Bob,
Great shots!
May I ask why you are using manual focus.
When I was using my Pentax (35mm - film), with zoom lens, manual focus, I was told not to turn it all the way to the end, it makes it out of focus.
Also, on my Nikon D50, I use my "flower" setting for something like that even though it's far away. The "flower" setting hones it better. I don't trust my eyes/glasses, so I use auto focus. But that's my opinion/experience.
Hope that helps a little.
Ellen
