getting tack sharp images

[patriciaann1]

I have a problem getting tack sharp images, could it be that I forget to turn of the IS, I use a tripod often, and still get a slight fuzziness.

I have tried different fstops and also iso's for different light situations, any suggestions as to further things I could do, and my favorite type of shooting is landscapes, waterscapes, eg water rushing over rocks and small waterfalls, I also love HDR with a passion and bracket all my shots, I am always trying long exposures and have recently bought a ND Fader filter.

[autofocus]

I believe when mounted on a tripod it's best to turn off IS. (others here might confirm this..I do very little with IS lenses on tripods) the obvious offenders for soft images are: lenses used, f/stops used, lens focal lengths (there are focal length sweet spots on zoom lenses and the widest and longest settings are often not the best) lack of sturdy tripods, camera shake, etc. Zooming in to 100% percent while editing will often show flaws that may not be very noticeable when printed..so what you're seeing may not hurt the enlargement terribly.
Question: does this happen with all your lenses?

[Tzetsin]

it would be best if you could provide a zoomed in to 100% example of what you call "fuzzy'

most landscape shots are going to be pretty low contrasty and hazy and this is normal. HDR and waterfalls wont be sharp, hdr because of the photo merge process and water just simply doesnt get sharp.

Another thing is are you shooting RAW? If you are shooting raw you need to know that all raw shots are going to be soft. this is because there is no processing on raw photos. .jpg files automatically have processing such as sharpening on them which will make them 'a little" sharper. So if your shooting raw you just have to add the sharpening in post. Usually the LAST thing you do in post however just keep that in mind.

Now there are other reasons why your images may be soft, but I'd need to see an example before I point fingers.

[arlon]

Originally Posted by Tzetsin

Now there are other reasons why your images may be soft, but I'd need to see an example before I point fingers.

What he said.. An example would help a lot.

[patriciaann1]

Originally Posted by Tzetsin

it would be best if you could provide a zoomed in to 100% example of what you call "fuzzy'

most landscape shots are going to be pretty low contrasty and hazy and this is normal. HDR and waterfalls wont be sharp, hdr because of the photo merge process and water just simply doesnt get sharp.

Another thing is are you shooting RAW? If you are shooting raw you need to know that all raw shots are going to be soft. this is because there is no processing on raw photos. .jpg files automatically have processing such as sharpening on them which will make them 'a little" sharper. So if your shooting raw you just have to add the sharpening in post. Usually the LAST thing you do in post however just keep that in mind.

Now there are other reasons why your images may be soft, but I'd need to see an example before I point fingers.

I have attached an exif and image hope it works

[autofocus]

couldn't quite make out your shutter speed..you also may be looking at wind movement..and are you picking the focus point and are you in One Shot mode? AI modes will allow you to take a shot before focus is locked in

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by autofocus

couldn't quite make out your shutter speed..you also may be looking at wind movement..and are you picking the focus point and are you in One Shot mode? AI modes will allow you to take a shot before focus is locked in

This, plus: Are you using a remote, or pressing the shutter yourself on the tripod-mounted camera? If you're pressing it, just the tiny movement can cause a slight blur.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

This, plus: Are you using a remote, or pressing the shutter yourself on the tripod-mounted camera? If you're pressing it, just the tiny movement can cause a slight blur.

+1 true. What camera are you using and does it have live view?
never mind..I see you have a 5D MkII

[inkista]

You are shooting wide open. Stop it down to at least f/5.6, but probably better around f/8 or f/11. Most lenses hit their "sweet spot" a stop or two down from wide open. This will also help you get a longer exposure, and increase your DoF so focusing won't be as critical.

Secondly, sharpening in post-processing is key.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by inkista

You are shooting wide open. Stop it down to at least f/5.6, but probably better around f/8 or f/11. Most lenses hit their "sweet spot" a stop or two down from wide open. This will also help you get a longer exposure, and increase your DoF so focusing won't be as critical.

Secondly, sharpening in post-processing is key.

Wide open? The EXIF shows f/8.