice, not purchase.

It is not necessary to purchase a top-grade guitar to learn how to play chords. Just grab an entry-level model, and concentrate on learning techniques and increasing experience. And enjoy the moments of slowly improving in photo output.

Very well said.

I am also a newbie in DSLR but fortunately I was trained in photography and even had a dark room of my own once upon a time. I worked in the field of micrographics for 25 years and the basics of photography was nothing new to me, so I thought, until I bought my first DSLR. After 4 months, I am still learning how to totally control my 40D. Until that day, if it comes before I go, then, I may consider a better camera. I am 63.

 

[havocidal]

the best way to really train up is to go film.... meter with your eyes

expect nothing more than 36 good shots in a single roll.

 

[jeremyteocx]

much has been mentioned here about your own technique vs your equipment (tools), but here's my 2 cents. are you certain that its not a problem of practice and technique. because to think of it, even if u get a 5D2 and have the wrong techniques (i.e. too much handshake), your picture may still turn out blur n not sharp. and if so, u alr have the 5D2, what are u going to go for the next time ur discontented?

of course, if u have the cash, why not. if not, mayb getting a good lens will make u see the diff n more impt make u feel happier. also imo, i dun think u'll see much of a diff upgrading from a 18-55 to 17-85.