Lenses aren’t usually sharp wide open. It could be that particular lens is poor wide open.
It might be worth trying DXO software on trial. That will analyse from the photo, the lens type, focal distance and aperture, then unblur it.
Thanks for the info. I’ve tried some static shots and that seems OK. However, when I get to the longest range of the lens it seems that atmospheric conditions can have a bearing. As this is M4/3 and supposedly double the range/crop size of a full frame camera it seems that I’m not compensating for this and so is down to my technique. I’m currently reading through some articles about long lenses and it looks like I will have to be extra mindful of even the minutest body movement - so I think a monopod is in my near future.
Cheers
Tim
The crop or sensor size has nothing to with it. 600mm is 600mm.
Atmospheric conditions could be something, but 600mmm is not that long really.
Does it have image stabilisation?
1/2000 is pretty fast, so if it is that with you, you need to steady your hold or get a monopod at least.
It could be the focusing system microscopically trying to track the subject (actually moving whilst you’re shooting).
Shooting 600mm is not that easy and perhaps you just need to practice more. TBH, photography is not that easy, that’s why you don’t see many good shots often.
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Wonderful lenses and great cameras , sadly I found the electronic viewfinder difficult with my cataracts with both Fuji and Canon . Gone back to SLR , loads of nearly new lenses as people switch
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After several months of not using my 5d4 I dragged it out when visiting Wakehurst last week. This was about my 5th shot, I think the last time I used it was in May. Not perfect but ok for someone so out of practice.
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Monopod and IS might be the way to go. Opinions vary.
Liking the R5ii so far, leaps ahead of the R6 in technical ability, which is a blessing and curse. It feels like I was really pushing the R6 at times whereas this kind of takes it in its stride and I can see some things which were a bit tricky with the R6, relying on years of practice and technique, being less awkward. The eye AF is defo a notch up.
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Oh dear! I’m just going to have to do my best to resist the temptation to upgrade!
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I shall get the chance to give it a thorough going over in the next few days 
Got my invite to RAF Northolt tomorrow night and then the weather forecast has cleared up for what looks to be a cracking line up at Duxford on Saturday 
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Hope you have clear skies and a dry night, looking forward to your results.
No pressure then…
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None at all 
Does anyone have a Leica SL3?
No
Did you try monopod and IS, Tim?
C.
Thanks Jamie. Just another few thousand people on here to hear from now.
You’re welcome.
Yep, but my wife figured out what I was doing wrong, which obvious once I knew. My expectations were that I could shoot further away - a long way, but atmospheric conditions will add to the blurriness, even using a tripod. So then zooming in Lightroom the objects, in this case birds are not so clear. If I lower my expectations to something a bit nearer then it is much sharper and of course a sunny days helps.
Seriously thinking of investing in a mirrorless full frame like the Sony A7R V.
Tim
A Q here.
G
I’m getting nearer to having to think about a complete change in my gear. My Nikon D5 is now 8 years old and the next body will have to be mirrorless. Obvious choice is the Z9 as I know everything about Nikon. When I think about exactly what I really need, I’ll end up only using the 4 SB5000 flashguns regularly in the new mirrorless setup. All my lenses will need to be changed.
Spec wise, I don’t need 20 frames a second. Auto focus with the D5 has always been rubbish, to the point where I’ve always thought it was faulty from new. I tend to manual focus everything and never used auto exposure.
Things I use all the time are wireless flash & wireless camera trigger. I can’t believe Leica SL3 doesn’t have wireless trigger and the wireless flash transmitter sits in the hotshot, taking that space. When I see that, it just reiterates that this company doesn’t think the professional side of photography. It’s not practical or sensible. There are some very nice features on the SL3, but looking at some of the lenses, the most usable ones are not even made in Germany anymore and seem to be made by other manufacturers. I can test its image quality in seconds, by going to a shop with a card, take raw shots and look at home. What I can’t really do is find out all its limitations and annoyances, particularly in the viewfinder section.