Having focus issues w/ kit lens

These 2 photo's appear to be in focus now at least the bottom one does, but at 100% view the edges and detail are severly out of focus. I used the lens autofocus, I was shooting ISO 100, AV, f/8.0. I'm using a rebel xs w/ the 18-55 kit lens.

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maybe some more light will help it focus

rebels aren't known for their focusing capabilities in low light. it's tricky for me to tell whether you were just lacking light in the room or if your iso was too low as well. I'm thinking a combination of both.

If I am reading the Exif correctly, these were shot at 30 sec. each. Plenty of things can cause your camera or subject to move, even is just slightly. I would try a shorter time span for testing sharpness.

Also, if you have IS on while shooting on a tripod, you're going to get motion blur. always turn it off when on the pod.

Haha sometimes it's the simplest things. Thanks yens.

i'm curious though, why did you use a 30 sec exposure?

And why ISO 100 and why f8?

I wanted to avoid noise & dead pixels. F8 so I get some depth. I was shooting on a tripod and had is on.

AmandaMarie wrote in post #11016527
i'm curious though, why did you use a 30 sec exposure?

I was shooting Av letting the camera choose. I still haven't figured out which setting is my favorite/ proper for what I'm shooting. I'm new to all of this and jumping into the deep end.

hmmm well i would recommend bringing more light into the situation. also, you need to spot meter. if you have a black background and use a larger aperture, you'll get the effect i think you're aiming for.

AmandaMarie wrote in post #11016743
hmmm well i would recommend bringing more light into the situation. also, you need to spot meter. if you have a black background and use a larger aperture, you'll get the effect i think you're aiming for.

I just got some black velvet so I'll be able to use more light and still have a blak background. I'll try it again.

ah okay. well open up your aperture and up your iso as well, then post the retakes.

On this occasion I can say without fear of any doubt that these are underexposed. 30sec at f8 suggests a severe lack of light as I've managed 15 secs at f20 with iso 50 just using a single desk lamp.

corkneyfonz wrote in post #11017495
On this occasion I can say without fear of any doubt that these are underexposed. 30sec at f8 suggests a severe lack of light as I've managed 15 secs at f20 with iso 50 just using a single desk lamp.

And to give you less doubt I'll tell you I was -2 compensated too! I was going for underexposed to make it look creepier.