Super wide images fuzzy

[augiecrazy8]

So I recently tested and bought a signal 14mm because I wanted a super wide lens for my cropped sensor. It has always provided tack sharp images. But recently ive taken it out at basketball games to get a shot of the opening tip that captures the entire gym. In manual focus, I've setup the camera to grab multiple frames continuously. In the viewfinder everything looks super crisp. Once I take the shots, they come out fuzzy, literally everything down to the banners hanging from the ceiling. The shutter speed is at least 250, again I'm using manual focus, and I can't figure out what's going on. The focus is set on infninity to capture the whole scene, so I wouldnt think it a small aperture, generally 2or .8 because I need the light in the dark gums, would be setting up a shallow depth of field issue. Even more strange, one image from a sequence would be sharper than another. Has anyone ever had a similar problem with wide lenses?

The glass is clean, and it takes very sharp images when I'm closer to the subject. I even sifted through the EXIF data for all the shots. Just looking to see if anyone else can help me find something I'm missing.

Thanks

[CheaperKings]

Could you post an example? Sounds like a MF prob, however, could be something else.

[Biomech]

Is it fuzzy all over, or just around the edges?

[Aboiement]

2 things come to mind.... Focus and aperture. Those need to be addressed first before you can rule out a lens.

[inkista]

BTW, most lenses are at their softest wide open.

And if your'e looking at a proportionately smaller portion of the screen, then you're magnifying more to judge sharpness. Almost no lens stands up to that kind of scrutiny. Judge sharpness by the overall image at the size you plan to print it at. Not by blowing it up to 300% or something ridiculous like that.

[paulkaranik]

maybe you should try and use a narrow aperture, a still camera, and a slower shutter speed. Sometimes in low light the AF can still focus on a subject. i like using narrow apertures in lit photography because you can really get the 'star' effect on the lights.