D-SLR users: Checked your autofocus recently ?!

[TheEvilGiraffe]

I was wondering why some shots with my nifty were looking a bit naff / soft.

Decided to actually check it somewhat properly.

What I did:

Camera on tripod.

Get a bit of print / newspaper .. something with text so you can easily see what's in focus.

Aperture priority mode - select the largest aperture (smallest number).

Take shot.

Check. (I already have the focus point highlight feature on, but Aperture does this also, hence the screenshot pics).

50mm f/1.8 focusing - Before... by evil_giraffes_rule, on Flickr

Err.. yeah, that's good. :dead:

Adjust.

For reference [Canon 7D]:

Menu > Custom Funct. > Autofocus/Drive > AF Microadjustment > Adjust by lens.

50mm f/1.8 focusing - After... by evil_giraffes_rule, on Flickr

Muuuch better !!!

Checked my kit and UWA too - both were more than acceptable.

 

[Gaz.]

Maybe I ought to check mine, noticed a few soft images earlier!

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Let me know how you get on !

 

[DanFreemanPhoto]

Dodgy lens

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Cheap shoddy lens TBH. Good but cheap.

Always blame the tools at hand

 

[dk]

Yeah, I used the micro adjustment on the 50d for a few lenses, not sure I've done it for the 7d, not noticed any major issues though and I've taken about 10,000 photos I think.

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

I've had my 50mm for years .. not sure if it's a manufacturing issue with the lens, the camera, or a combination of both !?

Can't see how it gets worse over time... maybe it's always been there ? Not really sure...

Will check it in a few months and see how it's doing anyway.

 

[Andy.]

The only lens I've ever had an issue with was the Canon 50mm f1.4. It behaved totally differently at different focal distances and was not possible to correct with the adjustment settings. I sold it to somebody else who didn't have a problem with it....

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Hmm.. strange !

 

[Andy.]

Or the infamous micro USM playing up. It was a decent enough excuse to upgrade to the 85mm instead.

 

[Brazo]

It can be different for each focus point too, which is why you may not have noticed it before, generally only an issue at closer camera to subject lengths.

 

[Tigger]

Canon. That is all

 

[Addicted]

Does this customize per lens? Will try this later!

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Trev, it's a good job I like you.

Does this customize per lens? Will try this later!

On my 7 it does .. yes.

I'd assume it does on other models !

 

[dunganick]

Pretty much every Prosumer-pro camera since the 50d has had this.

I've usually found that most of the Canon lenses that need a noticeable amount of adjustment have a deeper seeded issue than just a micro adjustment.

You may also find that Zoom lenses af accuracy vary across their focal range.

I do find this adjustment useful on Sigma lenses. All of the Sigma glass i've ever used or owned has required a significant adjustment and i have in turn seen improved results.

 

[Tigger]

Trev, it's a good job I like you.



On my 7 it does .. yes.

I'd assume it does on other models !

Always good banter mate

 

[GeordieClioDriver]

Shame I can't do any adjustments with the body I'm using as I know mines out.

 

[MattT]

I'm pretty sure some of mine need adjusting too.
This is a good guide too : http://www.pixiq.com/article/testing-your-cameras-auto-focus

 

[SamP]

I dont have autofocus.... :/

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Interesting....

Low-end Nikon ? Some of those don't have auto focus motors or something silly...

 

[JJ!]

Nikon entry/mid level cameras have not had a motor in since the D50.

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Bit naff?! Or is it in the lens instead ?