Comments on: Two Factors for Perfect Focus

By: Corry Heinricks

Corry Heinricks — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:43:16 +0000

I appreciated the artice, however basic it may have seemed to some, the description of the different modes was helpful as a reminder, even though I have read my manual many times sometimes just reading someone elses description makes it clearer!! I’ve been frustrated with out of focus shots in group photos with my 50 1.8 and am trying to learn why I’m having issues so all the reading I can do will hopefully help me correct my settings and see what is the best way to get all my subjects in focus. thanks!!!

By: Maisi

Maisi — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 06:42:47 +0000

THanks for the information. I’m embarrassed to say I never knew what “AI Servo” meant!

By: Fred

Fred — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:42:27 +0000

Based on your description of the Canon autofocus modes, you’re not familiar with Nikons AF-A mode that works the same as AI Focus on the Canon cameras. I used to shoot with a Nikon D90 and found this mode to work very well in situations that might change from a static subject to a moving target in the flash of a shutter. So far, I’d say the Nikon system worked better than the Canon AI Focus (I’m using 7D).

Just in case anyone is debating on Canon vs Nikon.

By: Brenda Difford

Brenda Difford — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 20:57:52 +0000

Can I say, as another one of those tiresome beginners, that I found this information really useful and have re-set my camera. I will try out tomorrow. It is just so frustrating not to capture clear sharpe pictures. Another problem is when you are older and the eyesight is not quite as it was you check the LCD and THINK it looks ok. However it is not until you upload the images to computer that the awful truth is plain to see. Keep up the good work because novices like me really, really need you.

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:42:52 +0000

Yes, one of the major parts of good focus is the quality of your lens and its compatibility with your camera. The off brand lenses do a pretty good job considering they do not have the proprietary information on each camera made. I find that the Canon L series lenses are worth every penny for my Canon XSi because Canon knows all of the inside knowledge and can build the lenses to work for their cameras. The L series lenses are very expensive but they auto focus very fast and accurately. One other feature of the better lenses is full time manual focus. In low light, I often will press the shutter down half way and then twist the manual focus ring back and forth to find “the perfect focus”. I believe this is a short coming of the camera, not the lens. So I manually touch up the focus when needed and get a much better success rate. DO NOT TRY THIS ON A LENS THAT DOES NOT LIST THIS AS A FEATURE!!! Most lower cost lenses must be in auto or manual mode and cannot combine them without damage!!!

By: WuFei07

WuFei07 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:48:15 +0000

For Canon 7D owner only:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nBVeWszWrU

By: WuFei07

WuFei07 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:11:29 +0000

Let’s say that this article is a good reminder for people who expect too much for a short article. You can’t learn to get almost perfect to perfect focus by simply reading a 2 paragraph article when there are so much to tell on this subject. As @Rene has listed most of them, I will not list them again.

I’m just giving some personal tips with my Canon 7D. So, let’s say I’m not a pro (with only 2 years of experience with DSLR). But I still hope these guidelines will be useful for some. Bravo for those who have read their user manual because it was printed on this purpose! I know it’s hard and I’ve read it 3 times (for my previous XTi) to understand part of it. It is useful if you want to take profit of your camera.

TIP #1 Get ideal light environment when possible so you can get a faster shutter speed
=> less chance to camera shake
=> less subject movement between the moment you focus the subject and the moment the picture is taken
(this doesn’t apply when you’re in Shutter speed mode)

#2 Get lens with good focusing system. Some people think that having a good camera body is enough to get good pictures. My 7D has a good focusing system but without a good lens with fast and accurate focusing system, it won’t work as good. If you can’t afford a fast-acurate focus lens, at least try to focus on something in the range of distance so when the time comes to focus on the real subject, it will be faster. If you’re not on rush to take your picture, then forget about this preparation.

#3 When possible, ask your subject(s) to remain still when you’re ready, not too much in advance. People WILL move if you take too much time.

#4 Use a tripod and/or a flash in low light/low contrast condition.

#5 Maybe a lot of people already know about this trick, but I recently discovered it a few months ago. When you found that it doesn’t focus accurately as you wish in AF mode, you may try to use the Manual mode. But, the new thing is to press the shutter half-way with the active focus point on the where you want to focus and try to focus manually. When the subject is on focus, you’ll hear a beep sound. It may not work on low-contrast/light condition.

Good luck!

By: Jerome T

Jerome T — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:29:13 +0000

Great article. I use a Canon 40D. When I’m shooting portraits I select a corner focus point on one eye of my subject which helps me frame for the “rule of thirds” and get a sharp focus. This really helps when shooting at F2.8 or more wide open when focus gets more critical.

By: Romina

Romina — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:53:28 +0000

thanks for the article, it was a nice refresher and definitely easier to understand than the manual. this is something i’m having the biggest problem with. most of my shots are out of focus. i have the d40x and am very annoyed with having only 3 focus points. most of the time i have to recompose and that will leave me with a blurry picture. i tried manual focus but i just cant see it. if i’m farther away from my object i just can’t tell if it’s in focus or not, and last time i had my eyes checked they were even better than 20/20. if anyone has any suggestions or links on getting sharp pictures after recomposing i would greatly appreciate it.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:11:27 +0000

Great article.. Every little bit of information helps.