Thanks everyone for the prompt replies,I think i`ll have to wait for a bright crisp day wrap up warm and try again.Will let you know how I get on.

Graham

Here are the crops Mike,

Just to add these photo`s were straight out of the camera and here`s another photo which I couldn`t ad to the first post


Graham

Before we start can I just say I am still new to this hobby so go easy on me.I am into mainly bird/wildlife photography and have the Bigma because I am disabled and unable to get closer to the subject unlike others and mainly take photo`s from a hide or a vehicle.I have been rather unhappy with the photo`s I have been taking lately (look out of phocus and wondered if any one could tell me if it`s me or the equipment.I downloade a focus chart and once printed laid t on a table then set up the camera and lens on a tripod at the end of the table,angled at 45 degrees and also used the 2 second delay to avoid shake (SR switched off )see pic.


Now to my untrained eye I would say there was a little front focus but the centre focus which I use looks ok.I went out today, and I know the bigma is really better in good light,I placed everyhting on a solid beanbag mounting and took a few photo`s. see pics.


[img]https://www.pentaxuser.com/images/comment_pictures/10739
/10739_1385651036.jpg[/img]

These sujects were no more than 3 metres away,so is it purely because the shutter speeds are so slow or is it me or is it the equipment.sorry for the long post.

Graham

Thanks for the replies and I think I will bite the bullet and buy one.I am disabled and all the photos I take are from the car or from a reserve hide (RSPB Saltholme is just 10 mins down the road).Apart from the obvious AV ISO speed etc are there any other camera tweaks and setting you could suggest for wildlife photography,I have just recently started shooting in RAW and changed the AF to the button on the back.
Thanks
Graham

Hi all I am thinking of upgrading my K10D to a K5 and before I do would like to ask a couple of questions.It will be used with a 50-500 bigma all the time and wondered if I would see a moderate or large difference and also could anyone give me an idea as to how much I would get for the K10D in part ex.
thanks
Graham

Thanks everyone for the advice much appreciated will give Matt`s advice a go.Thanks again

Graham

Hi Everyone,I have a K10D and a Sigma 50-500 which is used for bird/wildife photography.I was told about some Barn Owls in my area and went to see.Although it was 20.30 it was not really dark I just could not get one single shot(mainly bird in flight).The combo simply would not auto focus.I have mobilty/stability probs which doesn`t help.Would a 300 f4 lens enable me to get a decent photo although more distant or is the K10D autofocus not up to it.The Bigma is great on a beanbag/tripod.

Graham