Sharp lens on one camera, not on the other.

[John Mc]

So this is the issue I'm dealing with, my Tamron 17-50 is my kit lens. On my 500D its tack sharp, but on my 7D its a little soft. I have two other Lenses which are both Canon branded (50 1.4 and 70-200 f4) and are perfectly fine, sharp and crisp.

I'll admit to have been out the game for nearly a year, and I'm currently learning all over again. I could be the error in the situation, but it makes me wonder how this is the only lens I'm having issue with. I've yet to try micro adjustment with it, which I'll be doing in the next day or two when I have free time. But I was curious if anyone else has had this dilemma?

I am looking to go full frame within the next year. My reasons are for weight/gear reduction. I shoot 35mm b&w and feel it would be easier having one lens kit for both sides of format.

My main goal to get this issue rectified is to practice. Trying to get out once a week is tough, but without seeing some improvement if the photos are soft due to focus is just making me want to put it in the bag again. Any help/ suggestions welcomed,

John

 

[Alastair]

Possibly interesting article on this subject - http://www.canonrumors.com/tech-articles/this-lens-is-soft-and-other-myths/

 

[shaylou]

I only read your first paragraph (need to go) but I recently was told that some cameras have to be micro adjusted for certain lenses. I rented the 50mm sigma art lens and was soft on my 5dIII but fine on my 7D. I bought a sigma 50 and it works well on both bodies. It is what it is....

 

[StewartR]

I've yet to try micro adjustment with it...

This is exactly the sort of issue that microadjustment is designed to address.

 

[StewartR]

Incidentally...

I am looking to go full frame within the next year. My reasons are for weight/gear reduction.

I did a double take there. Weight reduction? Most people ditch/avoid full frame, or switch to a CSC, if they want to reduce weight...

I shoot 35mm b&w and feel it would be easier having one lens kit for both sides of format.

... but that's a good reason. (And virtually unique!)

 

[Nod]

Absolutely no reason you (OP) can't use FF lenses on crop bodies thus keeping the (slightly) lighter crop body while avoiding the extra cost of an FF one. Can be handy for the extra apparent reach too.

 

[chris malcolm]

Incidentally...
I did a double take there. Weight reduction? Most people ditch/avoid full frame, or switch to a CSC, if they want to reduce weight... ... but that's a good reason. (And virtually unique!)

My weight reduction programme involves walking miles with a heavy camera gear bag. Whenever I find I can walk all afternoon without getting tired I add another lens to the bag. It's working well. So far I've lost a stone, as well as getting fitter.

 

[pjm1]

My weight reduction programme involves walking miles with a heavy camera gear bag. Whenever I find I can walk all afternoon without getting tired I add another lens to the bag. It's working well. So far I've lost a stone, as well as getting fitter.

Ditto... and I'm rather crazily contemplating a medium format film camera for landscapes...

 

[Nod]

My weight reduction programme involves walking miles with a heavy camera gear bag. Whenever I find I can walk all afternoon without getting tired I add another lens to the bag. It's working well. So far I've lost a stone, as well as getting fitter.

Usually ends up with me losing (or spending!) a lot more than 14 pounds!

 

[John Mc]

Incidentally...
I did a double take there. Weight reduction? Most people ditch/avoid full frame, or switch to a CSC, if they want to reduce weight...

They do, but at the moment I have two systems as I don't have a wide angle(24mm not a fan of uwa). So having two cameras and one/two lens would reduce a fair amount of weight compared to having an additional 2 lenses.

Not had time to micro adjust the lens tonight. Will be doing it tomorrow hopefully. Thanks all for the help and advice.