Okay, DUMB question...testing for sharpness?

[Moos3h]

Hi all,

I just picked up a Canon 17-85IS USM yesterday and must say I'm not that impressed with the sharpness. It could be I just need to post process more (shooting RAW).

I know the obvious thing is 'take a few photos and look at 100%', but I'm having trouble working out if it's just me seeing things that aren't there, or are possibly due to bad technique.

Are there any other useful tests to make sure I haven't got a duff lens? Anything else worth trying?

Thanks a lot and sorry for the dumb question!

Cheers,
James

[CT]

An example pic might help a lot. :)

[Moos3h]

Sure thing, normal piccie or 100% crop?

Any particular subject likely to help?

Cheers,
James

[CT]

Just stick up a normal pic which you feel is unsharp -as long as it has enough detail to asses sharpness it should be fine.