Focus issues and soft photos - HELP!!

I didn't know whether to post this in the lens or camera section, so here goes. I'm trying to determine if there is a problem with my new 60D, or possibly my lenses. Some images from my 17-55 appear soft. Also, my 70-200 f4L IS has at least on one occasion messed up on focus (front or back focus; I'm unclear on the difference). I only started noticing these issues, however, after I started using the 60D. Below are links to a set of 4 photos. Each photo includes a link to the RAW file (zipped), a compressed JPG, and a screen shot from DPP showing the set focal point.

Photo 1 - focus issue with 70-200 f4L IS:
Focal point: http://www.torresnews.​com/troubleshoot/f1.jp​g
JPG: http://www.torresnews.​com/troubleshoot/1.jpg
RAW: http://www.torresnews.​com/troubleshoot/1.zip

Photo 2 - focus issue with 70-200 f4L IS:
Focal point: http://www.torresnews.​com/troubleshoot/f2.jp​g
JPG: http://www.torresnews.​com/troubleshoot/2.jpg
RAW: http://www.torresnews.​com/troubleshoot/2.zip

Photo 3 - soft image from 17-55<br>
Focal point: http://www.torresnews.​com/troubleshoot/f3.jp​g
JPG: http://www.torresnews.​com/troubleshoot/3.jpg
RAW: http://www.torresnews.​com/troubleshoot/3.zip

Photo 4 - soft image from 17-55
Focal point: http://www.torresnews.​com/troubleshoot/f4.jp​g
JPG: http://www.torresnews.​com/troubleshoot/4.jpg
RAW: http://www.torresnews.​com/troubleshoot/4.zip

I don't know if the RAW files are necessary for any of you to determine what might be going on, but I uploaded them to be sure. Some advice is very appreciated here.

Lack of contrast in focus area is what comes to mind as the lighting seems flat in all four images.

For what it is worth, I don't think it's a camera body issue. If those are the focus points that you used, then it seems like your 70-200 back focuses (focus falls on the people in the back) and your 17-55 front focuses (focus falls on the child's right knee). If it were a body issue, then the focus problem would be seen going in the same direction.

That's what I see. Maybe others will be able to provide more. I'm at work, otherwise I'd look at the EXIF, too. Do you see these problems primarily when you shoot wide open?

If the 60D had microadjustment, then this would be an easy fix. Sorry. You may want to get the lenses calibrated.

Here's a good read for you: This Lens is Soft and Other Myths

I'm going to agree with Nathan, the 70-200 appears to be back focusing and the 17-55 is front focusing. Of course this is only two shots but do you get the same issue with each lens on all of your shots or just these particular ones?

I have a new Canon PowerShot A3100 and I find that a lot of my pictures are out of focus too, especially in low light conditions. I don't have great eyesight though, so perhaps it has more to do with my eyesight than with the actual focusing ability of the camera (that's what I've been assuming).

.

Wow...first two images it looks like the parents are in focus, that would be serious back focus..

Last two images looks like the front edge of his shorts are in focus, front focus.

Strange, have you performed a lens test for front/back focus issues?

I know, doesnt answer your questions, just raises more

yourdoinitwrong wrote in post #12162799
I'm going to agree with Nathan, the 70-200 appears to be back focusing and the 17-55 is front focusing. Of course this is only two shots but do you get the same issue with each lens on all of your shots or just these particular ones?

that would be some serious back focus if the parents were in and the children are out.... can you try the lens on another camera?

Did you check out this stickey and carry out the troubleshooting suggested here?
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=857871

Might help

DarenM wrote in post #12163006
that would be some serious back focus if the parents were in and the children are out.... can you try the lens on another camera?

I was thinking the same thing but the issue was the same with each lens and it would be very odd for a body to consistently back focus on one lens and front focus on another. But you are right that it would be some crazy back focus if it is solely the lens. I'm curious as to what focus mode the OP is using.

Nathan wrote in post #12162760
For what it is worth, I don't think it's a camera body issue. If those are the focus points that you used, then it seems like your 70-200 back focuses (focus falls on the people in the back) and your 17-55 front focuses (focus falls on the child's right knee). If it were a body issue, then the focus problem would be seen going in the same direction.

That's what I see. Maybe others will be able to provide more. I'm at work, otherwise I'd look at the EXIF, too. Do you see these problems primarily when you shoot wide open?

If the 60D had microadjustment, then this would be an easy fix. Sorry. You may want to get the lenses calibrated.

Here's a good read for you: This Lens is Soft and Other Myths

I don't see these issues on every shot, but these are the more blatant examples. I do shoot wide open most of the time, and did in these photos. Thanks, I'll check out that link.

yourdoinitwrong wrote in post #12162799
I'm going to agree with Nathan, the 70-200 appears to be back focusing and the 17-55 is front focusing. Of course this is only two shots but do you get the same issue with each lens on all of your shots or just these particular ones?

No, it doesn't happen on every photo I take. Though I do notice it happens more when I'm using anything but the center focal point.

DarenM wrote in post #12162991
Wow...first two images it looks like the parents are in focus, that would be serious back focus..

Last two images looks like the front edge of his shorts are in focus, front focus.

Strange, have you performed a lens test for front/back focus issues?

I know, doesnt answer your questions, just raises more

I haven't performed a lens test yet. Is it at all possible that the camera body could cause focus issues?

yourdoinitwrong wrote in post #12163142
I was thinking the same thing but the issue was the same with each lens and it would be very odd for a body to consistently back focus on one lens and front focus on another. But you are right that it would be some crazy back focus if it is solely the lens. I'm curious as to what focus mode the OP is using.

I used One Shot on pictures 1 & 2 of the parents and children, and AI Servo on the last two.

First image is single shot AF; the 4th image is AI servo AF. Both images used an off center focus point, selected manually. Both images shot at max aperture.

I'd suggest trying a few test shots using the center point focus only and single shot AF...focus charts...ruler...batte​ries...bar code.

The highlighted focus point in DPP does not indicate where focus was achieved, just which point was selected for focusing when the shot is taken.

Good luck, Paul

Take a read on this, it may answer your questions whether camera or lens.
http://www.northlight-images.co.uk …s3_af_micoadjus​tment.html