AF Zoom Sweet Spot?

[wildshots]

I combine two hobbies. Wildlife photography and hiking. To my own detriment, I don't have any prime lenses. I do like getting the best quality images I can from my AF Zooms, however. I've read, and agree, that with most 'all in one' zooms, quality will drop off at max telephoto settings. Do any of you search for a sweet spot? Example: 18 to 300mm telephoto maybe backed off to 250mm or so?

 

[Needa]

On my 70-300 pull back to 280 appears to make a difference. No actual testing just seat of the pants.

 

[wildshots]

On my 70-300 pull back to 280 appears to make a difference. No actual testing just seat of the pants.

Glad to see we apply the same technique I think I'm getting similar results. Just wanted to see if others have actual hands on experience. That's the great thing about this place, real people with real world experience. I can do dozens of 'what if', 'maybe if you', 'I read' scenarios. Nothing like getting it from someone who's done it.

 

[BF Hammer]

I mostly stay aware that setting things to the extreme maximum or minimum will drop the quality or performance in some way. I especially might try to avoid lowest f-stop at maximum zoom. But sometimes you have to do it.

 

[wildshots]

I mostly stay aware that setting things to the extreme maximum or minimum will drop the quality or performance in some way. I especially might try to avoid lowest f-stop at maximum zoom. But sometimes you have to do it.

Good rule of thumb. It may vary lens to lens as well so I guess it's best to get to know one's own equipment. Thanks for weighing in.