In our first article on shooting sharp images, we discussed how using a tripod and cable release can aid immensely in achieving the sharp images we want (Click here to read the article).

Another trick that many pros use is to shoot at your lens’ sharpest aperture whenever possible.  In general, most lenses have a sweet spot about two full stops smaller than wide open.  For example, if you had an f/2.8 lens, the sharpest apertures for that lens would be f/5.6 and f/8.  However, that is just a generalization and may not necessarily hold true for all lenses.  If yours seems to be the exception, use a little experimentation to find the sweet spot for your particular lens and try to shoot at that aperture, whenever possible, to increase the sharpness of your pictures.

Click on any image to get a closer inspection.

Secondly, buying a good lens makes a huge difference in sharpness.  However, good glass is never cheap.  A quality lens is an investment.  It will give you crystal clear photos that inexpensive lenses just can’t deliver.

Finally, when you’re shooting on a tripod in dim or low light, don’t increase your ISO.  Keep it at the lowest setting your camera allows.  Raising the ISO adds noise to your photo and unless that’s the look you’re going for, you’ll want to avoid it.  There are some situations that you will have no choice but to raise your ISO, such as shooting a wedding in a dimly lit church (lots of action so a situation where hand-held is necessary), but when you have the opportunity to use a tripod, avoid high ISO’s.

Don’t forget, you can see our whole collection of fine art prints in the D-Roc Photography and Design store.