topic Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

amatula — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 02:21:59 GMT

Hi,

I had problems with getting people in focus and I posted on that; the problem is also wtih landscape. Even when other photographers use my camera this happens.

In the attached image (non-modified other than to decrease the photo size), I used the following settings:

high quality image (L)

spot metering

ISO 100

Speed: 200

Focused on the mountains

With image stabilization on

Auto focus on

I can provide other photos, but they are all the same basically; with not being able to get good image quality/focus.

I am hand holding the camera as I am hiking. I hike and take photos so I am not going to be carrying a tripod; I am using high speeds (over 100).

I did not have this issue with my SLR cameras.

I really need a camera where it is easier to have good focus images. Would a 3/4s be better or is there another model that would be better? If I lose a bit of image quality that is OK. But I want/need focus.

Thank you for any insight/suggestions you can offer.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

Waddizzle — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 12:41:50 GMT

@amatula wrote:
Hi,

I had problems with getting people in focus and I posted on that; the problem is also wtih landscape. Even when other photographers use my camera this happens.

In the attached image (non-modified other than to decrease the photo size), I used the following settings:

high quality image (L)
spot metering
ISO 100
F8
Speed: 200
Focused on the mountains
With image stabilization on
Auto focus on

I can provide other photos, but they are all the same basically; with not being able to get good image quality/focus.
I am hand holding the camera as I am hiking. I hike and take photos so I am not going to be carrying a tripod; I am using high speeds (over 100).

I did not have this issue with my SLR cameras.

I really need a camera where it is easier to have good focus images. Would a 3/4s be better or is there another model that would be better? If I lose a bit of image quality that is OK. But I want/need focus.

Thank you for any insight/suggestions you can offer.

The mountains seem to be in focus. Your shutter speed [1/200] is not quite fast enough to freeze all camera motion. You may be getting some vibration from the shutter mechanism. I think tripods are essential for landscape photos.

Where is the problem in the photograph? Some zoom lenses tend to produce softer images at the upper or lower limit of their zoom range. Are you familiar with Depth Of Field?

http://www.dofmaster.com/doftable.html

I believe you are using the lens that came with the camera in a camera kit. It is not one of Canon's best lenses. If you do use that lens on a tripod, be sure to turn off the IS. BTW, I see nothing that jumps out at me as wrong with the photo.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

jrhoffman75 — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 12:55:09 GMT

I downloaded and looked at the image in DPP4. I think it looks fine given the small file size (1.3MB).

When I am hiking I use a hiking pole with a tripod screw on top. If I need to steady the camera I can use the pole as a monopod.

In general 1/200 sec shutter speed should be adequate for handholding a 55mm lens, but depending on how hard you were exerting your self you could be having more than normal body motion from breathing.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

TTMartin — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 13:30:12 GMT

@amatula wrote:

spot metering

I would suggest you use Evaluative metering. It is very good and works very well for this type of photography.

@amatula wrote:

Focused on the mountains

When shooting landscapes you want to focus about 1/3 of the way into the scene so your focus point should have been on the pine trees or the rock on the green area up hill of the snow in the foreground.

Your aperture of f/8 may not give you enough depth of field for the whole scene to be in focus. I would have used f/11.

As for your shutter speed it was fine.

@amatula wrote:

I did not have this issue with my SLR cameras.

This is because you were evaluting the pictures from your SLR as reasonable sized prints. When you look at the photo from you dSLR on the computer screen it is like looking at a 3 foot x 5 foot print from 18" away. I would suggest you get some of your photos actually printed out if you want to compare them to your SLR output.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

amatula — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 13:33:00 GMT

Hi,

Thank you (and John),

What lens do you suggest? I can demo it.

I am a hiker who takes photos --carrying around a tripod is too much. I just want nice photos that are in focus.

If a compact or 3/4 is better suuted, I'd go with that.

Thank you, agian,

Annie

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

Waddizzle — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 13:37:23 GMT

@amatula wrote:
Hi,
Thank you (and John),

What lens do you suggest? I can demo it.

I am a hiker who takes photos --carrying around a tripod is too much. I just want nice photos that are in focus.
If a compact or 3/4 is better suuted, I'd go with that.

Thank you, agian,
Annie

I think the problem has less to do with the camera or lens, and more to do with your technique. A smaller camera, with a smaller sensor, will generally not give you better photos.

Again, I think the shots look fine. What resolution are you shooting at? What file format [JPEG or RAW] are you saving at?

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

TTMartin — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 14:57:29 GMT

@amatula wrote:

I am a hiker who takes photos --carrying around a tripod is too much. I just want nice photos that are in focus.
If a compact or 3/4 is better suuted, I'd go with that.

The Canon SL1 is ideal for your usage and is more than capable of producing outstanding photos with the STM kit lens.

Just follow the suggestions given.

Use evaluative metering.

Use f/11 instead of f/8

Focus 1/3 of the way into the scene.

Have some prints of your photos made so you have something to compare apples to apples with your SLR.

Walmart charges under $3 for an 8X10 print. If you use their online service (not the in store kiosks) it is printed using a laser photo process on top of the line Fuji Crystal Achive paper. Another good choice is Costco if you are a member and one is near by.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

TTMartin — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 15:01:19 GMT

Waddizzle wrote:

I believe you are using the lens that came with the camera in a camera kit. It is not one of Canon's best lenses. If you do use that lens on a tripod, be sure to turn off the IS. BTW, I see nothing that jumps out at me as wrong with the photo.

The SL1 is normally kitted with the EF-S 18-55 IS STM lens. It actually has very good image quality and is light weight. The only reason to go with another lens is if she is not happy with the focal range. (i.e. not wide enough).

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

ebiggs1 — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 15:45:18 GMT

"I downloaded and looked at the image ~~in DPP4~~ in Photoshop.. I think it looks fine given the small file size."

I agree with jrhoffman. This is about as good as it gets with your gear and it's not that bad.

"When I am hiking I use a hiking pole with a tripod screw on top. If I need to steady the camera I can use the pole as a monopod."

I disagree with jrhoffman on this part. Of course what he suggests can't hurt, it just isn't really necessary but it probably does provide a little better result. I did this type stuff for decades for hire as my business. I rarely to never used a tripod.

"In general 1/200 sec shutter speed should be adequate for handholding a 55mm lens,..." Absolutely, this is spot on.

"... but depending on how hard you were exerting your self you could be having more than normal body motion from breathing." Again, absolutely, this is spot on, too.

Let's say you are only concerned with 'normal' sized viewing or prints. True? Then a micro four thirds, or APS-C or even a FF will do nicely for you. Even a camera like the G16 or G1x will make very nice shots. If on-the-other-hand, if you require larger prints, than a FF is the way to go.

The problem with the smaller sensors like micro four thirds or APS-C is getting really WA lenses. The Rebel family has a factor of 1.6 but a micro four third has a factor of 2. The advantage is they, like the G16, are smaller and lighter. Maybe a plus for a hiker?

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

TTMartin — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 16:32:43 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:

The Rebel family has a factor of 1.6 but a micro four third has a factor of 2. The advantage is they, like the G16, are smaller and lighter. Maybe a plus for a hiker?

The SL1 is the best mix of the two. It was designed as a high tech carbon fiber higher end light weight dSLR. It is hard to find a package that gives you a better combination of light weight and image quality than the SL1 with its EF-S 18-55 IS STM kit lens.

The combination weighs just 612g. Only 60g more than the Powershot G1X Mk II. While it is not quite twice the weight of the G16 it's image sensor is 8 times larger.

She has the right camera and lens combination for her type of photography!!!

And if she wants a ultra-wide angle lens, the EF-S 10-18 IS STM is only 240g, and goes much wider than the G16 or even the G1X Mk II can.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

Waddizzle — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 17:06:32 GMT

@TTMartin wrote:
@ebiggs1 wrote:

The Rebel family has a factor of 1.6 but a micro four third has a factor of 2. The advantage is they, like the G16, are smaller and lighter. Maybe a plus for a hiker?
The SL1 is the best mix of the two. It was designed as a high tech carbon fiber higher end light weight dSLR. It is hard to find a package that gives you a better combination of light weight and image quality than the SL1 with its EF-S 18-55 IS STM kit lens.

The combination weighs just 612g. Only 60g more than the Powershot G1X Mk II. While it is not quite twice the weight of the G16 it's image sensor is 8 times larger.

She has the right camera and lens combination for her type of photography!!!

And if she wants a ultra-wide angle lens, the EF-S 10-18 IS STM is only 240g, and goes much wider than the G16 or even the G1X Mk II can.

The weight of the Canon M3 is in the same ballpark. The current EF-M lens line leaves much to be desired. But, when paired with an EF/EF-S adapter, your choice of lenses opens up. IQ is pretty good because of its/ 24MP, APS-C sensor. The camera is a sleeper, and an excellent alternative to a DSLR when you want to travel light and small.

I have used the M3, with adapter, with the Canon "pancake" lenses with excellent results. After buying it, however, I used with a Rokinon 14mm manual focus lens, and discovered the camera has focus peaking in its' LCD display. There are third party adapters available for several lens mounts to be used with the M3.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

TTMartin — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 17:23:23 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:
@TTMartin wrote:
@ebiggs1 wrote:

The Rebel family has a factor of 1.6 but a micro four third has a factor of 2. The advantage is they, like the G16, are smaller and lighter. Maybe a plus for a hiker?
The SL1 is the best mix of the two. It was designed as a high tech carbon fiber higher end light weight dSLR. It is hard to find a package that gives you a better combination of light weight and image quality than the SL1 with its EF-S 18-55 IS STM kit lens.

The combination weighs just 612g. Only 60g more than the Powershot G1X Mk II. While it is not quite twice the weight of the G16 it's image sensor is 8 times larger.

She has the right camera and lens combination for her type of photography!!!

And if she wants a ultra-wide angle lens, the EF-S 10-18 IS STM is only 240g, and goes much wider than the G16 or even the G1X Mk II can.

The weight of the Canon M3 is in the same ballpark. The current EF-M lens line leaves much to be desired. But, when paired with an EF/EF-S adapter, your choice of lenses opens up. IQ is pretty good because of its/ 24MP, APS-C sensor. The camera is a sleeper, and an excellent alternative to a DSLR when you want to travel light and small.

I have used the M3, with adapter, with the Canon "pancake" lenses with excellent results. After buying it, however, I used with a Rokinon 14mm manual focus lens, and discovered the camera has focus peaking in its' LCD display. There are third party adapters available for several lens mounts to be used with the M3.

None of the cameras mention provide enough of and advantage for someone to sell their existing Canon SL1 and buy a different camera. Yes, the EOS M3 provides similar performance at a similar weight, but, what would be the motivation to sell the one to get the other?

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

RobertTheFat — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 17:25:45 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:

I have used the M3, with adapter, with the Canon "pancake" lenses with excellent results. After buying it, however, I used with a Rokinon 14mm manual focus lens, and discovered the camera has focus peaking in its' LCD display. ...

It's summer, and I'm reminded that any feature that requires you to use the LCD display isn't much use on a really bright day.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

Waddizzle — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 17:27:37 GMT

"None of the cameras mention provide enough of and advantage for someone to sell their existing Canon SL1 and buy a different camera. Yes, the EOS M3 provides similar performance at a similar weight, but, what would be the motivation to sell the one to get the other?"

None. You're the one who began comparing cameras. No one suggested buying a new camera. Just comparing the different products from Canon, each of which fills its' own niche.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

TTMartin — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 17:44:58 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:
"None of the cameras mention provide enough of and advantage for someone to sell their existing Canon SL1 and buy a different camera. Yes, the EOS M3 provides similar performance at a similar weight, but, what would be the motivation to sell the one to get the other?"

None. You're the one who began comparing cameras. No one suggested buying a new camera. Just comparing the different products from Canon, each of which fills its' own niche.

Comparing cameras, yes. Comparing the camera she already has, to cameras someone else recommended.

She doesn't need a new camera or even a new lens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She doesn't have to throw money at her 'problem'. She just needs to develop her skills with the gear she has.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

Waddizzle — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 17:55:50 GMT

@TTMartin wrote:
@Waddizzle wrote:
"None of the cameras mention provide enough of and advantage for someone to sell their existing Canon SL1 and buy a different camera. Yes, the EOS M3 provides similar performance at a similar weight, but, what would be the motivation to sell the one to get the other?"

None. You're the one who began comparing cameras. No one suggested buying a new camera. Just comparing the different products from Canon, each of which fills its' own niche.
Comparing cameras, yes. Comparing the camera she already has, to cameras someone else recommended.

She doesn't need a new camera or even a new lens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She doesn't have to throw money at her 'problem'. She just needs to develop her skills with the gear she has.

I don't think anyone suggested buying a new lens, either, except for you bringing it up.

"She has the right camera and lens combination for her type of photography!!!

And if she wants a ultra-wide angle lens, the EF-S 10-18 IS STM is only 240g, and goes much wider than the G16 or even the G1X Mk II can."

Like I said, I have just been comparing stuff.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

TTMartin — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 17:56:46 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:
@TTMartin wrote:
@Waddizzle wrote:
"None of the cameras mention provide enough of and advantage for someone to sell their existing Canon SL1 and buy a different camera. Yes, the EOS M3 provides similar performance at a similar weight, but, what would be the motivation to sell the one to get the other?"

None. You're the one who began comparing cameras. No one suggested buying a new camera. Just comparing the different products from Canon, each of which fills its' own niche.
Comparing cameras, yes. Comparing the camera she already has, to cameras someone else recommended.

She doesn't need a new camera or even a new lens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She doesn't have to throw money at her 'problem'. She just needs to develop her skills with the gear she has.
I don't think anyone suggested buying a new lens, either, except for you bringing it up. Like I said, just comparing stuff.

Why compare stuff except to show the OP doesn't need to buy anything new.

Otherwise, 'just comparing stuff' just muddies the waters for the OP. Who might come away from your comparison that she does need new gear when she most definitely does NOT.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

Waddizzle — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 17:58:53 GMT

"Why compare stuff except to show the OP doesn't need to buy anything new.

Otherwise, 'just comparing stuff' just muddies the waters for the OP. Who might come away from your comparison that she does need new gear when she most definitely does NOT."

I simply followed your lead. You should read your own posts, too.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

Waddizzle — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 18:01:05 GMT

@RobertTheFat wrote:
@Waddizzle wrote:

I have used the M3, with adapter, with the Canon "pancake" lenses with excellent results. After buying it, however, I used with a Rokinon 14mm manual focus lens, and discovered the camera has focus peaking in its' LCD display. ...
It's summer, and I'm reminded that any feature that requires you to use the LCD display isn't much use on a really bright day.

Which is why I took advantage of the package that offered the electronic viewfinder. Like I said, I discovered the focus peaking after began using it.

Re: SL1 Rebel 18-55 IS Lens focus problems

TTMartin — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 18:02:20 GMT

@amatula wrote:

I had problems with getting people in focus and I posted on that; the problem is also wtih landscape.

Anyone who thinks they have a focus issue with their camera, should first watch these videos by Canon's Rudy Wilson (at least the first two).

A Look at The Canon Autofocus System Part 1

A Look at The Canon Autofocus System Part 2

A Look at The Canon Autofocus System Part 3