50mm 1.8 focus problem

[JacoMedia0113]

Whenever I focus automatically with the viewfinder, it doesnt actually focus where it says it will. For example, I tested this out with a roof and focused on the chimney and saw the red flashes indicating where the camera is focusing. It also looked perfectly in focus in the veiwfinder. When I took the shot and saw where the focus point was, it was about 10 feet closer to me than the chimney. Then I went to the lcd screen and focused the same way on the chimney and it focused perfectly. I tried this on other lenses and its only the canon 50 1.8. Its really not that expensive so I might get a new one or if you recommend a better 50mm lens. I use a canon 6d btw if that helps. Thanks.

[RobertTheFat]

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@JacoMedia0113 wrote:

Whenever I focus automatically with the viewfinder, it doesnt actually focus where it says it will. For example, I tested this out with a roof and focused on the chimney and saw the red flashes indicating where the camera is focusing. It also looked perfectly in focus in the veiwfinder. When I took the shot and saw where the focus point was, it was about 10 feet closer to me than the chimney. Then I went to the lcd screen and focused the same way on the chimney and it focused perfectly. I tried this on other lenses and its only the canon 50 1.8. Its really not that expensive so I might get a new one or if you recommend a better 50mm lens. I use a canon 6d btw if that helps. Thanks.

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Your lens is front-focusing. Fortunately, that can be corrected by an adjustment in your camera. Dig out or download the camera's instruction manual (making sure that it's not an abbreviated version) and read up on "autofocus microadjustment".

[JacoMedia0113]

Thanks for your feedback. Im hoping I wont have to take it in to be seen

[jrhoffman75]

What camera model?

[JacoMedia0113]

This may sound weird but Im actually in Boston right now visiting. Im hoping to go to the leica store. Do you have any recommendation as to where to go with family and for photography. Id like to take unique photos not just the ones you see on google images. Im thinking acorn street or the outdoor library but idk. Thanks

[JacoMedia0113]

A 6d

[jrhoffman75]

Then you can AFMA. If it was a Rebel you couldn't.

http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2011/af_microadjustment_article.shtml

[TTMartin]

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@jrhoffman75 wrote:

Then you can AFMA. If it was a Rebel you couldn't.

http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2011/af_microadjustment_article.shtml

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If it is an older EF 50mm f/1.8 and not an STM version, even AFMA may not help as those older lenses had inconsistant focus.

If you don't have the STM version spend the $90 and get one.

EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Refurbished

[JacoMedia0113]

Yes its the stm. I would never put a bad set of glass in front of a 6d lol

[ebiggs1]

AFMA is a correction of the marginal errors found in an auto focus system so that it functions closer to perfect.  I am not as sure that 10 feet qualifies!  Having never owned a 6D I can not say exactly how much AFMA it has but the lenses I ever corrected were less than 10 inches, not 10 feet.