EF 50mm 1.8 on DSLRs: Accurate AF without fine-tuning?

[damatka5]

Is accurate AF possible with this lens? I am on my second copy. Second more accurate than first, but still not brilliant. I can't fine-tune the AF on my 5D Mk I.

Other lenses focus well on this body, but none of the Canon 50mm lenses I've tried - the 1.8 II, the 1.4 USM and now this - do. I don't want a Sigma Art lens that is as big as a zoom.

I like the 50mm field of view, and the fast aperture comes in useful in the gloomy UK. But I might have to return to the 40mm 2.8 pancake, which has excellent performance - it's just a bit too wide and 2.8 is sometimes limiting. (Yes, I know the 50mm 1.8 isn't sharp wide open. I often close the aperture down. The problem is AF accuracy - often back focusing.)

It is worth trying another copy? Or is this lens meh?

[ebiggs1]

"Who said anything about making a focus adjustment besides you?"

The OP did, that's who! " I can't fine-tune the AF on my 5D Mk I."

The point is, if it is found to be true there's nothing the OP can do about it. So, what good will that do unless you just like messing around with tripods and cereal boxes. ? Plus even if found to be true, I doubt it is cost effective if sent to Canon, they still will do a camera/lens adjustment and correction on a 5D. Some early models (ef 50mm f1.8) have such large increments in the AF motor that adjustments aren't even possible. The vast majority are fine as is.

[Waddizzle]

” I suggest that you test the camera and lens combo.  If you have an available tripod, use it.  “

As mt esteemed colleague pointed out in earlier post, the odds of getting two lenses with near identical flaws is pretty small.

There is something else going on.  Test your gear very carefully.