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06/01/2006 09:13:55 AM · #1 |
Hi Everyone.
This is my first post on this site. Two weeks ago I upgraded from an Olympus C8080Wz to a Canon EOS 350d (18-55 Kit Lens). Has anyone experienced any problems with soft focusing in landscape shots.
I have tried various apetures and speeds ranging from F5.6 through to F16 and I can't get any sharp detail in any part of the image. I have tried AF / MF. I always use a tripod for my landscape work and even use the timer!!!
I have tried landscape mode, apeture mode, manual mode....and getting very down beat.
This is a sample shot of some foreground rocks at 100% crop
and this is a 100% crop of the background :
This was shot at F22. I now now that this may be too small an apeture for this type of shot but on returning to the same place this morning the shots were no different at larger apetures.
As soon as I get home after work I can check through the shots from this morning.
WOuld this be a problem with the Kit Lens????
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Tim |
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06/01/2006 09:24:32 AM · #2 |
| Why not shoot a simple white card with black marker pen markings on it out in the open. Given such an image you might be better able to tell what is going on. Then check the photo information in the image properties. It's hard to say anything with regard to the two shots you posted. |
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06/01/2006 09:25:27 AM · #3 |
Hi Tim
I have the same camera and lens. Although I am not overly happy with that lens I don't seem to have the problems you are having. I do have some shots with soft focus but generally to do with me or depth of field etc. I would suggest it may be a problem with your particular lens. Have you tried any other lens - just to eliminate the possiblity of a problem with the camera ? I have had mine (camera)for about 5 months now and am extremly happy with it. Seems to have no major problems. The lens I am looking to replace, not really because it is so bad but I would like something a little sharper and faster.
Check another lens - If the problem persists return it to the place of purchase and demand a new body. If it is the lens do the same - either of them must be at fault. Unless somebody knows some setting on the camera that would cause it (I'm unaware of any setting that would cause it). |
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06/01/2006 09:35:37 AM · #4 |
| What mode are you shooting in? Lots of times pre-programed modes tend to pick odd focus areas. |
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06/01/2006 09:46:51 AM · #5 |
Thanks For the prompt response guys.
This actual shot was in Manual Mode at F22 (not sure of the shutter speed). As soon as I get home from work I can look through the shots from this morning and stick them in this thread.
Thanks
Tim |
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06/01/2006 11:09:56 AM · #6 |
| People who switch from point and shoots to DSLR's often have that "problem". You have to remember that Point and Shoots do a LOT of in-camera sharpening compared to DSLR's. The examples you posted were easily sharpened in Photoshop and look pretty good. Also remember that under-exposure introduces noise that may make a photo look unsharp. Proper exposure and sharpening in Photoshop will give you great results. Nothing wrong with your lens. |
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06/01/2006 11:20:56 AM · #7 |
| You said you use a tripod and a timer. But what shutter speed are you using? Even with a tripod and a timer, the camera can still shake due to wind and produce blur. Take a photo in bright sunlight with a suitable aperture and a fast shutter with auto focus (possibly set to point focus), and then if that comes out blurry in the area you focused, then you have a problem. |
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06/01/2006 04:06:16 PM · #8 |
| I've had soft focus issues with my Canon kit lens when doing portraits. Landscape and Scenic photography it usually does fine on.... if the light is good. |
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06/01/2006 04:11:33 PM · #9 |
I've actually been very pleased with the 18-55mm
It's not an L by any means, but still does a great job.
What are your in-camera settings by the way?
I prefer to leave all sharpening, contrast, saturation, etc to zero and make my own adjustments according to my desires, not what a software programmer thinks I want, and do them in PS myself. You may also be comparing a dSLR image, which is naturally not as sharp as a P&S file that has been modified by the camera's software.
Came back to add:
In Av mode for instance, press the (-) button on the top right of the camera's back (used to zoom out when looking at a pic on the LCD) and see what red LED's are lit up in the viewfinder, or which segments are lit and the LCD screen above the playback LCD. You will have a number of segments that indicate the AF Points. If the center LED or LCD segment is not lit, use teh joystick on the back of the camera to re-center it, then partially press the shutter to set it. This will place the AF on the center.
Message edited by author 2006-06-01 16:27:31.
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06/01/2006 04:15:33 PM · #10 |
Tim - a couple of suggestions
Try using the canon browser software to highlight the focus point if shooting raw and ensure that the point is what you think it is
Switch to Single shot mode - if you focus and recompose and are not in single shot, the focus follows the subject and might not be what you intend.
Cheers
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