Best tips for achieving sharp shot

[DreDaze]

so i picked up a sigma 10-20 last week in order to get some landscape shots...i've had my 40D since feb. but haven't taken too many landscapes...i want to know of any tips to get sharp shots:

from what i've found so far the best idea is to use f/16-22, use a tripod, remote release maybe?

as far as for focusing, this is where i'm a little off i think, do you typically manual focus, at some pre-determined spot(hyperfocal spot?)...i've seen posts that mention focusing a third of the way into the scene...is that the best idea?

also how sharp should i excpect landscapes to be on 100% crops...or should i just not even bother looking at them?

thanks in advance

[eddarr]

Beyond f/16 you will start to get defraction on a crop sensor. You will have as much depth of field as you can at f/16. The tripod, mirror lock up and cable release all will help. Also remember to add weight to your tripod on the hook at the bottom of the center leg.

Hyperfocus works well. You can also decide what is most important to you. Focus closer if the first 30' is more important to you.

Don't worry about 100% crops. You should only worry about how it appears when printed.

[JCH77Yanks]

^^^Very good advice... Viewing at 100% will drive you nuts if you let it. Manual focus is key - use the DOF preview button if you want to judge the focus at stop-down aperature. Just give your eyes a moment to adjust to the dimness of the viewfinder.

[Rankinia]

Out of curiousity. People say f11-f16 before diffraction occurs on crop, how bout full frame?

Also if you want sharp, Tripod and mirror lock up. Mirror lock up made a world of difference to me.

Adam

[wallybud]

hang that bag under the tripod baby! ^^^

I know my 24-70 starts with diffraction at and above f13 so normally I go for f11 and shoot for the hyperfocal distance, a third of the way "up the frame" usually work out (id say 80% of the time). I dont usually go for 1/3 INTO the scene as I like whats in front of my to be in focus as well as at infinity...

[The_Camera_Poser]

Anything over f/11 and my dirty sensor wreaks things.