Is there a bonafide 7D AF issue?

Introduction
Since this other poll is pretty useless in obtaining any kind of useful statistics, here is a new poll. Again, it isn't perfect, but at least it provides more usable categories from which better conclusions can be made. You have to forgive me, because I think I have created like 2 polls ever in my 16K posts, so I don't have the finesse others do!

I personally have owned 3 7Ds since Oct 2009, along with a myriad of other bodies, from Rebels up through the 1D series as well as several FF bodies. 2 of 3 required microadjustment values across all my glass in varying degrees, around the +10 mark. This latest one is a bit better. However, they all focused just fine, as long as I set up the custom functions around the AI Servo II functionality, and I used the correct AF mode for the situation.

External References
Also it seems like a great place to put the 7D Faq page link, as others research the poll responses, in addition to the "Do you have a focus issue" sticky.

• 7D FAQ/Directory Thread
  
• Have a Focus Issue?
  

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I've owned 3 7Ds, one had backfocus issue.it was brand new, other than that no issue.

Obviously....

3 7D's in 2 years. No AF problems at all.

So, Teamspeed, you've had three "perfect" 7D's... Right? I wouldn't consider lenses needing MFA to be a problem with the camera, but the benefit of a feature of the camera that we're able to adjust focus slightly, if needed. And I wouldn't consider "user error" due to the additional complexity of the camera a fault of the camera.

Maverick, it sounds as if you are 2 for 3. One camera was enough out of calibration that it wasn't possible/practical to MFA the backfocus? Was camera returned or repaired?

Me, I've have two 7D's since October/November 2009 and have not had any focus issues that I can blame on the camera.... No need to send the camera for repair or replacement. I've had plenty of focus issues I can blame on the user. I've had one lens-related focus issue.

So far, it sounds as if we have between us one camera out of eight that have had actual focus issues. And the one issue, if it was consistent backfocus across various lenses, sounds as if it was simply a matter of calibration.

Edit: I voted "No issues at all", but after thinking about it probably should have voted for the next to last item... I certainly blamed my 7Ds for the first two or three months, before I learned to use them well. Having used a number of other Canon models without similar problems. At the time I was sure it was the cameras at fault... However once I stopped doing silly stuff, read the manual a few times, simplified my techniques and stopped expecting miracles, the cameras work great, almost flawlessly in fact (I don't expect 100% focus accuracy, that's simply unreasonable).

Part of the "problem" with 7D is that it's affordable enough that more than a few first time DSLR users jump straight to it, skipping over more first time user oriented models.... Yet it's a fairly pro-oriented model with much of the additional complexity that implies, lots of opportunities to set up or tweak the settings wrong to cause poor result, and little of the automation that "lesser" models provide to support people while they learn to use a DSLR. It is better now, though, than it was two years ago when all we had to learn the camera was Canon's instruction manual: nearly 300 pages and relatively little detail on the intricacies of the AF system, and some of it sort of counter-intuitive. Since then there have been online tutorials posted, Canon white papers and Learning Center support for the 7D, retailers such as B&H producing "How To" videoas, and a lot of users here and elsewhere who learned the hard way and now share what they learned with new 7D users... all to help shorten and flatten the "learning curve" with the camera a little bit.

Stone is right, it's a demanding camera... Snapshooters beware! There are other models that are a lot easier to use and get decent results, that make more sense for someone who isn't ready to put in the effort to learn the camera and doesn't have fairly advanced photography skills/techniques, in general... All the way from gear setup before taking the first shot through post processing one's images after the fact.

I wouldn't recommend a 1D4 or 1Ds3 or 1DX for a newbie. 7D isn't quite as complex as those top of the line "pro" models... but it's sort of a "1D Lite", so also is unlikely to be a good choice for a first timer... tempting tho it may be at around $1500 US.

I don't consider myself an af expert by any means and I've only owned my 7D for a couple of months, but I don't think the body has an inherent AF problem.

However, I do think expectations need to be set a bit better. Tack sharp images at 100% just aren't going to happen with this body especially if you aren't filling a large portion of the frame with your subject.

I also think alot of people blame the 7D when there are problems with their technique. What worked on bodies with less pixel density just don't work with the 18MP sensor. IMO the 7D really exposes errors in a persons shooting technique, I know my shots got better the more stable I became, a problem I never had with my rebel.

my .02

jthomps123 wrote in post #13417042
Obviously....

Welcome, I knew I would find you here, once we get the 18 other really vocal members that have had issues to add their thoughts into this poll, we can build some momentum.

amfoto1 wrote in post #13417058
So, Teamspeed, you've had three "perfect" 7D's... Right?

I wouldn't consider lenses needing MFA to be a problem with the camera, but the benefit of a feature of the camera that we're able to adjust focus slightly, if needed.

And I wouldn't consider "user error" due to the additional complexity of the camera a fault of the camera.

Maverick, it sounds as if you are 2 for 3. One camera was enough out of calibration that it wasn't possible to MFA the backfocus? Was camera returned or repaired?

Me, I've have two 7D's since October/November 2009 and have not had any focus issues that I can blame on the camera.... No need to send the camera for repair or replacement.

I've had plenty of focus issues I can blame on the user. I've had one lens-related focus issue.

So far, it sounds as if we have between us one camera out of eight that have had actual focus issues. And the one issue, if it was consistent backfocus across various lenses, sounds as if it was simply a matter of calibration.

Yes, I have had 3 (currently owning the 3rd). They all exhibited front focusing where the same glass on other bodies did to lesser extents or none at all. Most of them are Sigma lenses, they were higher on the adjustment scale. This is why I would like to see people's experiences including the lenses they own.

If somebody uses microadjustments and they were able to then be very happy with their results, they should use the "Thought I had an issue with the 7D, but through reading, tweaking settings, and learning, I now am happy with the results " poll reason, or simply use the "happy with camera" option.

My Answer Regarding Lenses:
I personally use a mix of Canon and Sigma lenses. Sigma lenses, in AI Servo, seem very twitchy in their operations on the 7D (and other bodies), and I have seem more AF issues with those than with Canon USM lenses. If I move to One Shot, they work just fine.

TeamSpeed wrote in post #13417061
Welcome, I knew I would find you here, once we get the 18 other really vocal members that have had issues to add their thoughts into this poll, we can build some momentum.

Maybe you should venture out a little further, check the other forums - they're inundated with my '7D's af is #$%^' posts.

jthomps123 wrote in post #13417069
Maybe you should venture out a little further, check the other forums - they're inundated with my '7D's af is #$%^' posts.

This is a POTN poll, please invite them to POTN and they can add their thoughts. With well over 100K members here, this seems like an appropriate place to put this poll. Again, just like anything else, those unhappy with something are MANY times more vocal than those that are happy.

Also, as stated elsewhere, I am sorry you had such a horrible time with your 7D, but at least you found something you are happy with now. I know what it is like to be very unhappy with a camera. One of the 5D2s I had showed horrible pink ISO noise at ISOs 3200+. I didn't dwell on it too long, and moved onto other equipment over time, but remember the issues, Canon's follow through on the repair, etc. Imperfect man creates imperfect things.

I own a 7D since they were released, Guy I shoot with has one and my sister (total rookie) bought one not long ago. No issues with any of the three. MFA on 3 of 6 of my lenses. I think MFA is a great feature becuase up until the 7D I thought my 400 was ok, but not stellar.
My sisters favorite lens on hers is the 17-85! yikes.

If you are going to try to discredit the 'amateurs and newbies' by making that a separate choice, you should also have a choice "Im a newb and my 7D works just fine with my kit lens and slow zooms because their slow apertures hide AF inaccuracy issues".

It's returned to the dealer, I've quickly checked the camera once I've received it. MFA wasn't an option the focusing was unpredictable on that particular one. I knew in 5 mins that it's broken since I know all my lenses have no issue. The dealer shipped a new one in 2 days. The replacement has been perfect.

amfoto1 wrote in post #13417058
Maverick, it sounds as if you are 2 for 3. One camera was enough out of calibration that it wasn't possible/practical to MFA the backfocus? Was camera returned or repaired?

I had both AF and noise problems with my brand new 7D 2 weeks ago.

confirmed by canon as having focus and image quality issues. Replacement is fine.

Its a bit irritating to read "my AF has been fine, so you must be a n00b who doesnt understand the AF system" posts all day long.

Methinks we need to lighten up a bit, folks.

Yet another proposed 7D poll...

1. Landscapes and still lifes with my 7D aren't as good as with 5D Mark II, will Canon fix it?
3. Manual, shmanual.... that's a setting on the mode dial (M), not something I'd take the time to, like, read!
2. My 18-55 from 1963 doesn't focus fast enough on my 7D...makes funny noises, too.
4. I upgraded to 7D from the camera that Maria Sharapova uses to photograph her little dog, so I'm a Canon pro shooter.
5. I'm a card carrying member of the 7D Defenders League.
9. Ashton Kutcher is my hero (I'm a Nikon troll here just to make trouble)
6. Canon can do no wrong.
8. Canon can't do anything right.
7. I bought 7D for it's articulated LCD screen, but it's not working after the first time I used it. Will Canon fix it under warranty?
10. Hurray for the Green Box mode!
11. I'm a card carrying member of the 7D Haters League.
12. Spot AF nearly always misses focus with Birds In Flight.
12c. I pushed the Q button and ordered a Footlong... But Quiznos never delivered my sandwich. Will Canon fix it under warranty?
18. Where do I put the film in?
14b. When will the 7D Mark II be available?
14. AI Focus is the best mode to use, with Auto AF (All Points).
16. The viewfinder on my 7D is really dark sometimes.
17. txt me, k?
15. The viewfinder in my 7D sometimes flashes red, is it going to explode?
15a. 7D ROCKS!
16. My iPhone takes sharper pitchers.
18. Where's the GPS info?
15. I thought they said 7D was waterproof?
19. Back button focusing makes my thumb hurt.
20. Is there a Facebook 7D page?
22. Show us your 7D box!
23. Where do I find a duck to photograph with my new 7D?
24. Where's the little running guy icon?
24. Canon just announced Demi Moore bought a 7D and will be the new spokesperson for the camera.
25. Tweet it... more than 140 characters, my eyes start to go all blurry and I lose interest.
27. Cannon moved the off/on switch... I'm returning the camera.
25. 7D SUCKS!
28. What's a CR2?
29. Why doesn't Canon send an Explorer of Light pro to teach me to use my new 7D?
29a. Justin Bieber had sex with my 7D, backstage after a concert! Will Canon fix it under warranty?
29b. Canon just announced the "Demi" Limited Editions of 7D... so far "Ghost", "A Few Good Men", "Striptease" and "GI Jane" models are planned.
29c. My 7D is perfect, and so am I and all the pictures I take with the camera.
30.
31. Occupy Canon!



"All I want for Christmas is a 1DX!"