Lack of sharpness

[BlackCoat2k10]

I seem to have a complete lack of sharpness in a lot of my images, at first I thought I was at fault, I probably still am. However it appears that no matter if I get the focus point dead on, with a ******* speed of 200 or lower, an apature of 5.6 (fully zoomed out) or lower (usually 4.0 for most of my photography), on a tripod with a still / slightly moving subject that the images still turn out a bit muffled. sort of like they are just not in focus at all, even dead on the focus point it isn't focused.

I have a Canon 60D
Tamron 70-300 VC USD SP
Tamron 17-50 VC

To me it appears that my Canon 350D with its 55-250mm and kit lense takes sharper images. I am thoroughy disgruntled as it has lead to quite a lot of dissapointment in my photography.

Are there tips / any thing I can do to check / rectify this issue?

 

[BlackCoat2k10]

Cheers for the quick replies. I too think it is more to do with my lack of technique, I shall try take a few photos at f8, and hopefully in better light conditions. I have noticed that a few of my photos have had to be lightened up.

Soon as I get my camera back I'll get a photo up of how I currently am taking photos and using a the few tips in here.. Hopefully an improvement will be noticed!