HELP not happy with these shots

linearamp wrote: ... thanks for all the advice its greatly appreciated .Although it doesnt seem like im getting anywhere fast looking at the test results

Well, those of us looking at your results are perhaps in the same boat. To repeat (and expand upon) my earlier comments, this is what I suggest:

1. Do careful testing of the lens itself using manual focus and the focus magnifier. Do not use a moving subject like a bird, but branches are fine if you like those.

2. If the lens passes that kind of sharpness/contrast test, now move on to the AF system. Perform micro AF testing adjustments using the same stationary target, or a similar one. Use AF-S only.

3. If the AF system passes that test, then move on to photographing birds in the field to see if things are working better. Use AF-S and single-shot drive mode first.

All of the above testing should be done with the camera tripod mounted if at all possible, and with SteadyShot turned off.

4. If the above results are satisfactory, now you can try hand-holding or resting the camera on something with SteadyShot enabled, and also try AF-C in combination with the various continuous drive modes. That will test your ability (and the ability of your gear) to capture shots under less than ideal conditions.

Proceeding any other way is likely to confuse your analysis without telling you much of value.

Looking at those last 3 shots I think maybe your expectations from the now dated technology are too high. At those ISO's that would be as good as you could expect from that body in fact that is better than I would expect.

As others have stated your focus is still slightly off and this is made much harder by trying to focus on such a small subject in such a wide area. The first and last shots are manually focused so that would be tough to lay the blame on the equipment. The middle one is using the AF system and again the shutter speed is a little too low still and you haven't shot wide open (although near enough).
Are these last 3 handheld as well? If not and mounted on a tripod did you use a remote shutter release? Even if mounted on a tripod and using a remote shutter you can still get vibration from wind or even the ground. The only way past that is an expensive tripod and gimble.

I personally think if you want better shots than this in the same circumstances then you should consider upgrading to the a77ii at least as I really believe the lens is not the issue here. Also try to get closer to the subject and refine your technique. Birding is an art that is a constant learning curve.

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