HELP - Canon 24-105 Back Focus

Ok, now I'm getting a little annoyed.

I've got the camera and lens back, so thought I would take it for a test doing a shoot with a mate:

70mm, ISO400, 1/125 @ F6.3

Original:

Jen-0001.jpg



Crop, focus was on the eye:

Jen-0001b.jpg



Now, can you tell me, am I being too critical or is this still not right?

Sorry, I forgot to add that this was a process straight out of LR from the Raw file, no additional sharpening or anything done to it
 
Last edited:
Sample 2:

47mm, ISO800, 1/250 @F5

Jen-0002.jpg



Cropped:

Jen-0002b.jpg
 
Whilst the photos don't look brilliant, it's difficult to tell what is wrong. You need to take some pics where something (and it may be that the photos already are) in sharp focus. First thing to know, is the lens capable of what you would describe as a sharp photo.

Take a picture of something detailed, but at an angle. Something like well lit tarmac at an angle. First question is: is there an area of tarmac that is super sharp? If not, there's something wrong with the lens, if yes, is the microadjust dialled in right?
 
Those look hand held and are at medium ISO. You could have easily moved a tiny amount between getting focus lock and taking the shot, it would be enough.
To expect pin sharp images viewed at 100% you either rely on luck, or go the full monty - static subject, tripod, MLU, remote release/timer, etc.
Without the right conditions it is not really possible to say if the lack of pin sharpness is your technique or your kit.

By the way...
What size are you printing to? Those images look fine for printing at A3+. Which is pretty reasonable considering I think you took them hand-held in poor light.
 
You are not really setting up ideal circumstances for testing.

Make a focus test chart (google for the images) or buy one. Then using a tripod, good light, low iso and mirror lock up carry out a proper test.

It's amazing how mush you can put focus off by rocking back and fore when shooting hand held.

Also - although it is hard - try to look at the whole image and forget about pixel peeping. Ask yourself - "do I like the image", if "yes" be happy, if "no" keep practising !
 
Try using a flash to rule out camera movement, bad light etc.
 
Alos, don't focus/recompose. Those pics look to be focus/recompose to me. Start off by figuring out if is the camera/lens that is at fault or your technique.
 
arad85 said:
Alos, don't focus/recompose. Those pics look to be focus/recompose to me. Start off by figuring out if is the camera/lens that is at fault or your technique.
Click to expand...

Thats a fair point and its what I was doing. Should you not use centre focus and recompose?

I will set up ANOTHER test this weekend, controlled, and let you guys know.

JPW: I did use flash, off camera to my right
 
MJ Stebbings said:
Thats a fair point and its what I was doing. Should you not use centre focus and recompose?
Click to expand...
Not when you're testing if the lens/body is focusing correctly ;)
 
well no! Haha! This wasnt just a test test, was a test shoot, but will set up a correct test this weekend
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top