Use a blower to remove dust and lint from the front and rear lens surfaces, then wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Wiping the lens surface while dust remains on it could scratch the lens surface.
Is focus priority enabled?
The shutter release is enabled regardless of focus when [Release] is selected for [AF-C priority selection] or [AF-S priority selection] in Custom Setting “a.” Select [Focus] to enable the shutter release only when the camera is in focus.
Is the Picture Control set to your preference?
Adjust [Quick sharp] to suit your preferences in the Picture Control settings display. Setting it to a + (positive) value will create a sharper impression. Setting it to a − (negative) value will create a softer impression.
Are the image size and quality settings appropriate?
Pictures may not appear sharp when enlarged or printed depending on the image size and quality settings. For high-resolution pictures, select a large image size such as [Large], and a high image quality mode such as [RAW], [JPEG/HEIF fine★], or [JPEG/HEIF fine].
Is diffraction compensation enabled?
Selecting a small aperture (high f-numbers) in an attempt to increase depth of field and obtain sharper images may cause diffraction that reduces image resolution and sharpness even when the subject is in focus. Select [ON] for [Diffraction compensation] in the photo shooting menu to address this issue.
Is there heat haze?
When photographing a distant subject with a telephoto lens, heat haze (air shimmer) may blur pictures. Heat haze is likely to occur regardless of temperature, particularly on sunny days when the sun’s heat easily reaches the subject or when shooting close to the ground. Reduce the effects of heat haze by shooting from as far above the ground as possible at a slightly downward angle, or by setting a positive value for [Quick sharp] in the Picture Control settings menu.
