p.4 #1 · Am I asking too much of a 50d plus 70-200 f/2.8
Regarding both responses:
I've gone through the Micro Adjust process with that lens - the issue that I have is that MA is done on a stationary object. I can get perfect / sharp photos on something stationary - no back or front focus after proper adjustment. I will admit that I haven't re-checked these adjustments since both returned, but I've taken pictures of stationary objects since they've been back, and to my eye are very sharp.
So, again, it's either an AI-Servo problem or a me problem. I can't film my technique, but based on my review of my captures, I'm pretty consistent with keeping the focus point on target. Again, the example below is pre-calibration
7 frames and the "funny" thing is, frame 5 is the sharpest of the bunch and it's one that I look at and think the AF system could've easily picked the white sweater in the background. Maybe I'm interpreting this wrong.
Because there are only 6 kids on each team on the field at this level, I can usually track someone with the ball from mid field to the top of the goal box. I try to not start shooting until the subject fills 25-30% of the frame.
I'm really OK with trying to learn through this, but I had success with a 20d and a 200 2.8 prime using AI-Servo, which I'm assuming was less forgiving that the 50d's focus. I even found success with single shot and an XT when I first started with DSLR's - AI Servo wasn't worth anything but I still found a way to work around it.
So if anyone's got any specific techniques they can suggest, I'm all ears.
Thanks for the response.
kenbennedy wrote:
+1 The girl in this image is just plain old not in focus. There is definitely a plane of sharp focus behind her, visible in the grass. That part of the image is sharp. It is unfortunate that Canon didn't deliver when you sent in your equipment for calibration, but your camera has a feature included specifically to mitigate circumstances like this. I think you really should expend some more effort in adjusting your lens' focus with your camera body. Learn to use the micro focus adjustment, and calibrate your lens for the focal length you use most. Unfortunately complicated pieces of high tech equipment like this have a bit of a learning curve.
And I would like to reiterate that a subject moving quickly directly towards or away from you is definitely the most challenging circumstance for the camera's AF. You should be able to get an in focus shot, but you will still have some misses. ...Show more →
p.4 #2 · Am I asking too much of a 50d plus 70-200 f/2.8
Maybe "backfocusing" is not quite right, then. It just missed the focus/was out of focus when the shutter was pressed. Yes, micro focus adjust is done with a static subject; once you have done that, you have to get your camera AF to agree with what you want (sometimes easier said than done with moving subjects). Kudos then for bothering to learn to use your equipment properly (hopefully you did not take offense to my earlier post). Unfortunately I don't do a lot of this type of shooting, so hopefully some that do will chime in with some more useful techniques. The only thing I would add based on what was said already is perhaps the camera never locked focus (for this burst, e.g.), and that explains why none of the pictures are focused properly. I would think, though, based on your description of your technique/experience that you would have more keepers (since you had success previously with the 20d, and since you track your daughter for almost a whole length of the field before firing).
AI-servo is the correct choice, as it will continually attempt to maintain focus with the active focus point. I would have also put the focus point on her shirt, as it is the largest/easiest target on her body as she is moving. Keeping it on her face would probably be a losing battle, but perhaps you can try and see if that helps. And FWIW you should have plenty of DOF at f/2.8 at these distances. I think what's required is a combination of working within your camera's capabilities and developing a robust shooting technique.
And not to add too much info, but dont forget the camera cannot AF with the mirror up, so you might consider taking fewer frames, and giving the camera a bit longer to recover focus between exposures. Good luck, and keep us posted.
p.4 #3 · Am I asking too much of a 50d plus 70-200 f/2.8
Thanks for the message:
kenbennedy wrote:
Maybe "backfocusing" is not quite right, then. It just missed the focus/was out of focus when the shutter was pressed. Yes, micro focus adjust is done with a static subject; once you have done that, you have to get your camera AF to agree with what you want (sometimes easier said than done with moving subjects). Kudos then for bothering to learn to use your equipment properly (hopefully you did not take offense to my earlier post). .
No offense taken - really just trying to figure it out and there are lots of people a heck of a lot better than I at photography around here. I'll recheck the micro adjust but think I'll find it right on with stationary targets.
And not to add too much info, but dont forget the camera cannot AF with the mirror up, so you might consider taking fewer frames, and giving the camera a bit longer to recover focus between exposures. Good luck, and keep us posted.
Pre-canon calibration, I slowed the drive from H-Burst to normal burst (I think that gets me 3 FPS or something like that. I'll run that test again.
Weather pending I'm going to try to eliminate the chance that it is the uniforms causing the problem and make the kids run around in something with high contrast - like an orange cotton shirt with a black logo or something.
