Getting sharper images

[antnee]

I have been trying to get to grips better with my camera over the past few weeks and I have noticing that a lot of my images aren't particularly sharp.

Here are 2 examples

These were taken with a Canon 500d with the kit lens and on a tripod so I think the equipment is up to the job.
Settings for both of those pictures are F5.6, ISO200 and a 10sec, is my aperture setting too low for this type of picture? What else can I do?

 

[Ben]

Shoot with a larger aperture to get more detail.

 

[Jack-C]

Buy a Nikon?

^ yep do what Ben said and you should see a difference.

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Auto or manual focus ?
A 10second what.....?
Are you using a tripod ?

 

[Mr Burns]

Assume he means 10 second shutter on a tripod.

Agreed that using something like an f8 aperture should sort it, but also... Are you using a cable or remote shutter, or pressing the button on the body of the camera?

 

[Jack-C]

Also just a thought does your lens have image stabilization? Do you turn it off when you use your tripod? I'm being honest I'm not too clued up with the canon system but I know with Nikon this should be turned off when your using a tripod.

 

[Ay Ay Ron]

Image stabilisation off.
Try turning on mirror lock to reduce any more movement (although it won't make much of a difference)

How sturdy is your tripod? If it's a £10 special then it will be useless in anything more than a fart of wind.

Shoot f8+ and I'd look through live view and manual focus (zoom in on the LCD screen to see more detail)

 

[antnee]

I think on those shots I used manual focus. The tripod I am using isn't an expensive one but it seems sturdy enough. I haven't got a remote release so have been using the 2sec timer so pressing the button doesn't introduce any vibrations. I think IS maybe on (never changed it) so I will give that a go along with the aperture changes.

 

[C.J]

Try focusing using the screen (rather than the OVF - takes longer, but more accurate for tripod/non moving shots). Switch off IS/OS.

Back in 2010 I used the 500d with kit lens for ~18months, and the images were fine. Are your daytime/better light shots better?

Spoiler: Some of my 500d + kit lens photos