Upgraded and thrown back.

I recently upgraded my 400D (Rebel XTi) to a 50D and got the feeling that I was thrown back two years in time.
I have the feeling that I make the same pictures as two years ago and that I have to learn how to properly focus.
Obviously it is not the camera who is 'malfunctioning' so it must be me not getting the grips of the 50D.
Sometimes I get the focus correct, but sometimes the focus is off.
Both pictures are made with my 70-200 F4 at 200mm and slightly cropped and straightened.

The first picture is an example of an out of focus shot.
M-mode, ISO 400, F4, 1/800, AI Servo, AWB, bottom focus point active
The second picture is better in focus.
M-mode, ISO 800, F4, 1/800, AI Servo, AWB, bottom focus point active

How can I improve so I have much sharper results more of the time ?
Be as positive or negative as you like, I can take all critics.

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I suggest using the center focus point. It tends to be more accurate.

As far a I knew all focus points are crosstype, but another look at DPreview shows that the center point is additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster
The next time I'll shoot with the center point focus and see if my in-focus rate goes up.
Thanks for the tip.

Canon Amateur wrote in post #14029994
As far a I knew all focus points are crosstype, but another look at DPreview shows that the center point is additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster
The next time I'll shoot with the center point focus and see if my in-focus rate goes up.
Thanks for the tip.

Having the same issue. Thx for the tip. Now just to clarify...if you want the WHOLE shot in focus better to use the center focus point as opposed to a higher aperture? Say some of the subjects arent even across the shot.

RACINGHART03 wrote in post #14030039
Now just to clarify...if you want the WHOLE shot in focus better to use the center focus point as opposed to a higher aperture?

No, you'll need a higher aperture number to gain DOF. The problem with doing that on action shots, is that you may not have enough shutter speed to stop the action. The AF point selected will not solve DOF issues.

try trap focusing and wait to the action gets closer

bob_r wrote in post #14031166
No, you'll need a higher aperture number to gain DOF. The problem with doing that on action shots, is that you may not have enough shutter speed to stop the action. The AF point selected will not solve DOF issues.

I kept my aperture on F4 so I could keep the shutterspeed on 1/800 or 1/600, but that was on my 400D (XTi).
The 50D has better ISO performance, so I can try to go to F6 1/800 and adjust the ISO accordingly.
I will certainly try higher aperture numbers, together with the center AF point, in the oncoming matches.

Trap focus is the solution to get more (if not all) in-focus pictures, but I guess that I am going to miss the action shots.
I should have asked for 'much sharper action shots more of the time' probably

Thanks for all the tips.

Move your focus to the * button on the back. That separates it from metering and eased the tracking of the moving object for me.

Titus213 wrote in post #14039014
Move your focus to the * button on the back. That separates it from metering and eased the tracking of the moving object for me.

I've only been photographing since October but I'm trying to learn what you meant here because I have no clue.

YOu should be able to move the focus operation to the * button on the back of the camera via a menu option. It allows you to focus with your thumb. The shutter button causes the metering of the scene. So you can easily track a subject and hit the shutter any time. There is no holding the shutter half way to focus and meter. Takes some getting use to but works real well for me.

Sorry, not sure the T3 can do that, but the OP's 50D should.

Titus213 wrote in post #14039014
Move your focus to the * button on the back. That separates it from metering and eased the tracking of the moving object for me.

HotnessRod wrote in post #14039330
I've only been photographing since October but I'm trying to learn what you meant here because I have no clue.

Titus213 wrote in post #14039531
YOu should be able to move the focus operation to the * button on the back of the camera via a menu option. It allows you to focus with your thumb. The shutter button causes the metering of the scene. So you can easily track a subject and hit the shutter any time. There is no holding the shutter half way to focus and meter. Takes some getting use to but works real well for me.

Sorry, not sure the T3 can do that, but the OP's 50D should.

He's reffering to back button autofocus. Here is a article from the Canon Digital Learning Center explaining what it is and how to do it. I think they even use a 50D for the example. :
http://www.learn.usa.c​anon.com …ckbutton_af_art​icle.shtml

Titus213 wrote in post #14039531
, but the OP's 50D should.

The 50D has an AF-ON button for that. It is perfectly placed so my thumb can rest against it. I tried it for a short while but could not get the hang of it. You suggest I have to give it more time to get used to, so I will do that.
In the menu I found C.Fn III and C.Fn IV 1 and 2 which offers me lots of settings to play with.
I guess that I have to shoot a lot to find, and learn to understand, the different settings that suits me most.

You guys are very helpfull.
Thank you very much.