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

[Bevereeno]

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.

[Waddizzle]

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@Bevereeno wrote:

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

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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.

[BurnUnit]

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.

[Bevereeno]

Thanks for the advice guys - I really appreciate it.

Cheers

[BurnUnit]

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@Bevereeno wrote:

Sorry - I'm lost there with DPP?...

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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.

[ebiggs1]

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.