tamrom 28-200 xr

[nixworries]

i have just got a tamron 28-200, the photo's from it seem too soft compared to the 18-55 kit lens and it seem to like focusing to the side . i have it on a 550d body. any ideas?

[andylo]

1) Usually the bigger the zoom range, the softer the pics turns out. (i.e. 18-55 is sharper than 28-200... and MAYBE your 28-200 might be sharper than the Tammy 18-270 - BUT I have not comparison figure for that)

2) That being say, prime lens usually the sharpest.

3) And I don't think 28-200xr is considered as a sharp zoom lens anyway.

4) If you only bought it just brand new from a shop in Australia, return it, get a new copy and try again - WITH your camera

5) In case #4 and the shop refuse to help, name and shame :D And then contact your Tammy service center to get it re-adjust

6) If you have bought it brand new from ebay shop of something, contact them for a exchange - but I don't like your chance.

7) If bought it second hand, refer to #6... but I really don't like your chance.

[andylo]

One more think, if you find the pics are soft at the long end - try a tripod.

[nixworries]

i added some sharpening, but at the long end there is a lot of abberation and its soft. i will persevere maybe operator error :)
I THINK IT MORE LIGHT AND SHUTTER SPEED WHERE I AM GOING WRONG

[Old Skool]

EXIF shows 1/60 sec at 200mm. Way too slow. Up your ISO until you get shutter speed at least 1/200 for that lens length - better still with shutter faster than 1/500 to ensure best chance at sharp photos for that length lens.