REBEL SL2 FOCUS PROBLEMS

[FTBNLOVER]

I recently purchased a used Rebel 200d.  I planned to use an EF-S 17-85 lens on it.  When I mount this lens, I cannot get a sharp focus.  Same thing with my EF 20-35 lens.  Has anyone else run into this problem, or am I doing something wrong, or does the camera require servicing?  Admittedly, this is a new camera for me.  Thanks very much.

[FTBNLOVER]

I took a few pictures today, using Aperture mode and the AI setting....all shots seem to be fine.  The problem may have rested with the SD card; I used a new one, formatted by this camera....the other card may have been too close to full, and is one I have had for a while.  It probably has been used in a number of cameras.  Hopefully, my difficulty is solved.  Thanks to all who offered advice and comfort...it is really appreciated.

[kvbarkley]

The SD card did not cause "soft" pictures.

[Waddizzle]

The problem is AI Servo focusing. That mode does not wait for a focus lock before firing the shutter, not unless you reprogram the camera.

[FTBNLOVER]

You may be correct, but this was an old card, and let me take about 5 pictures before indicating "card full."  I don't know how long I've hasd that card, or how many cameras it has been in.  If it is the card, that's a simple solution, and I'm grateful for it.  However, I'm going to have the camera checked out anyway.  Thanks for your reply.

[FTBNLOVER]

Thanks for your reply.  You reinforced my never using the AI Servo format.  I only use "One Shot."  

[jrhoffman75]

AI Servo has its place if you are trying to follow a moving subject. 

What you shouldn’t use is AI Focus mode. It is supposed to switch between One Shot and AI Servo depending on whether the subject moves. What frequently happens is that the user moves the camera and the caythinks its subject movement. 

[ebiggs1]

"...my never using the AI Servo format.  I only use "One Shot.""

Never say never. It has its place but I always tell my classes to not use Ai-Servo until they completely understand how their camera works. Obviously you are not there yet but you will be if you try to and continue to learn photography. This also applies to the less automatic modes like Av. They require some photographic knowledge before employing.

[Waddizzle]

Thanks for your reply. You reinforced my never using the AI Servo format. I only use "One Shot."

But, you just said that you used “AI setting”???

[FTBNLOVER]

I used what Canon calls the "A+" setting, and the Aperture-preferred settings to take the pictures.  I have used plenty of Canon models, film and DSLR, but this one is a somewhat different breed...

[ebiggs1]

"...but this one is a somewhat different breed..."

The controls and/or modes may be different but photography is still photography. Does the FTB in your handle refer to the Canon FTb film camera?  Great camera, BTW. Yes, the controls will be different from it.

Start with general stuff with good light and set the SL2 to P mode, ISO 200, and the lens in AF.  Take some shots and check them out. You will quickly learn how the SL2 operates. Then you can try the less automatic modes like Av and Tv, etc.  You'll see it really isn't all that different than your FTb.  Just the way it works.  Show some samples, u/l here, as you progress. I'd like to see them.