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4 votes
2 answers
830 views

Getting a completely sharp bird when it is up close

Context So I know that Depth of Field (DoF) is controlled by your f-stop (aperture opening) of the lens in question. Question Is it possible to get birds completely sharp when they are so close (8....
unsignedzero's user avatar
  • 2,063
4 votes
5 answers
3k views

Are Sigma DC 18-50 1:2.8 EX sharpness problems common with wide apertures?

I got this Sigma DC 18-50mm f/2.8 EX MACRO HSM lens few weeks ago, but I noticed considerable sharpness problems with wide apertures. Until f3.5 (or even f4.5) this lens can't really be used. I would ...
Robert Koritnik's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
238 views

How do I speed up button-to-picture for Canon XTi (400D)?

I'm trying to set up a fast image capture without using a strobe. The camera is connected to a shutter release device (pinewood derby timer) which triggers the camera when the first car passes the ...
Adam Davis's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
420 views

How can I get rid of shadows generated from light source behind object of interest?

I am work in research and I have a areascan basler camera and objective that I am using to track the deformation of an object under load. I have attached an example image shown below. I am looking ...
TheCodeNovice's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
768 views

How can I achieve well focussed and sharp images at long focal lengths?

Well I guess this is a question every newbie asks. I have a Canon 550D with the 18-135mm kit lens. I was out on a small trip in a nearby town to take some good snaps with my DSLR. I know the lens ...
sfactor's user avatar
  • 1,389
4 votes
2 answers
306 views

Are older macro lenses soft at long focus distances?

I have an old (20+ years old) Nikon mount Sigma 50mm f/2.8 macro lens with a 2X Tamron teleconverter that I use on my Canon body. When taking macro (1:1) or general close-up shots, the lens is very ...
Chinmay Kanchi's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
1k views

Why are test images from my Fujifilm X100F softer than I expect?

I just got a copy of the X100F, and I was really excited to play around with it. But as I've taken a handful of pictures in various settings, I've noticed that the sharpness of the images were not ...
pseudosig's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
567 views

what does RIH mean in an MTF chart

I've read some guides to interpreting an MTF chart, but I can't find any information about the meaning of RIH. My thought an MTF chart would show line/mm curves, so ...
Anthony's user avatar
  • 155
4 votes
5 answers
12k views

Why am I getting soft images with my Sigma 24-70 f2.8?

I recently purchased a Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 lens which I am using on a Canon 40D body. Around 8 of 10 shots were soft, regardless of subject matter. Exposure, white balance etc. all looks fine. I only ...
Geni's user avatar
  • 49
4 votes
1 answer
375 views

Do elements drift out of place with age in zoom lenses?

I have used a Nikon 18-200 for several years and probably have 30K or so photos taken with the lens. It appears that over time the lens is less consistent in the sharpness of the lens. I have heard ...
Weisheit's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
143 views

Does Stopping down affect the performance of the sensor's AA filter?

I noticed a while back that with a lens stopped right down (say f16-22), any dust on the sensor becomes much more noticeable and "focused", and wide open (say f1.4) it is practically invisible. This ...
Digital Lightcraft's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
8k views

How to improve image sharpness on Canon 700D?

I'm currently using a Canon 700D with a few EF-S lenses, I like the Canon system, the looks, feel and ergonomics but I'm not happy with the files I'm getting. Whenever I come across a photo that ...
user2720372's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

Why do my photos appear grainy when taken at the widest aperture?

I have a Nikon d5000 and just purchased a Tokina 11-16 lens. I was taking picture of a dog 1-2 meters away during winter at mid day today. Using the aperture priority setting, I set the camera to ISO ...
khon's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
4 answers
3k views

Why Isn't This Photograph Pin Sharp?

I Have Been Trying Out My New Canon EF 24-70mm and I'm pretty underwhelmed by its sharpness. Here is a RAW file shot from a solid tripod on an (almost) windless day using a remote. Obviously it isn'...
Undistraction's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
950 views

Should I shoot in RAW format to get lighter and sharper images?

Most of the time I have problem with the lightning of my images even after post processing with Adobe Photoshop. I searched the net and I found that people use the RAW format instead of jpg. Do I need ...
Emu's user avatar
  • 133
3 votes
3 answers
3k views

This doesn't seem very sharp...is this normal?

Body: T2i Lens: Kit, 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 I went to shoot a sunrise this morning at the beach and got some great pictures, but when I uploaded them to some light post-processing, I was slightly surprised ...
Jon's user avatar
  • 492
3 votes
2 answers
905 views

Why can I not shoot as sharp as I see on live preview?

I am trying to photograph a piece of jewelry. I have a Canon EO 90D camera with EFS 18-135 lens. I am using a lightbox and a tripod with plenty of light. I zoom to 106mm. I manual focus to get a super ...
George Ring's user avatar
3 votes
4 answers
5k views

Why my DSLR is not as sharp as my smart phone?

I recently bought a Nikon D5500 camera with two lenses: 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR and 50mm f/1.8G. When I compare the results with my advance smart phone (Samsung Galaxy Note 5), the sharpness is not ...
S.Serpooshan's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
262 views

How is the warm soft quality of photos like this created without impeding the sharpness?

I see photos of this style all the time and I simply can't work out how they create the warmth and softness without sacrificing the sharpness! Is it a filter in a image app, is it a filter? I just can'...
alexs's user avatar
  • 33
3 votes
2 answers
341 views

Is there a difference in sharpness between aperture stops?

Is there a notable difference in sharpness between aperture stops of a lens? If so, where can I find that information for my Canon 550d Kit lenses?
Adam Matan's user avatar
  • 1,147
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

Sony A6000 blurry in peripherals despite sharp center -- is this a mirrorless thing?

I used to have a mirrorless Sony Alpha A6000 camera. The problem I had with it was that, no matter how hard I tried to keep the center of my photos sharp, my photos always looked blurry in the ...
user541686's user avatar
3 votes
5 answers
814 views

Are images taken with newer DSLRs sharper than those taken with old ones?

When I compare images that I shoot with my 30D against images shot with a friend's 600D, the 600D consistently produces sharper images than my 30D. This is true even when the images are viewed at the ...
Chinmay Kanchi's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
569 views

Clearer - Sharper images reducing noise?

I would like to make my images 'sharper' / 'clearer' with more detail and color and was wondering if this if more of a Equipment issue or rather more of processing the images with different techniques?...
Nate-Wilkins's user avatar
3 votes
4 answers
2k views

Can different metering modes affect sharpness for a m42 prime lens?

Recently, I got some old m42 prime lens from Ebay and started playing with them with my Canon T3i/600d. However, it's difficult to get sharp pictures with these manual focus lens as there is no AF (...
Nitin Kumar's user avatar
  • 1,226
3 votes
3 answers
266 views

Which is sharper, theoretically - small image at 100% or large image re-sized in Photoshop?

I take macro shots of watches and post them on the web (not intended for printing), typically 640x480px. I've been composing those shots in the 1504x1000px frame so that it shows the required size on-...
bloggs's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
3 answers
1k views

Why is only part of this image blurry?

I took this picture using a Canon 60D with a Tamron 28 – 300mm lens at f/16 and 2 minute exposure time using a tripod. I am wondering why the lights are not sharp on the right side, and what should ...
Ram's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
3 answers
3k views

What would be a good indoor setup to find a lens's sharpest aperture?

I read the whole of How do you find out the "sweet spot" of a lens? — great question and answer, but it didn't discuss a potential homemade rig for finding the sharpness aperture of my ...
Rob's user avatar
  • 2,621
3 votes
2 answers
9k views

What lens should I buy to get sharp pictures from my D7000?

I have just changed my D200 for a D7000 with the kit 18-105 lens. However, the quality of the pictures is not comparable with those of my D200: not as sharp, not as much definition and overall a ...
Richard's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
1 answer
257 views

Need some help with astro photography

I'm just getting into photography and I'm interested in landscape, astro and macro photography. Because of the comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE), I tried to make some pictures during the night, but I think ...
Valbrand's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
199 views

How to proper focus for sharper images?

For shooting landscape photos, what is better using manual focus or automatic focus? I seen a lot of people who focus with automatic focus then switch to manual focus, is this so the focus doesn't ...
user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
654 views

Will upgrading from P900 to Nikon D500 and a 200-400 lens make my bird photographs sharper?

I am using a Nikon P900 and although I love the camera the image quality is not always as sharp as it could be. Also it is just 3 years old and is falling to bits although i do use it daily. As most ...
Stephen Brown's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
650 views

How does one evaluate the sharpness of a fisheye lens throughout its field of view?

While I have been analyzing sharpness and other optical properties of rectilinear lenses for a while, I have received a fisheye lens covering 180° and am having trouble producing an adequate test. ...
Itai's user avatar
  • 103k
3 votes
3 answers
3k views

How can I "unblur" these pics of the Northern Lights?

A total NOOB to photography here. I was in Tromsø, Norway this weekend and was lucky enough to capture some pictures of the lights. Now, when I say I'm a noob, I actually mean that I know very, VERY ...
Aditee's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
1 answer
162 views

Why is the sharpness of a lens often determined by aperture?

Related to: How do you find out the "sweet spot" of a lens? I am wondering why most lenses resolve finer detail when stopped down a bit. Further, after the "sweet spot", after stopping ...
Alex's user avatar
  • 703
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

What can I do to improve the sharpness from my Canon 60D for stock photography?

I recently started getting into stock photography and submitted some images to Shutterstock. I was rejected for various issues like noise and focus. I was surprised at how high their standards were ...
TigerFire14's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
4k views

How do the Pentax 18-55mm and 18-135mm compare in image quality?

I've been reading a lot about the Pentax DA 18-135mm lens and its performance compared to other lenses. I've heard that this lens is very soft at 135mm regardless of aperture. However, I've also ...
bwDraco's user avatar
  • 5,946
3 votes
2 answers
92 views

What is the optimal pixel count on a cropped sensor for Canon 100mm macro USM lens?

While choosing used camera to buy, I was checking some combinations of camera bodies with Canon 100mm macro USM lens at DXOMARK and noticed that sharpness (in perceived megapixels) looks very strange. ...
Nick L's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
3 answers
669 views

Help with Scientific Cannabis photography [duplicate]

I work in a marijuana testing lab in Washington. Part of our workflow is to capture an image of each sample as it is weighed, for later reference/analysis. We're pretty excited to be creating high ...
Ethan BB's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
1k views

Lightroom Exporting for web optimum settings

When exporting a batch of photos in LR you get a variety of options. For photos that are going to be eventually printed I would think that the highest resolution and 300ppi would be a good starting ...
Taylor Huston's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
421 views

How to calculate MTF ? Need help with the formula

I'm trying to reproduce MTF chart programmatically but I'm stuck at some point. I'm starting with a clean bar chart like this: I then take a picture of this pattern with a smartphone (printed on HD ...
Laurent's user avatar
  • 151
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

How does the resize option 'bicubic auto' in CS6 incrementally upscale images?

It's been demonstrated that upscaling incrementally improves image quality, Empirical Study: Extreme digital upscaling, and that thread also shows that choosing 105% increments versus 110% increments ...
DavyCrockett's user avatar
2 votes
4 answers
4k views

What is considered "sharp enough" w.r.t the landscape pictures from a DSLR with F16?

This image was shot with a Canon 5D (the older one) with a EF24-105mm f/4L lens. The lens was set at 45mm at f/11, and the shutter speed was 1/90 of a second which was +0.5 from the meter at ISO 200....
Aquarius_Girl's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
7k views

Does long exposure mean more details in landscape photos? If not, then how to take sharp landscape photos?

If I take a nature landscape photo using long exposure (tripod+shutter release), would that help me get more details in my photos? Example: (I don't have the high res version handy right now, sorry ...
Sudarshan Kadam's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
1k views

Why do images sometimes look "softer" at higher focal lengths (like 300-500mm)?

I get that it has to do with the lens, but what exactly is causing this?
Tindra's user avatar
  • 812
2 votes
2 answers
330 views

Why doesn't pixel peeping with magnified Live View give the sharpest possible image?

I've seen this comment (most recently in this question), or similar, in several answers here on photo.SE: "Pixel peeped images aren't likely to look sharp". Why is that? It would seem to me that if ...
Paul Cezanne's user avatar
  • 6,468
2 votes
4 answers
454 views

How do sharpening tools work?

I'll be brief: How do digital photo sharpening tools restore edges to photos? Why do they only sometimes work? Why don't they restore the image perfectly i.e what are the limits of the tools?
James's user avatar
  • 2,744
2 votes
6 answers
38k views

Blurry pictures when zooming in

I have a 3 month old Nikon D5100. The closer I zoom in, the blurrier the picture. This is on auto. I have two lenses and they are both doing this. Any ideas why?
Brenda's user avatar
  • 29
2 votes
6 answers
2k views

Why are images from FujiFilm X-T20 darker than those from Canon 400D?

I’ve just bought a mirrorless FujiFilm X-T20. In my first tests, it seem to ask for quite high ISO even in daytime indoor. So, as a test, I compared it with my previous camera, digital reflex Canon ...
Radioleao's user avatar
  • 133
2 votes
3 answers
905 views

Which camera/lens combination achieves the highest possible image quality for macro?

Doing lots and lots of research I have a hard time time finding the ultimate answer to this question. I would like to shoot macro and products and aim for maximum sharpness and reproduction. Maximum ...
Henrik Söderlund's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
786 views

Slow shutter speed and image sharpness

I'm new to photography, I hope I won't misuse any terms here. Let say I shoot a still subject like a product on a tripod with controlled lighting. Let say I have little light and so I use a slow ...
Francois's user avatar
  • 123