Would you consider this to be a sharp photo

[CrankinSteve]

I took this of a woodpecker that was at the top of a dead tree at an estimated distance of 300 feet. Would you consider this to be a sharp photo? Taken with a new FE 400-800 at 800mm. I am working on my skills while hand holding the lens working on aiming and steadiness. It was a cloudy day here in Western MA.

• ILCE-7CM2
• FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS
• 800.0 mm
• ƒ/9
• 1/2000 sec
• ISO 1250

 

[iamdlewis]

Question back at you, do you think the image looks nice?

I would say don't get caught up in pixel peeping. You also have to decided what medium you will be sharing the image on, the amount of sharpness needed for an image to look good will vary depending on the use.
This image looks good on a phone and is used as my lock screen image from time to time but, on my monitor not so great.

• ILCE-7RM4
• Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
• 600.0 mm
• ƒ/6.3
• 1/1000 sec
• ISO 320

To answer your question I think it looks good.

The bird is a Red-Bellied Woodpecker

 

[CrankinSteve]

Question back at you, do you think the image looks nice?

I would say don't get caught up in pixel peeping. You also have to decided what medium you will be sharing the image on, the amount of sharpness needed for an image to look good will vary depending on the use.
This image looks good on a phone and is used as my lock screen image from time to time but, on my monitor not so great.
View attachment 83829

To answer your question I think it looks good.

The bird is a Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Thanks. I do think it is a good pic. And yes it is a red-bellied woodpecker, I came upon it when I went out nearby to a small patch of trees. It was a good day. And, I agree with you in regard to the intended use for the photo. Apparently, the photo is good enough to identify the bird. That's a win.

 

[Slug]

Not at all bad but could be improved with a bit of processing. The subject is a little 'flat' because of the lighting and this is easily lifted with highlights and shadows. It's certainly sharp enough to identify the species and appreciate its coloring.

 

[Richard A]

Looks pretty sharp to me but as mentioned above, the lighting hasn't helped you out.