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Picture sharpness on Canon M6 ii with Tamron 100-400mm

Started 6 months ago | Discussions thread
Polisky
OP Polisky New Member • Posts: 15
Re: Picture sharpness on Canon M6 ii with Tamron 100-400mm

Thanks both!

R2D2 wrote:

I have to thank you for posting samples and EXIF!

I wouldn't even have considered removing it, seems much easier for other users to troubleshoot when it is included!

There are a ton of different factors that can have an effect on sharpness. I agree with the others that some careful testing can help to eliminate many of them. If you suspect your lens, then test it under controlled conditions for both ultimate sharpness and autofocus accuracy. Do you have a filter on your lens? Best to remove it unless there’s a specific hazard.

Nope, no filter.

I use Spot AF exclusively on the M6ii (Servo AF with the back button). Unlike the other poster, I do keep Continuous AF disabled, as I like to lock focus at various times. I also like to pre-focus at about the distance that I anticipate my subjects to appear at. This really helps with initial AF acquisition speed.

BTW, BIFs with the smaller birds can be nearly impossible even when using the latest techno-wizardry out there (believe me, I know! ). You might get a couple of clear frames if the bird stays within the depth of field (and it’s far enough away). Otherwise, just keep trying!

Holler back with your lens testing results. Best of luck!

R2

So I've tried doing some testing on the sharpness of the lens, using manual focus on a few textured objects. In each case I was trying to focus on the eye of the dodo.

From the last picture, with the subjects close up, I think the picture looks quite sharp. For the first two pictures, I am somewhat less impressed and can now better understand how small birds might not resolve particularly well when even further away. Comparing the two aperture openings, the f/14 picture looks even softer so stopping down likely won't help me in the field.

What do you guys think, is this kind of performance to be expected with this combo?

Subjects around 11m away, wide open.

Same distance,  smaller aperture size.

Subjects around 2m away, wide open.

 Polisky's gear list:Polisky's gear list
Canon EOS M6 II Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3
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