Question about sharpness

[julz]

Hi, I am very new to photography and have recently gotten a Kiss Digital N (350D) and a 24-70mm f/2.8L. Reading through many websites, I have seen many topics regarding lens sharpness. Being new, I don't really know how high to set the bar and what is regarded as very sharp or very soft. Hence, I have included some 100% crops of pictures I have taken with my camera and please tell me if it is typical sharpness of the lens I have.

Thanks!

http://img278.echo.cx/img278/2711/27ez1.jpg

f/8.0 ISO 400 28mm

http://img278.echo.cx/img278/7591/18ah.jpg

f/13 ISO 200 27mm

[tim]

Welcome to POTN :)

That first one looks fine to me, the second look a little out of focus so you can't really tell if it's sharp or not.

[Andy_T]

Same here.

First photos looks good ... but at f/8 this should be expected. To know the limits of the lens, make test shots wide open and at other apertures in-between.

Never forget that if you look at a 100%, it is far more than the normal enlargement if you print 8x10 pictures. What might look fuzzy at 100% crop still looks great when printed (unless you blow it up really large).

Also don't forget that the picture is not yet sharpened to its maximum when it comes out of the camera. Apply USM in PS and see whether there is a difference.

Best regards,
Andy