New 400mm f5.6 lens
 

Yet to get a sharp shot out of this lens - think I might have bought a 'Lemon'. This is the nearest I have came to a half decent shot but it still looks mighty soft to me. what do you think and how is the best way to test the lens to see if it is duff.

What shutter speed and aperture are you using?

Stephen, This one was 1/500 at f8 (ISO 200) - thought i would try f8 as I have had no luck with the lens wide open.

Roy have you taken any with a tripod, that should rule out any camera shake.

As this shot shows 2 highlights in the eye I think there is a bit of shake. I always use a tripod these days.

Christine, Here is a shot I just took with a tripod - 1/320 at f8 (ISO200). Just a little shadows and highlight tweak plus a bit of smart sharpen. Focus point was on the red brickes.

It does look a little soft on the left and right of the roof apex but the brick don't look to bad the chimney may have a little shake. It is very hard to tell.

I have just blown it up to 300%, there does seem to be very slight shake or it could be the halo's from shapening.

Roy

This a 400 x 400 crop from frame. Only adjustment is to reduce the brightness a bit.

1/500 sec f8 ISO400 Canon 300mm IS f4 tripod.

Your lens should give as good if not a tad better than this.

Hi Rob, From what I have seen so far, my lens is light years away from anything this good. The 400mm f5.6 certainly does not seem anywhere near as sharp as my 70-200 f4 zoom - even when I add the 1.4x tc to the zoom it is still a lot sharper than the 400 prime.
Perhaps I am expecting to much from the lens. How do people hand hold this lens and get great flight shots?