EOS 20D auto-focus not sharp... - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

11/29/2004 04:59:45 PM · #26

I'm not sure it's fair to say that it's user error, but more a lack of knowledge of how the equipment behaves. I still don't know why it happens in this particular case.

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

11/29/2004 05:52:40 PM · #27

Not sure if this will help or not, but if you shot around f8 you'll get the sharpest results from the lens and probably fall within the area of focus as well ?

mirdonamy

11/29/2004 05:54:17 PM · #28

Originally posted by jimmythefish:

Don't rent one, just buy one. They're less than $100. Did you move from a 10D to a 20D and still only have those three zoom lenses? That's a strange move. You'd see a much bigger improvement in image quality just by getting a few decent lenses. The lenses you have are all known to be soft. Get a good lens or two (50 1.8 a must and even a 28-105 3.5-4.5 will be a big step up in a zoom) and you'll be amazed at the difference in contrast and sharpness in your images.

Originally posted by mirdonamy:
I should go rent one of those for the day and see if it's me, my camera or the lenses I am using...

Yeah, I should have bought more lenses instead of stepped up to the 20D, but I sold the 10D to do it and wanted a camera with a better sensor. However, I am out of funds. I couldn't even rent one til next year if I wanted because I am piss poor and my husband is a student. We haven't gone grocery shopping in a month and I am really sick of eating tostitos for dinner, but what can ya do! I splurged and I am realizing how badly I put us by doing so. My dad got me the 580ex flash for my combo anniversary/birthday/christmas gift. I am hoping I get some extra web design jobs in the new year that will afford me a lens. That 50mm sounds great!!!

dbrahms

Canon EOS-10D

12/21/2004 03:05:09 PM · #29

the camera (in AF) tells the lens how to move. if it's telling it to move incorrectly then it will be out of focus.

Originally posted by pitsaman:

It is up to the lens and F stop which does the focusing,camera has nothing to do with that.
And remember when you have larger sensor focal distance get larger too ,so 1/50 sec with Sony 707 is not the same as 1/50 with dslr and 105 mm lens.

Folks who buy this large and heavy cameras have to get used to it and tripod is a must !

photodude

12/21/2004 03:25:09 PM · #30

Im about to purchase a 20D, but one thing I dont understand is why Canon has chosen not to offer the eye control focus on this camera or any of the digitals for that matter.

I have that feature on my ElanII and its awesome - never mind that it has been improved in other models the past few years. The Canon rep at the photo show in NY a few weeks back couldnt give me any explanation for why but would only say that digital SLRs were not going to have the feature in the near future.

Anyone have any insight?

hdlsparky

12/24/2004 03:38:30 AM · #31

Originally posted by Imagineer:

... or at least not as sharp as my manual focusing.

I checked some shots and found that absolutely all of them were slightly softer focus than when I use my own eye. Anyone else have this?

Yes, Yes, Yes. My 20D and 5 other demos from local shops demonstrate slight backfocus using centre AF, no matter what lens I use. 17-85 f/4-5.6, 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8 - all backfocus slightly. Try this: print a page showing a row of vertical numbers, place the page on a table and from about 1 metre away at about 45 degrees (or whatever) zoom into 85mm and focus on a specific number - take a picture and then look at the result. Even at f5.6 (with the EFS 17-85 f4-5.6), I'm confident you will find the 20D is showing a slight backfocus. I get the same percentage of backfocus using the 70-200 f/2.8 at about 5 metres away. I can consistantly achieve better focus by tweaking the focus ring by a slight amount after AF has done it's job and voilla... perfect focus. I already exchanged one body, but I have the same problem; so to exchange this one does not appear to be the solution as other the 20D's appear to demonstrate the same problem. I sent some images to Canon and explained the problem and they recommended sending my 3-week old camera in for service! Anybody with this problem should let Canon know as they said they are not aware of any backfocus problems. Perhaps it can be alieviated by a simple tweak to the firmware.

HDLSparky

Message edited by author 2004-12-24 03:56:18.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

01/15/2005 02:49:56 PM · #32

I just purchased an EOS 20d and I find the focus is not sharp anywhere in the picture. I have used the stock kit lens and a new 24-70/2.8 L lens by Canon, on tripod and off, high shutter and wide/high f-stops. I am very disappointed, since this was a huge investment. I would like send it back for another body, but based on what I read here, this problem persists and the camera does not perform. What a waste!

mrorange002

Canon EOS-5D

01/15/2005 02:58:40 PM · #33

Originally posted by Imagineer:

... or at least not as sharp as my manual focusing.

I checked some shots and found that absolutely all of them were slightly softer focus than when I use my own eye. Anyone else have this?

I have the same issues with my D100.

nsbca7

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

01/15/2005 03:05:01 PM · #34

I just sent my 1Ds in last week for re-calibration. Focus was sharp when I got it, but I broke the shutter and sent it in a while back. It never has focused sharp since.

We will see what happens when I get it back.

notonline

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

01/15/2005 03:07:12 PM · #35

If you are unhappy with you 20d then please feel free to send it to me and I'll pay for the shipping. If you are happy with it but just a whinny crybaby the get some cheese. :D

KiwiChris

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

01/15/2005 06:36:35 PM · #36

Originally posted by mikeholleman:

I would like send it back for another body, but based on what I read here, this problem persists and the camera does not perform. What a waste!

I'd be taking it back to the shop if you're not happy...

So you're saying that with the 24-70 you get soft photos even with it at F/16 and on a tripod in good light? That's not good...

I've heard of QC problems with that lens though, but either way, take it back..

The kit lens may appear soft if you're used to a good quality camera, it isn't the sharpest tool in the shed by a long shot, but at F/8 at around 35mm it should be OK, just not as contrasty as lots of better glass...

Cheers, Chris H.

awpollard

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

01/15/2005 08:36:19 PM · #37

I must have got a good one...no back focus, auto and manual focus appear to be the same.

As for the kit lens...go to Parameter 1 to sharpen it up a bit, default is 2 and about as soft as it comes. Or use Parm set-1 or 2 one and set it for the sharpness you need. If you guys haven't set Custom function 01 to to set the SET button to change parms you might want to try it for at least testing purposes...I especially like it cause I can get to B/W in a flash.

Custom 01. SET button function when shooting (None, change quality, change parameters, menu display, image replay)

I use single shot (although I was using servo yesterday and it was great) and choose my fp with the joystick. No issues here.

eckoe

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

01/15/2005 08:55:42 PM · #38

Eddy, that's a great article, I'm glad I read it as this is likely why many of my photos that I have taken have had similar sharpness issues. Thank you.

However, I have a question. I have 2 very black cats. I'm convinced that their fur is the same material that stealth fighters are made from because I cannot get the AF to focus on their fur. I must use their Eye, or some other piece of the image that will allow it to focus on. How would I get the focus to grab on this type of image to make my subject as sharp as possible? Any suggestions?

KiwiChris

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

01/15/2005 08:57:03 PM · #39

Ooo, forgot to mention.. As awpollard said, no problems here.

I mainly use one-shot focus, and I've used servo quite a few of times, it seems to work fine with a good lens, the kit lens can hunt a little in servo mode and low or contrasty light. I use the camera in Av or M, so I've not really used the AI-Servo mode, and can't see the point of having a 'sorta' servo mode, as when you want it to servo, the camera might decide not to and you'll get an OOF shot..

I've set the custom 01 to the same, so I can switch betweem parameter 1 and 2 quickly. I use 2 for the 50/1.8 and my 90-300 and 1 for the kit lens.

I quite often set the focus point to center only, using the joystick thingit or just scrolling the secondary control wheel on the back, which I find easier if I don't want to take my eye away from the viewfinder. I've used a single non-center point maybe 50 times. (4800 images on the 'clock' so far...)

I found shooting raw with the kit lens can help, as Digital Photo Pro has better sharpening than the in camera settings, but it's damned slow on my PC, and I have to use Windows. So I generally shoot Jpeg and try to get it right in camera :-).

Cheers, Me.

nsbca7

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

01/15/2005 09:28:29 PM · #40

Originally posted by eckoe:

Pour bleach on them. Works every time.

01/20/2005 06:55:29 PM · #41

AS a follow-up, my EOS 20D is at the Canon factory getting calibrated--I hope. My new i9900 printer just arrived -- dead on arrival. It had a long metal piece loose inside. They are sending a new one, but this is getting a little too funny. I am still hopeful they will all work one day. I have several thousand invested and not nare a picture to show for it.

01/27/2005 10:51:22 AM · #42

Follow-up. I received my 20D back from Canon in less than a week. They reported that they calibrated the camera to factory specs. However, the back-focusing problem appeared unchanged. I will try to post shots later. I spoke with a man at the Canon factory, and he said that the tolerances are so minute that they will need my 24-70 2.8 L lens and the body to make it right. He explained how they calibrate and how slight differences in the lens mount, although within tolerance, might make the difference. They will pay to have the lens and body together and seemed confident that it could be adjusted and matched.

My replacement 580EX Flash arrived and apparently works. My replacement i9900 printer should arrive today.

mirdonamy

01/27/2005 11:37:39 AM · #43

I am so sorry you are still having trouble. I really hope they fix it for you, and fast!!!!

Originally posted by mikeholleman:

notonline

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

01/28/2005 06:15:25 AM · #44

//www.photocreative.com/store/product.cfm?product_id=390

I'm considering buying this camera today but I'm hearing a lot of complaints about the 20D should I not bother and just wait or go with a different brand???

BooZon

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

01/28/2005 06:23:37 AM · #45

Originally posted by notonline:

It's a fantastic camera. Don't hesitate and run and buy it. The soft focus issue it spread over all SLR cameras.

ClubJuggle

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/28/2005 06:33:27 AM · #46

Originally posted by notonline:

It is indeed a fantastic camera, but I think you might be able to do better on price. The same camera is available at B&H for $1379.95 USD, which works out to $1711.73 CAD. Of course, you should check on whether you would have to pay any import duties if you had this camera shipped to Canada.

-Terry

notonline

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/28/2005 06:35:27 AM · #47

Junggle I just left you a pm about a small site problem. Aside from that I am in canada and will canon warrenty a US product even tho I'm living in Canada???

ClubJuggle

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

01/28/2005 06:44:13 AM · #48

Here is a link to the text of the warranty on Canon's Web Site. It looks like the US and Canada are covered under the same warranty.

-Terry

01/28/2005 12:15:08 PM · #49

Even though I have had problems with my Canon products, I am optmistc they will be corrected. In fact, I just order the 70-200 2.8L IS. Actually, customer service has been great--it's just that I have had too much time with them.

RayEthier