Why are the edges of my group photo blurry while the center looks sharper?
Asked 10/13/2018
3 views
2 answers
0
I shot a group photo at ISO 100, f/5, 1/60s using a Tamron 18-200mm non-VC lens. The people near the edges of the frame look noticeably softer than those closer to the center. What are the most likely causes of edge blur in a shot like this, and how can I improve sharpness across the whole group?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
1
I'm going to take a wild swing at this, based on gut feel more than anything else.
I think there are two factors.
The first being that the difference in distance between the camera & the nearest people in the front centre of the picture is sufficient that those at the extreme edges are going to be already slightly out of focus.
I think, however, that the main issue is that the camera moved.
My best guess is that the move was a slightly twisting motion, the right side moving more than the left, but roughly around left-centre of the frame. That may account for the fact that the woman in brown/beige off-centre left is the most in focus & the vertical blurring is most easily seen in the pillar on the right.
I might suggest that's because of the relatively slow shutter speed, but also that the shutter release was "more push than squeeze" & that some practise may be required to prevent that motion.
Originally by user57929. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user57929
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A few things could be contributing:
- Depth of field: In a group, people at the edges may be slightly farther from the camera than those in the center, so at f/5 they can fall outside the sharpest focus zone.
- Lens corner softness: Superzoom lenses like the Tamron 18-200mm are often softer toward the edges and corners, especially compared with the center.
- Possible camera movement: 1/60s can be a bit slow for a group shot, especially if the camera shifts slightly during exposure.
- Possible lens decentering: If one side of the frame is much softer than the other, the lens may be decentered (an optical element slightly out of alignment).
To improve results, try:
- stopping down to f/8 or f/11 for more depth of field and better edge performance,
- using a faster shutter speed or a tripod,
- carefully focusing about one-third into the group, and
- testing the lens: if one side is consistently blurrier than the other, it may need service or replacement.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI7y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why is my telephoto zoom sharp in the center but very blurry at the edges?
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 VC vs non-VC: is stabilization worth it, and are they upgrades over an 18-55mm kit lens?
Why are long exposures soft at 200mm on a tripod with one lens but sharp with another?
How does focus-and-recompose affect sharpness when using a lens wide open?
How can I photograph a very large group indoors and keep everyone sharp?