Canon R8 Soft Photos but Sharp Video

[aarphotos]

I have over 15 years experience in sports photography. I currently shoot with the R3 and R5 professionally. I picked up the R8 recently to have a body to shoot friends and family's kids sports games for fun. I shoot with the RF to EF adapter to my 300mm 2.8 and 400mm 2.8 lenses. I've tried multiple combinations of AF, shutter, file settings etc. All my photos seem like they've either focused just in front of my subject or sometimes nailing focus but really soft. I switch to video and they turn out tack sharp. I've tried still photos and it just doesn't doesn't look sharp. I use the same adapter and lenses with my R3 and R5 without this issue. Is this just the R8 not having a full mechanical shutter? Should I try to the R7? 

[kvbarkley]

The R7 of course is an APS-C sized frame.

Can you share some examples?

How are you determining "softness"

[aarphotos]

I’m comparing softness to how I know my lenses can perform on other bodies; adapted or straight to EF mount. I’ve shot with most of Canon’s “pro” lineups in my career. My lenses are sharp. I know the R7 is APS-C. But I know it has a mechanical shutter. Just looking to bring around an R8/R7 type body to these types of games. I’m wondering if it’s more of a mechanical vs electronic shutter issue. 

[p4pictures]

I do wonder if the smaller battery in the R8 is able to drive the 300mm f/2.8 and 400mm f/2.8 lenses at their optimum speed. 

One thought I have is to try using a large capacity power bank connected to the USB-C port on the R8 to provide a bit more juice.

[aarphotos]

This is actually a really interesting idea! I did feel like maybe the focus motor was a tad bit behind but never thought the battery could be the culprit. I’ll try the USB-C idea. 

[stevet1]

aarphotos,

Is it possible that the R8 not having IBIS, whereas your other R cameras do, might have something to do with it? 

Steve Thomas

[aarphotos]

I don’t think that would be the issue. IBIS or IS on the lens isn’t needed at high shutter speeds. 

[kNOCKINGNEWS]

I have noticed the same. Video i have not tried but still is softer then my canon m50 . I have returned my 100-400 lens due to soft focus problem . I tried canon ef lenses too with adaptor.