Can't get sharp shot with EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II

[jgro002]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to get some advice on why I cannot get any sharp shots with the above lens.

I have tried everything i can think of to improve my chances including spending a lot of time trying to improve my technique while using it handheld, using it with a tripod, using it with the IS, increasing the ISO to make sure i can get fast shutter speeds etc. I have also had the lens calibrated by Canon. No matter what I try i just can't get critically sharp shots. If I compare the shots I get with this lens to my 100mm macro lens the difference is night and day. Photos with the 100-400 lens just look fuzzy.

Just FYI I have tried using the lens with both a 6D body and an 80D body. 

When I booked the lens in for calibration with Canon I asked for them to check if they believed the lens was actually functioning correctly or not but noone ever got back to me on this, the customer service was absolutely terrible but since I've already gone down that route I can't really get any advice from a Canon tech on whetehr or not this lens is as sharp as it should be.

Below is an example of an unedited, uncropped shot that feels so close to being good but just not quite there. Settings used were f7.1, iso 1000, shutter 1/1600, handheld at 400mm, manual focus, taken with the 80D.

I'm feeling like there's no point going out to take photos now because I am getting zero keepers, so any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Jeremy

[ebiggs1]

"If I was to use the centre autofocus point as you suggested, does that mean focusing and then recomposing? Wouldn't that throw the focus off slighty (eg if you were trying to get a bird's eye completely sharp for instance)?"

The camera will hold foucs as long as you half press the shutter button.  Use the center focus point and recompose as necessary.  I don't know what tips you are referring to but in this instance One shot and center focus point (only) is best. Hand holding requires practice so keep doing it.  ISO in the 400 to 1600 should be fine.

Your blue heron looks fantastic so we know your gear is OK.  Keep doing that.

[jgro002]

Thanks again for your help Waddizzle and ebiggs1.

I guess I really just didn't appreciate just how hard it is to handhold the lens. I'll just have to keep practicing. I may also have to get used to just setting up on a tripod and waiting for the wildlife to come to me.

Thought I'd share one more photo from today to show the progress.

Cheers,

Jeremy

[ebiggs1]

NIce