I didn't realize you could set the self timer to another length besides the default of 10seconds. Yes,it was on 10 seconds.
Thank you Rob for the great info and help....
badpickev: images came out a tad better using the longer lens on the tripod than the shorter lens. the longer lens has a mount ring that I set it to the tripod with. the shorter lens, the camera body is attached to the tripod.
i will let you know what the results are in the next couple of days when i can go out and try all the testing. thank you all for your support and help!