70-200 2.8 - Focusing Issue

[sarahr_7]

Hi all - 

I have been having some issues with this lens (70-200 2.8 IS ii). These examples were shot at f/ 2.8 and when you zoom in, you can see that really there is nothing in focus. It appears like a total lack of focal plane. I use back button auto focus + single point and focus on the eyes. 

Here is the original photo

Camera: Canon 70d 

Settings: 

• Manual Mode
• ISO: 250
• 182mm
• f/3.2
• 1/5000s

Focus: 

• one shot 
• center focus point

Distance: 

• Probably about 10-15 away 
• I switched between 1.2-infinity and 2.5-infinity but both gave me the same results

When I use live view, I am able to get a crisp photo. I just wish I could get the same resutls with the viewfinder. (When I look the viewfinder, the photo looks sharp, but when I look at it - it comes out like this). 

Any tips or advice for shooting with this lens and nailing focus would be greatly appreciated!

P.S: The lens has been calibrated (at home) and the photos still come out like this:

And this is with Live View: 

[ebiggs1]

Now the truth about AFMA.  It does not make, not one tiny bit, you lens any sharper.  This is impossible unless a mechanical part is changed, removed or replaced, once the lens is constructed.  What it does is move the critical focus point in or out.  You can get it so far off you are not actually focusing on what you think you are. Set it back to zero and do my test.

[sarahr_7]

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@ebiggs1 wrote:

"P.S: The lens has been calibrated (at home) and the photos still come out like this:"

This is almost assuredly the issue.  People misuse this feature all the time.  Set it back to zero. Now reset the 70D to factory. Menus, tools, clear all settings and clear all custom settings.  Now set the 70D to "P" mode. Set ISO to 200 and daylight WB. Use One shot and do not use BBF or Ai-servo. Do use just the center focus point.  Now tale some random shots out side on a nice sunny day.  Make sure there are some vertical lines in you test sample shots like trees or a fence or buildings, etc.

If it works, it works and you set or set something incorrectly. If you still get OOF shots call Canon.1 (800) 652-2666 Set up a  C&C for the lens.

BTW, you always shoot Raw?  Not absolutely necessary for this test but it is in your normal work. 

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Okay - will do! Thank you! 

And yes, always shooting in RAW 🙂 

[sarahr_7]

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@Waddizzle wrote:

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Thanks, for the clear and concise answers.  I agree with the others.  Zero out the AFMA settings.  Leave it cleared out.

Making those adjustments should be a last resort, not a first option.  It is easier to come up with a bad set of numbers than a good set.  It is a deceptively difficult task.  I am not saying it is hard, just that it is not easy to do.  It can test your skills just as much the gear.

You are also working with a very narrow Depth of Field, too.  

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Okay, thank you! I will clear them out and see if I can get better results!