Today I returned my 70-200 and picked up the 200 F2.8. No problem with this lens, and actually I think I prefer its handling. Seems like a wonderful lens. Maybe that 70-200 was just the defective part.
DavidP wrote:
>...
I think this is, in large part, why people say that a lens is better stopped down by about a stop. It's not just that the MTF improves, but that the inherent focusing errors (whether by AF or MF) are hidden by stopping down.
Wise words, and echoes the maxim "F/8 and be there".
Buying the D30 solved many problems with my earlier CP-900. Shallow DOF is possible on a big sensor, and opens artistic options. However, it also pushes the AF and mechanical tolerance to the limit. Even over the limit for the 10D.
I was feeling quite smug about my D30 until a week ago, when I tested my EF 28/2.8 for someone on another BB. Yup, back focus. I could lock AF repeatedly and it would change its mind - on tripod, pointed at a fixed subject!
For the amusement of the FM BB, I've transferred my test:
http://hq/rico/d30/misc/test28full.jpg
I took five shots, all manual focus: #1 was focussed according to camera in-focus LED at the long end of the range; #2 was like #1, but at the short end; #3 was shorter still by one Hail Mary, and yet shorter for #4 and #5. Camera was aimed at the label on the bottled water. Other settings: center focus point only, ISO 100, f/2.8, 1/20s.
http://hq/rico/d30/misc/test28crop.jpg
Optical performance is the good news. In focus, Canon's cheapo 28mm gives remarkable sharpness and color, even wide open. Unfortunately, you need the 1D to get that focus. At either end of the range selected by my D30 AF, focus was beyond the room (inspect the clock). As they say in show business: "Focus has left the building".
I also have a manual-focus film SLR (with vacuum back), and it has back-focus, too. So, the problem isn't unique to DSLRs. Feel better?
Canonizer wrote:
OK, once I see they have received it, I'll begin calling them. Every day. Perhaps a couple times each day.
Fingers crossed for your delivery tomorrow!
Good luck getting through ;-) I hope they aren't long distance for you or you could rack up some pretty phone bills...
I must say... my first 10D focused very quickly on the wrong spot. The one I have now works very well, and even passes the focus tests with flying colors (which I do every so often... just to make sure ).
I don't think the 10D has a design flaw- the engineers and designers did their jobs very well. I do think Canon's production QC has gone down the crapper recently though- IMO of course. Hopefully they can redeem themselves in the coming months. I feel like they have several advantages over any of their competition, and I'd hate to see them throw that away (and see all the actual photographers getting screwed in the process).
