Getting use to my 17-55

[chrisvl]

Just got my gear last week and been trying to see how it works.
I'm struggling with the 17-55. Sometimes sharp, sometimes soft, sometimes grainy.
Have a look at these 2 photos. Both shot in RAW.
1. This is sharp as the candles are the main focus.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/144/415572870_116c5df64c.jpg

2. This is one is grainy. Not quite as visible with the size of the photo.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/130/415572828_029826b97b.jpg

[ghosh]

Did you check the ISO setting? I dont think lens can cause pixel, may be you should check with the camera.

[chrisvl]

ISO is 400 for both.

[SWPhotoImaging]

What was the exif data for the grainy shot?
Was it underexposed? That can cause grain when post processing.

[chrisvl]

It is Underexposed. hmm?

File name
IMG_2470.CR2
Camera Model Name
Canon EOS 30D
Shooting Date/Time
3/9/2007 08:51:26
Tv(Shutter Speed)
1/125Sec.
Av(Aperture Value)
F5.6
Metering Modes
Evaluative metering
Exposure Compensation
0
ISO Speed
400
Lens
EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Focal Length
55.0 mm
Image size
3504 x 2336
Image Quality
RAW
Flash
Off
White Balance
Auto
AF mode
One-Shot AF
Picture Style
Standard
Parameters
Tone Curve : Standard
Sharpness level : -
Pattern Sharpness : -
Contrast : 0
Sharpness : 3
Color saturation : 0
Color tone : 0
Color matrix
-
Color Space
sRGB
File Size
6667 KB
Drive Mode
Low-speed continuous shooting
Owner's Name
unknown
Camera Body No.
1320908537

[ghosh]

Wow, you have given all possible details that one could ask for but my dear friend you dint reply to the question. Was it under exposed?

[chrisvl]

Lost in all that was the first line that said it was underexposed.