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Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

droge
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

I'm having some troubles getting sharp images with the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM. Obviously it's a 20+ year old lens so it's not going to be in it's prime but I'm having troubles getting any kind of usable images with it lately. Any suggestions? Also just looking for an explanation/possible diagnosis of the problem. Thanks!

Here's a link to 2 examples https://imgur.com/a/ETFRpPt

Aug 28, 2023 at 08:58 PM

EB-1
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

Those files are quite small, but I don't see the issue. Can you post 100% crops or a RAW file?
If you are using an EF camera make sure the AF is calibrated and of course use adequate shutter speed.
When you say 20 years old do you mean the design or the particular lens?

EBH

Aug 28, 2023 at 09:16 PM

droge
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

I'm unsure how old the actual lens is. Here is a link to the photos cropped in more. https://imgur.com/a/DGwilop

Aug 28, 2023 at 09:20 PM

EB-1
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

That's not right. It looks like something is amiss. Turn off the IS, check for dust or fungus in the light path (it should have the OEM 52mm UV filter) and make sure there is good air.
The first-gen IS big tele lenses were not as good as the 2nd gen (IS II), but still very good. The main differences were in the weight, AF, IS, and the IS II hold up better to TCs.

EBH

Aug 28, 2023 at 09:46 PM

droge
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

Thank you so much for the help. What does "make sure there is good air" mean?

Aug 28, 2023 at 09:52 PM

droge
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

Also, would harsh/midday sun have anything to do with it?

Aug 28, 2023 at 09:59 PM

artsupreme
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

droge wrote:
Also, would harsh/midday sun have anything to do with it?

It could be, but need more information. Body used, shutter speed, ISO, aperture, and how heavy is that crop?

Aug 28, 2023 at 10:25 PM

Uarctos
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

The lens should be just as sharp, unless it has a problem. I had a 500mm f4 IS, around 20 years old, it worked flawless and it was very sharp. I even dropped it on some rocks, bent the barrel and cracked the carbon fiber hood, no impact on the IQ.

Aug 29, 2023 at 05:27 AM

Imagemaster
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

droge wrote:
Thank you so much for the help. What does "make sure there is good air" mean?

---------------------------------------------

droge wrote:
Also, would harsh/midday sun have anything to do with it?

Maybe subscribe to the Upload & Sell Membership to help support this site. Your links don't work for me.

If you want more help, you should upload example images here complete with EXIF.

If you want to know what 'good air' is, you should Google 'heat shimmer'.

Aug 29, 2023 at 10:04 AM

snapsy
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

First step is to troubleshoot between AF vs optical issues. To do that, take test photos in LV using manual focus acquired at the maximum LV magnification.

Aug 29, 2023 at 11:28 AM

armd
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

In my experience, when earlier generation IS lenses started getting “soft” there was usually a problem with the IS system which required a repair. Agree with turning off the IS and doing some tripod/remote shutter shots at appropriate TV.

Aug 29, 2023 at 01:20 PM

Photonadave
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

EB-1 wrote:
That's not right. It looks like something is amiss. Turn off the IS, check for dust or fungus in the light path (it should have the OEM 52mm UV filter) and make sure there is good air.
The first-gen IS big tele lenses were not as good as the 2nd gen (IS II), but still very good. The main differences were in the weight, AF, IS, and the IS II hold up better to TCs.

EBH

I agree that the photos @droge@ posted are soft however I can't tell anything else without more detailed information.

Aug 29, 2023 at 03:20 PM

jedibrain
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

Did you put a protection filter on it, or change to a new type of filter on the front?

These are common causes of soft images on telephoto lenses.

-Brian

Aug 29, 2023 at 09:52 PM

EB-1
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Tips on fixing softness of "old" lens?

jedibrain wrote:
Did you put a protection filter on it, or change to a new type of filter on the front?

These are common causes of soft images on telephoto lenses.

-Brian

The 400/2.8 IS uses an internal 52mm filter, like all the IS first gen and later IS big teles.
The latest lenses have a grayer color, but the older filters work fine.
The 1990s and earlier lenses before IS used an incompatible 48mm filter

EBH

Aug 29, 2023 at 10:03 PM


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