topic Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

Bevereeno — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 16:57:34 GMT

Hi All,

I recently purchased one of these body + lens kits but I’m finding huge variance in focus/sharpness when shooting landscapes (in full auto mode). Some shots come out great but others clearly fail - anyone else using this setup and has some tips? I went ahead with the purchase as the reviews looked solid - but so far - I’m not seeing good results.

All thoughts and advice greatly appreciated.

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

kvbarkley — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 17:42:33 GMT

How are you focusing?

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

Bevereeno — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 17:48:58 GMT

I’m using AF area selection mode - so depending on the scene - I get multiple “square regions” in the FoV or sometimes just one.

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

BurnUnit — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 17:50:35 GMT

Are you familiar with how shutter speed and aperture affect focus and depth of field? Shooting in auto mode usually produces at least acceptable results in good lighting conditions. But sometimes it can also jump up and bite you in the backside.

Can you maybe post a couple sample shots with the EXIF info intact so we can see exactly what your shooting conditions were like?

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

Bevereeno — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 18:18:48 GMT

Yes, I am familiar with exposure/F#/Depth etc. I'm attaching one shot where it has clearly selected the foreground but the viewfinder indicated multile regions. Its strange as my previous Canon (old Rebel XS) never let me down for AF. With that camera at times I had to manually adjust F# and ISO when I didnt like the Auto result. - but never focus/sharpness. So with my upgrade I thought using Auto would be at least as good if not better than the older cam...

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

kvbarkley — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 18:47:36 GMT

Can you put in DPP and show us the focus points with a screenshot?

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

Bevereeno — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 19:23:44 GMT

Sorry - I'm lost there with DPP?. Attaching another shot where the AF was fine. Like i say - I was using an older Rebel XS and never had issues with the AF. But that wasn't a full frame sensor - do you guys have better luck using manual focus? I've not tried low light/night yet but not confident this will deliver AF wise..I'm confident adjusting exposure and ISO though to get what I want in the respect.

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

Bevereeno — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 19:24:24 GMT

*that respect

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

Waddizzle — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 19:49:20 GMT

You are using a full frame sensor, so you can expect narrower DoF. Get out of Auto mode. Use Av, and set aperture for f/8 to f/16. Use a tripod, your wide angle lens, and ISO 100.

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

Bevereeno — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 20:25:24 GMT

Thanks for the shout - I'm always on a tripod - so next up is to try Av mode. Cheers

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

Waddizzle — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 23:35:03 GMT

@Bevereeno wrote:
Thanks for the shout - I'm always on a tripod - so next up is to try Av mode. Cheers

Tripod is good. Use One Shot auto focus mode, and Single Shot drive mode. Remember to use ISO 100 for low noise.

Manually select just the center AF point, too. Never allow the camera to focus on whatever it wants, because it will usually select the closest thing to the camera that is covered by an AF point.

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

BurnUnit — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 14:35:22 GMT

If you're shooting in Auto mode, are you using the Green Square or the P (Program) mode? The Green Square leaves you with almost no choices to make. Using Program mode will give you at least some control over more camera settings.

As mentioned already, A/V mode with a tripod is probably your best bet at least for shots like the two you've posted above. Then work with a single AF point, either in the center or wherever the main subject is in your frame. Your first shot has a lot of small details but not a lot of contrast in those areas. I think the camera got a bit confused when you asked it to select multiple AF points for you.

If you need more DOF don't be afraid to stop down a bit more and raise your ISO if needed. Your Rebel XS may have balked at higher ISOs but a 5D should have no problem dealing with ISO 400, 800, or even higher.

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

Bevereeno — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 19:11:40 GMT

Thanks for the advice guys - I really appreciate it.

Cheers

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

BurnUnit — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 13:43:14 GMT

@Bevereeno wrote:
Sorry - I'm lost there with DPP?...

It sounds like you've yet to experiment with DPP (Digital Photo Professional), Canon's RAW editing software. Keep it in the back of your mind for when you get more comfortable with the complexities of your new camera. You've made a pretty big jump from the Rebel XS to the 5D. But try shooting in RAW or RAW+jpeg and set aside some time to try editing some RAW files in DPP. It's amazing the amount of shadow detail and contrast you can pull out of an otherwise flat, lifeless looking image.

Re: 5D Mark IV plus EF 24-105 f/4L Kit

ebiggs1 — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 15:38:36 GMT

I also recommend you get DPP4 or some other (better) post editor. For great photos an editor is mandatory. Certainly anyone who drops the coin on a 5D Mk IV wants great photos. A subscription to LR/PS would be best.

I almost never use multiple focus point preferring to use just the center one most of the time. Your 5D4 will typically select the closest thing from it for pin point focus. Almost never a good thing! P mode or even the green square isn't the problem multiple points is.

BTW, always shoot Raw file format, too.