Some help with AF please!

[Chr1stof]

Still a total noob so maybe someone can help explain this.

I was photographing some birds earlier today, when reviewing the images I spotted something that seems to keep coming up. Often, but not always, Im noticing that the area just in front of the subject is looking sharper than the object the AF beeped on. I have run a view through DPP just to check where the actual AF point was and usually I get a sharper shot of the subject when my AF dot is just off the target (Im using central spot focus).
Please take a look at the following two shots and let me know what you think.
This doesnt seem to happen every time, my next idea is to do a few test shots in the garden using a few blocks or similar at staggered distances, focusing on the central one- good idea or any suggestions before I do that?
Much appreciated,
Chris

1. AF point on bird
Download for use on DPP etc- - http://www.speedyshare.com/files/27498563/AFpoint_OnBird.JPG

2.Af point just off bird
Download for use on DPP etc- http://www.speedyshare.com/files/27498564/AFpointJust_OffBird.JPG

 

[artyman]

Apart from the bird being underexposed so little detail to evaluate both look OK to me, also the bird is much closer in the second shot so apparent sharpness is perceived. Now stop pixel peeping and go and enjoy yourself

 

[Dylexsic Gyu]

I don't know if its just me but I think you could get more responses if you were to post the pics up on here rather than a link that asks you to download the image.

Sorry I was no help on the AF issue though pal.

 

[clownfish]

Pick a particular spot midway up someones roof. That should give you some idea.

 

[HoppyUK]

I haven't checked the images but misfocusing a subject like that is very common. It's pssible that your equipment is slighly out, but most unlikely.

Depth of field with small subjects is very shallow. Use centre point AF on the eye nearest eye and keep checking it right up until the moment you press the shutter as the slightest movement of either you or the subject will throw it out.

The software checker only tells you which AF point was used, not necessarily what it was on at the moment of focus.

Edit: if you are temped to test it and try the AF microadjust feature, read some of the many threads about it on here first and proceed with caution, or you'll just make it worse.

 

[Chr1stof]

the bird is much closer in the second shot so apparent sharpness is perceived. Now stop pixel peeping and go and enjoy yourself

What Im saying is that the grass in front of the bird is sharper than the bird which is a bit OOF

I don't know if its just me but I think you could get more responses if you were to post the pics up on here rather than a link that asks you to download the image.

Will add some pics, last time I had a question it was suggested I post links to the full files for study

Pick a particular spot midway up someones roof. That should give you some idea.

Will do that