Black Magic

[Geedoed]

What could I have done to make this picture "tack" sharp?

Exif
Canon 60D
f/5.6
1/250
ISO-400
AP mode
200mm using an EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom lens

[PhotographyN]

hard to judge the sharpness because the focuspoint is to black/dark to see real detail.
Depending on how steady your hand is, or if you are using a monopod, I would increase shutterspeed. 1/250 should theoratically be ok for 200mm, but it really depends on how steady you are and if you can get a little extra support by resting your arms on something etc.

If you have a camera that operates alright with higher iso, just go for the higher ISO. You are better of with a sharp shot at higher iso than with a not-so-sharp shot at ISO 100

[Geedoed]

Thanks for the feedback PhotographyN.

Originally Posted by PhotographyN

hard to judge the sharpness because the focuspoint is to black/dark to see real detail.
Depending on how steady your hand is, or if you are using a monopod, I would increase shutterspeed. 1/250 should theoratically be ok for 200mm, but it really depends on how steady you are and if you can get a little extra support by resting your arms on something etc.

If you have a camera that operates alright with higher iso, just go for the higher ISO. You are better of with a sharp shot at higher iso than with a not-so-sharp shot at ISO 100

[Krusty79]

Most lenses are sharpest around f/8. You're pretty close to that already, though. You image looks pretty sharp to me, but it is hard to see with a black cat. You could also:

1. Use a good tripod
2. That will allow you to shoot at ISO 100 and
3. Use a remote shutter release
4. Use the mirror lockup feature of your camera.
5. Take any cheap UV filter off your lens (if applicable)
6. Use manual focus if you don't trust your autofocus and/or check your autofocus mode

[Geedoed]

Thanks Krusty, I think you are right, it is pretty sharp, just hard to see with a black cat.
I should try to use a tripod/monopod more, I am sure it would help a little.
Gary

Originally Posted by Krusty79

Most lenses are sharpest around f/8. You're pretty close to that already, though. You image looks pretty sharp to me, but it is hard to see with a black cat. You could also:

1. Use a good tripod
2. That will allow you to shoot at ISO 100 and
3. Use a remote shutter release
4. Use the mirror lockup feature of your camera.
5. Take any cheap UV filter off your lens (if applicable)
6. Use manual focus if you don't trust your autofocus and/or check your autofocus mode