Newbei bought a 35mm without VR

[RichardsTPF]

Tripod. Looks like f11 is the best, but not sharp enough.

 

[RichardsTPF]

I don't think it it the DOF or back/front focus issue. f8 and f11 give deep enough DOF to ignore the 0.17" difference.

 

[MTVision]

Not sure what it is...

Slow shutter speed could cause blur - but that shouldn't be a problem on a tripod.

Have you taken any other pictures with this lens?

 

[RichardsTPF]

The chemical plant night pics posted in another thread were taken with this 35mm len.

 

[RichardsTPF]

The blur image from this len is no much better than my 18-200mm.
#1 35mm f11, 1/1.6s, iso800

[/URL] DSC_0057 by RichardsFlik, on Flickr[/IMG]

#2 18-200mm@35mm, 1/2s, iso800

[/URL] DSC_0058 by RichardsFlik, on Flickr[/IMG]

If it was DOF issue, f8 and f11 shouldn't have any problem.
It could be the len fault.

 

[MTVision]

Well I doubt both your lens are messed up. But then again, I dunno. I think your shutter speed is a little too slow.

 

[Josh66]

Something is not right... Those look much worse than I expected...

How stable is your tripod?

A couple of them look like they might have camera shake (#1 in post #96 - just a couple above this post).


Just to eliminate all of the variables, use a remote (or timer), use mirror lock-up (custom function - check your manual), and if you're tripod isn't very stable, try something else (sandbags?) - or maybe hang a weight from the tripod to dampen any vibrations. Try not to move at all (even if you're not touching the camera - vibrations through the floor or whatever...) while it's taking the picture.

Make sure both the front & rear elements of your lenses are clean (it would have to be VERY dirty to have an effect like this, but check anyway).

Lastly, you haven't been touching the sensor or cleaning it improperly, have you?

Put your camera into it's cleaning mode (check your manual) - this will raise the mirror and open the shutter - DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DO THIS BY JUST PUTTING IT INTO BULB MODE. With lens & body cap removed, in cleaning mode, look at the sensor (a flashlight might come in handy). It'll most likely have a little dust on it - that is normal, and won't effect picture quality much, if at all. You're looking for a film or haze - like a smeared fingerprint or something.


If you check all of that, and everything is normal - go to a camera shop (bring your camera) and ask to test out a new lens you've had your eye on ( ). If that lens produces sharp pictures, I think it's safe to say that you have 2 bad lenses...

 

[RichardsTPF]

I just bought this camera and the 18-200mm a month ago. Never touch the sensor. I set camera into it's cleaning mode, remove the len and look at the sensor with a flash light.

The sensor is very clean. No dust on the rear elements of your lenses , and the front are also clean.
Could be my tripod. With camera mount on the tripod, shaking the camera, I can see the camera slightly move with the tripod head.

 

[Josh66]

Try weighing down the tripod and see if you notice any improvement. You might also be able to rig up something more secure than the tripod (sand bag\bag of potting soil, on a desk/shelf in some position that it can't move w/ the timer, whatever else sounds good...).

Really though, you should be able to gt acceptably sharp photos outside in the daylight without having to do all this testing... I would seriously try to test another lens (and if possible, another copy of the lenses you already have)...

 

[RichardsTPF]

Those are the only two lens I have.
Can I bring my camera to bestbuy and ask for couple test shoot with their lens there?

 

[Josh66]

Maybe. I wouldn't think they would have an issue with letting you mount one of the display models... (You might have to wipe it down with your shirt or something first though - wear a cotton t-shirt.)

If BestBuy falls though, look for a Ritz Camera or something. They shouldn't have any issues with testing a lens out.

 

[RichardsTPF]

OK. there is a Wolf Camera & Image close to my home in Houston. But I won't go home until this weekend.
I feel bad to testing their lens without buying anything. haha, I have a thin skin.

 

[Josh66]

Well, you could just buy something cheap, like a cleaning kit or something.

 

[Overread36]

*thread re-opened*

For now all comments relating to the argument that started have been removed from this thread and the thread is now re-open to continue aiding the OP with their situation. It is not open for a repeat of the same behaviour from before.

I would also like to remind members that, when giving advice, try to remain respectful and also explain your point clearly so that others can understand the reasoning.

 

[Josh66]

Thank you for reopening the thread, and also for cleaning it up.

Hopefully we can get to the bottom of the OP's issue...