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Struggling with focus/sharpness (1 Viewer)

falconer2406

Well-known member
Hi All,

Of late i am really struggling with my 7dmk11 and 100-400 is usm mk11 lens
The attached picture taken recently, using single focal point and the camera indicating focus achieved gives me this result.

Its obvious the focal point sits right over the subject and with the camera indicating focus achieved i don't understand as to why the result is as it is.

Happy to accept finger/setting trouble but is this a lens issues?
 

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I often find that the focus point indicates that it should be sharp but isn't ( and vice versa for that matter) but usually on moving subjects and at a high frame per second rate.
Is your focus problem in all scenarios or just when you attempt macro shots? Are you too close and within the focus limit distance? Maybe you need to give a few more scenarios so perhaps others can think of where you might be experiencing problems.
 
Hi All,

Of late i am really struggling with my 7dmk11 and 100-400 is usm mk11 lens
The attached picture taken recently, using single focal point and the camera indicating focus achieved gives me this result.

Its obvious the focal point sits right over the subject and with the camera indicating focus achieved i don't understand as to why the result is as it is.

Happy to accept finger/setting trouble but is this a lens issues?

Might be a back-focus issue as you seem to have correct focus behind the focus point.

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Photography-Tips/af-microadjustment-tips.aspx
 
I often find that the focus point indicates that it should be sharp but isn't ( and vice versa for that matter) but usually on moving subjects and at a high frame per second rate.
Is your focus problem in all scenarios or just when you attempt macro shots? Are you too close and within the focus limit distance? Maybe you need to give a few more scenarios so perhaps others can think of where you might be experiencing problems.

Thanks Dave the below currently applies
 
Hi,

Its obvious the focal point sits right over the subject and with the camera indicating focus achieved i don't understand as to why the result is as it is.

From using my FZ1000 in manual focusing mode with a "sharp edge highlighting" kind of live view, it's my impression that the edges of the mesh of dragonflies' wings are quite dominant, and these edges are sharp in your photograph, too.

I'd not be suprised if the algorithms used by your camera got "attracted" by these edges. It might be worth it to try different targets (like uniform graph paper) under controlled conditions (with the camera on a tripod) to see if the problem is universal.

Regards,

Henning
 
Hi,

From using my FZ1000 in manual focusing mode with a "sharp edge highlighting" kind of live view, it's my impression that the edges of the mesh of dragonflies' wings are quite dominant, and these edges are sharp in your photograph, too.

I'd not be suprised if the algorithms used by your camera got "attracted" by these edges. It might be worth it to try different targets (like uniform graph paper) under controlled conditions (with the camera on a tripod) to see if the problem is universal.

Regards,

Henning

If that would be the case, still the AF-point(s) in-focus should have a red frame I suppose. But I'm not 100% into Canon and how they do things.

What I can see is that TS is using AF point expansion (AF-Area select mode) which means that 4 (or even 8) points around the center point might be engaged in the focusing acquirement.

So for more precise selection of focus point "Single Point AF" might be an alternative.
Still there could be a back-focusing issue though.

Setting up things in a controlled environment as you say is a very good advice btw.
 
Last edited:
Hi,

If that would be the case, still the AF-point(s) in-focus should have a red frame I suppose. But I'm not 100% into Canon and how they do things.

What I can see is that TS is using AF point expansion (AF-Area select mode) which means that 4 (or even 8) points around the center point might be engaged in the focusing acquirement.

I wouldn't necessarily take symbolic representation "literally" - these algorithms probably are way more flexible than the red frame suggests.

In fact, your excellent point regarding "AF point expansion" shows there's some advanced stuff going on that the symbolic representation sort of glossed over :)

I'd say the exansion would be consistent with the autofocus detecting lots of useful edges in the frames to the left and right of the central frame, and focusing on these.

Regards,

Henning
 
What I can see in your EXIF data are two things:

1) You have surrounding AF points enabled. I would turn these off completely where this type of high-precision focusing is needed with smaller subjects. While you may have the center point selected, the AF system may apply another point if there is not enough contrast for the selected AF point. I am not 100% certain, but I don't think DPP shows the exact point if it is an assist point. In any case, select spot-AF, the little box within the AF point, that will give you the most accurate AF point.

2) Use a lens calibration tool and fix the microadjustment. That could also be a problem, as I can see you have a value of 5 in AF microadjustment. I, personally, never had to microadjust any Canon lens with my 1Dx MkII that is my main body right now. I also never needed to do MA on any other Canon EOS body with a Canon EF lens. Not to say, that it is always the case. However, my new Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sport needed +2 at 500mm, +4 at 500mm + 1/4xTC and +6 at 500mm + 2xTC. So be sure your camera needs the MA done!

I do think it is most likely the first point with the surround assist points. I ONLY EVER use the 9 points or the 5 points (both 9 and 5 include the selected AF point) if I am shooting a flying bird against a clear background (EG. sky).

Best of luck!
 
Hi All,

Of late i am really struggling with my 7dmk11 and 100-400 is usm mk11 lens
The attached picture taken recently, using single focal point and the camera indicating focus achieved gives me this result.

Its obvious the focal point sits right over the subject and with the camera indicating focus achieved i don't understand as to why the result is as it is.

Happy to accept finger/setting trouble but is this a lens issues?

Was this shot handheld or on a tripod? If handheld I'd immediately suspect a slight movement between acquiring focus and releasing the shutter - the depth of field is so shallow it wouldn't take much movement and that's a heavy enough lens
 
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