Soft images Canon EOS60D

[Ols]

Hi all,

I've been using a Canon EOS 60D with a Sigma 120-400mm lens for just over 2 years now, but I've noticed that since mid last year, the photos have started to become really soft. I first noticed it at RIAT but it seems to become a regular thing. Could it be something I'm not quite understanding with the settings (this is my first DSLR camera) or could it be a sign that theres a problem with the camera/lens?

Thank you,
Ollie.

[Berf]

Post an unprocessed picture or two

[GeorgeP]

Post an unprocessed picture or two

… and the camera/lens settings with which the images were captured. Good idea to post an unprocessed acceptable image from last year and a recent one that you consider ‘soft’.

As a minimum:

Camera: Shutter speed, ISO, focus point (spot, centre with 4 helpers…), autofocus operation (single shot/AI Servo).

Lens: Aperture, image stabilisation (on/off), focus limiter (on/off).

With this info., we’ll have a fighting chance of helping you overcome the problem.

[Ols]

Thank you for the replies. Here are 2 images from the same sequence last Sunday at Duxford. The first image shows what is becoming a relatively regular occurrence across my photos, and the other shows what I consider perfectly acceptable. I must admit I thought I had many more softer images but I must've deleted most of them.

I should also make it clear that I shoot Jpeg. I understand that RAW is better, but if I'm honest I've only ever wanted to take a nice photo for my records, and how I have been shooting has been no problem at all. The problem is that as my images have started to become soft, I'm left with very few options for my nice record shots.

Both these images were shot using a Canon EOS 60D with a Sigma 120-400mm lens. The photo details are below:
400mm
Shutter speed 1/400
ISO 125
f/6.3




Thank you very much,
Ollie.

Edit:
I have added another photo. Details are below:
297mm
Shutter speed 1/400
ISO 100
f/6.3

[GeorgeP]

The out of focus pair of images look like the camera has missed focus, rather than it being blur due to camera shake.Happy to be corrected by someone who has a better eyes/more experience than I.

Do you find that the camera ‘hunts’ focus whilst you’re following your subject?

Thanks for providing the camera settings. Would you please let us know what focus settings you routinely use, as requested in my previous post. Ta.

[Berf]

I would agree with George - simply looks oof - the autofocus was not spot on this time - nothing unusual for fast moving objects! Be happy with the next frame that was right on the spot.

[Thoughtful_Flyer]

Currently I am unable to see the images- "Flickr won't connect"!

If you have Canon's own DPP software (free) it is able to show you which focus points were active but putting red squares on the image, much as you would have seen through the viewfinder.