Hmm.....I don't know for sure, but I think something besides lack of a tripod is making your images soft. Maybe a focus microadjustment is needed? Im not sure, but you definitely don't NEED a tripod to get sharp images.


Anyway, #1 and then the last one are the best here. It appears you need to use a narrower aperture, because on the last two you focused on the tail, breast and the head is slightly OOF from what I can see.


just my 2¢


brendan