still can't get perfectly sharp shots

**Digitalis** · 10-25-2010, 08:02 AM

Originally posted by Parallax

I had a Voigtlander 58mm f1.4. I traded it for just that reason. Incredibly sharp lens, when I happened to stumble on proper focus. Not the lens's fault.

I have been using the stock screen in the pentax K10D and K7 without significant hindrance from visual DOF discrepancy between the VF and the final image, there is a real knack to focusing f/1.2 lenses and I seem to have mastered it. It's one of those things that is very annoying but once you learn how to manage it because of the effort involved, it makes taking pictures just that much more satisfying.

If photography was easy I doubt I would have any interest in it at all...I like a challenge.

paperbag846 · 10-25-2010, 09:46 AM

Things to try:

1) Change AF mode to center spot, so that the camera will always focus on what is in the center. This will help you get control of AF... as it can sometimes select funny things to focus on (like a dog's foot).

2a) Instead of TV mode, use AV. I have a feeling that you are using TV mode and then bumping your shutter speed to a point where the camera has to shoot wide open. On the kit lens, this tends to look soft.

2b) Your shutter speed should be 1/focal length. Therefore if you are shooting at 35mm, your shutter speed will need to be at LEAST 1/35 to get it sharp. Often, it will be faster (i.e., 1/50 or 1/60). Don't let your shutter speed go below this number.

2c) In AV mode, shoot between f 5.6 and 8.0 (to start). Smaller apertures are what gives you a nice sharp image. The general rule I live by is whatever the maximum aperture is, shoot 2 steps smaller (larger number). Therefore with the kit lens, at 18mm I shoot at at least 5.6, and at 55mm I shoot at f8. Better lenses have faster apertures and allow you to get a sharp picture at f 4 or f2.8 (or faster if you are a focusing king

) Next, bump the iso until you can see that the shutter speed is 1/focal length.

3) Avoid over exposure (w.r.t. the ducks), otherwise that shot looks very sharp. Turn on the histogram for pictures... so when you take a picture, a graph shows up on top of it on the LCD. If this graph touches the right, some part of your picture is over exposed, and will have no detail at all.

Jasvox · 10-25-2010, 10:06 AM

K-7 shots of my black and white doggies...I agree, AF and exposure can be tricky when shooting the black one.

Jason

Lucy

Phoebe

rawr · 10-25-2010, 11:01 AM

I'll also chime in with my 2c worth and ask: are you using a UV or 'protection' filter on your lenses? If yes, ditch the filter, use a lens hood to protect your lens.

Poor quality UV filters (Tiffen in particular) have been to blame for so many focus and 'softness' issues in this forum it's not funny.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Nature Sharp enough?	christophleipzig	Photo Critique	5	10-16-2010 01:40 AM
How to get sharp moon shots?	sjwoo	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	33	04-20-2010 12:18 AM
Sharp enough?	bsierens	Photo Critique	12	11-07-2008 04:53 AM
So - what actually is sharp?	ukbluetooth	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	55	04-03-2008 04:41 PM
Sharp garden shots	Adam	Post Your Photos!	13	04-07-2007 11:30 AM

10-25-2010, 08:02 AM	#16
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by Parallax I had a Voigtlander 58mm f1.4. I traded it for just that reason. Incredibly sharp lens, when I happened to stumble on proper focus. Not the lens's fault. I have been using the stock screen in the pentax K10D and K7 without significant hindrance from visual DOF discrepancy between the VF and the final image, there is a real knack to focusing f/1.2 lenses and I seem to have mastered it. It's one of those things that is very annoying but once you learn how to manage it because of the effort involved, it makes taking pictures just that much more satisfying. If photography was easy I doubt I would have any interest in it at all...I like a challenge.

10-25-2010, 09:46 AM	#17
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	Things to try: 1) Change AF mode to center spot, so that the camera will always focus on what is in the center. This will help you get control of AF... as it can sometimes select funny things to focus on (like a dog's foot). 2a) Instead of TV mode, use AV. I have a feeling that you are using TV mode and then bumping your shutter speed to a point where the camera has to shoot wide open. On the kit lens, this tends to look soft. 2b) Your shutter speed should be 1/focal length. Therefore if you are shooting at 35mm, your shutter speed will need to be at LEAST 1/35 to get it sharp. Often, it will be faster (i.e., 1/50 or 1/60). Don't let your shutter speed go below this number. 2c) In AV mode, shoot between f 5.6 and 8.0 (to start). Smaller apertures are what gives you a nice sharp image. The general rule I live by is whatever the maximum aperture is, shoot 2 steps smaller (larger number). Therefore with the kit lens, at 18mm I shoot at at least 5.6, and at 55mm I shoot at f8. Better lenses have faster apertures and allow you to get a sharp picture at f 4 or f2.8 (or faster if you are a focusing king ) Next, bump the iso until you can see that the shutter speed is 1/focal length. 3) Avoid over exposure (w.r.t. the ducks), otherwise that shot looks very sharp. Turn on the histogram for pictures... so when you take a picture, a graph shows up on top of it on the LCD. If this graph touches the right, some part of your picture is over exposed, and will have no detail at all.

10-25-2010, 10:06 AM	#18
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	K-7 shots of my black and white doggies...I agree, AF and exposure can be tricky when shooting the black one. Jason Lucy Phoebe

10-25-2010, 11:01 AM	#19
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	I'll also chime in with my 2c worth and ask: are you using a UV or 'protection' filter on your lenses? If yes, ditch the filter, use a lens hood to protect your lens. Poor quality UV filters (Tiffen in particular) have been to blame for so many focus and 'softness' issues in this forum it's not funny.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search