RF800mm F11 IS STM Images do not seem sharp...ringing around image

[dcomora]

I am new to Canon products and recently purchased an R5 with the the RF 800 fixed f11 lens.  I have been shooting birds over the past few months.   I have been comparing my shots to those I see posted on line and it seems I am not able to get the sharp focus that I see others getting.  I am using the animal eye focus setting, I am shooting at  shutter speeds of  between 1000 and 2000, my ISO is usually never above 2000.   I have the image stabilization engaged and I most recently used a tripod.   When I zoom into my images, I see a little "ringing" around the outside of the birds and birds eyes.   Someone said I should use Topaz AI sharpen to get sharper images, but I am thinking that should not be necessary.  Is it possible that the lens is out of calibration or am I still doing something wrong?  I also have an R 25 - 105 lens and photos are super sharp. Any advice would be appreciated. 

[rs-eos]

On a tripod, first try focusing on some non-moving object (ensure it has high detail in it) that would be around the same distance as the birds.   Are you able to capture sharp photos?

Also, what focusing mode are you using when capturing the birds?

[kvbarkley]

Are you shooting RAW?

What you describe sounds like jpeg artifacts.

Can you supply a sample?

[dcomora]

I had to crop the photo to get it upder 5MB, but as you blow up the photo, the detail on the feathers, etc... just seems unclear and there is slight ringing around beak...this is probably the sharpest photo i have been able to get.  This is a jpeg, but the CR3 file is the same.  

Dimensions 8182 x 5464, size 11.1 MB (full photo with out crop), Canon EOS R5, f11, exposure 1/1250 sec. ISO 2000.   

Thanks for any thoughts!!!

David

[kvbarkley]

How far away are you?

[dcomora]

Hi, Thanks for your input.  I am using the Animal Eye focus, which I have set up for back focus on the AF-ON button.  I also have spot focus on the "*" button which I use if I can't get the animal eye focus to catch or if it is stuck on the wrong subject.  Here is shot taken on a tripod of a very stil Jackalope. the specs are 8192 x 5464 (before crop).. size is 7.63MB, F11, exposure time 1/1250, iso 1250 also,  Used the animal eye focus.   In a post below I took same shot with R 24 to 105 lens and detail is great.  

[kvbarkley]

It could be heat shimmer.

https://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/lenses/800mm.htm

Personally, I would not use eye detect. It really doesn't matter when you are 100 yards away!

[dcomora]

For comparisson, I just shot the same subject using my R24-105 lens at same settings at 105mm... just moved closer.  Seems to show a lot more detail and better focus. 

[dcomora]

I have tried manual focus, but I still dont seem to get very sharp detail. 

[Waddizzle]

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@dcomora wrote:

Hi, Thanks for your input.  I am using the Animal Eye focus, which I have set up for back focus on the AF-ON button.  I also have spot focus on the "*" button which I use if I can't get the animal eye focus to catch or if it is stuck on the wrong subject.  Here is shot taken on a tripod of a very stil Jackalope. the specs are 8192 x 5464 (before crop).. size is 7.63MB, F11, exposure time 1/1250, iso 1250 also,  Used the animal eye focus. 

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I don't think Animal Eye AF works with Spot AF.  I think you need to be in one of the Zone AF modes.