Brand new 50 1.2L focus issue

[ImagesByInku]

Ok, so I need some input. I just received my 50 1.2L and took some test shots. It has focus issues as described by many, many people.

My question to all of you is - what would you do? Return the lens and get a different focal lens (35mm 1.4L perhaps?)? Keep it and send it to Canon for calibration? Exchange it for another 50 and keep your fingers crossed?

I'm tempted to send it off to Canon for calibration. Input is appreciated. Thanks!

[JeffreyG]

I can only tell you my experience.

I got a 50L. This one had something really wrong with it and all shots were fuzzy. I've never seen anything like it. It wasn't OOF....it was just all fuzzy. I sent it back.

The second 50L I got consistently backfocussed about 4" at all apertures. This was not the famous focus shift issue....just a straight up backfocus. I sent it back.

Then I bought a 50/1.4. That lens is OK but not super sharp below f/2, and so I tend to use my 35L more.

BTW, if you are struggling with the focus shift issue then exhanging the lens will not make a difference. They all do that, and people's satisfaction with the lens basically hinges on whether or not they shoot in the specific conditions that cause the shift or not.

[Zazoh]

Originally Posted by ImagesByInku

Ok, so I need some input. I just received my 50 1.2L and took some test shots. It has focus issues as described by many, many people.

My question to all of you is - what would you do? Return the lens and get a different focal lens (35mm 1.4L perhaps?)? Keep it and send it to Canon for calibration? Exchange it for another 50 and keep your fingers crossed?

I'm tempted to send it off to Canon for calibration. Input is appreciated. Thanks!

If you are describing the focus shift at 1.2 when using the center focus point, you will not be able to get around it other than the work around to use an alternate focus point.

Why trade for a differnent FL? If you need a 50 and are not happy with the 1.2 you could try the 1.8 or the 1.4.

[kster]

I went through two different 50Ls before returning to the 85L. Like Jeffrey said, they all have the focus shift, it's just part of the lens.

[JeffreyG]

Originally Posted by Zazoh

If you are describing the focus shift at 1.2 when using the center focus point, you will not be able to get around it other than the work around to use an alternate focus point.

Why trade for a differnent FL? If you need a 50 and are not happy with the 1.2 you could try the 1.8 or the 1.4.

The focus shift does not occur at f/1.2, it has to be stopped down a little. Most complaints are from f/1.8 to f/2.8 at distances of 1 - 1.5 meters.

[nicksan]

If you aren't happy with it, send it back. Maybe give another a try?
If it's not good, then perhaps you should stick with the 50 1.4.

Although I don't test any of my lenses to that extent, my lens is fine for my applications. I'm not saying the problems don't exist. I'm just saying I haven't seen it in the types of shots I take so far.

[r1ch]

Originally Posted by ImagesByInku

Ok, so I need some input. I just received my 50 1.2L and took some test shots. It has focus issues as described by many, many people.

My question to all of you is - what would you do? Return the lens and get a different focal lens (35mm 1.4L perhaps?)? Keep it and send it to Canon for calibration? Exchange it for another 50 and keep your fingers crossed?

I'm tempted to send it off to Canon for calibration. Input is appreciated. Thanks!

I have read too many problems sending it back to Canon, it often is not fixed. I have read that you can send the camera and lens in and get very good results.

I sent back my first 50 1.4 lens that had a front focus issue, I figured this out using the focus chart at the bottom of this link http://focustestchart.com/chart.html

The second lens was very good and worked for me. I did not have to send the camera back in. The problem for me sending in the lens and camera back in is that if all your other lenses work and the 50L does not and you have the camera adjusted for this lens, if you upgrade to a new camera, very likely you will have to send the new camera and your 50L back in to have it adjusted.

I would only send camera and lens back if you get serveral copies that exhibit the same problem.

[90c4]

I got rid of mine as well. Even using the alternate focus points didn't seem to make much difference. I'm much happier with my 35L, 85L, and 50 1.4 than I was with the 50 1.2. I tried at least five and they all had the same issues. Really wanted the lens to be decent, but no such luck.

[halfmoonray]

i sent in my 50 for calibration, telling them which camera I use and what seemed to be the problem. They just sent it back to me saying: "We have examined the product according to your request, and it was found that the adjustment of the internal component was incorrect the image was blurred. Electrical adjustments were carried out on the internal component. Other electrical adjustments and inspection and cleaning were carried out."

My initial impression of test shots following calibration were very good. The lens is much better now following calibration.

Using the focus chart, and the middle focus point at wide open, the focus is very good but not tack sharp like some other lenses. However, I did not use a tripod and shutter release.

Using the outermost focus point at wide open, the image focus is just good. I assume fall-off , spherical aberration is typical as the sweet spot on all lenses is in the middle. I would recommend using the middle focus point at wide open. I seldom use the middle focus point. Using the lens at 1.6 with the outer most focus point and in good light without a tripod, I did produce a sharp image. I must say that I was very surprised

Average photoshooting has produced some excellent results. I still want to test the lens in better light, on the tripod and with shutter release using the focusing chart and different focus points. In these tests, any slow shutter release and movement in between focus lock and release can mess up the test.

I am impressed with the lens and more so following calibration. For me it's a keeper, but I am still learning the peculiarities of this lens.

[bildeb0rg]

If you don't like it, just send it back and get something else. Canon won't give a rats a$$ either way, and the 50L archive is ful of great pics that back up their opinion that this is a fine lens.

[mebailey]

Dont send the lens for calibration. By the time you get it back the refund/exchange period will likely be over. Try another 50L or try another lens.

[FretNoMore]

Originally Posted by bildeb0rg

If you don't like it, just send it back and get something else. Canon won't give a rats a$$ either way, and the 50L archive is ful of great pics that back up their opinion that this is a fine lens.

It's a fine lens in most respects but it does have the focus shift that you need to know about.

Personally I'm not spending that kind of money and then have to work around a big design flaw, just at the sweet spot (large apertures) that would be the reason for buying such a fast lens in the first place too.

I'm waiting to see how the new Sigma 50/1.4 turns out, and in the mean time the Canon 50/1.4 will have to do.

[nicksan]

I should note that I bought mine used from another member here so I already knew what kind of IQ I would get with this copy. I am very happy with my copy.

So that might be another approach to take.

[JAcosta]

If youre not happy with the AF you can always learn *GASP* to manual focus.

I dont understand that everyone overlooks just how great this lens actually is because of a focus shift issue that I havent experienced with two copies of the lens. You rarely hear about how great the colors, contrast, or even the flare control are. Couple that with f/1.2, L quality build, and weather resistant sealing. I dont understand how so many people can count this lens out because a few people got a few bad apples.

[FretNoMore]

Originally Posted by JAcosta

If youre not happy with the AF you can always learn *GASP* to manual focus.

I dont understand that everyone overlooks just how great this lens actually is because of a focus shift issue that I havent experienced with two copies of the lens. You rarely hear about how great the colors, contrast, or even the flare control are. Couple that with f/1.2, L quality build, and weather resistant sealing. I dont understand how so many people can count this lens out because a few people got a few bad apples.

Well... if you for instance want to use this lens at f/2.8 or so under the basket hoop you'll be in the problem range and there will not be time for manual focusing.

Manual focusing is also not the answer to the focus shift problem, unless you manage to compensate for the shift and actually set the lens out of focus slightly. The error occurs when the lens stops down to take the shot, not while focusing (when the lens is wide open).