Help !!!

I got my 100-400 mm lens yesterday. This afternoon I did bird shooting for the first time. Wow! what a disaster. Most of the images are a bit or way out of focus and blur. The ones I attached are the best ones. Need some advice and correction.

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Really hard to tell from these small examples but the first looks in focus to me. Can you post the EXIF too as this very well maybe user error or the bird simply moving too fast.

They look fine to me. Just get close enough to fill half your frame with bird if possible.

Take your time, most birds will allow you to approach if you stop at a safe distance. One red-winged blackbird I like for subject has allowed me to stand 12 feet away and do a variety of shots.

agreed, that you probably aren't close enough for clarity on the birds.

try some test images on stuff near your house from different distances.

Anke wrote in post #7935739
Really hard to tell from these small examples but the first looks in focus to me. Can you post the EXIF too as this very well maybe user error or the bird simply moving too fast.

1st image: f 8,1/125 sec,400 mm
2nd image: f 11,1/50 sec,400 mm

eaglesnest wrote in post #7936527
1st image: f 8,1/125 sec,400 mm
2nd image: f 11,1/50 sec,400 mm

There's your issue right there, you need around 1/640 at 400mm to get a decent steady shot. Others with very steady hands can manage with less but the general rule is focal length x crop factor.

This one is user error. Raise your shutter speed or use a tripod at those speeds.

Anke wrote in post #7936550
There's your issue right there, you need around 1/640 at 400mm to get a decent steady shot. Others with very steady hands can manage with less but the general rule is focal length x crop factor.

This one is user error. Raise your shutter speed or use a tripod at those speeds.

Thank you! will try again today and will post the result tonight.