Focusing issue with 7D

Yesterday while out learning, I was having an issue with the focusing on my new 7D.
I would focus on her face by pressing the shutter button half way and then still holding the button I would recompose the shot. When checking the photo I noticed that her face is not in sharp focus. I was using a Tamron 17-50/2.8 lens. I even tried manual focus with the same result. I also tried both of my Canon lenses and got the same result. Is there a setting on the camera that I've got messed up? Here's an example of what I'm talking about. Thanks for your help.

Steve

1/100 sec at f/2.8 ISO 100
50 mm (17-50mm)

The 7D's AF is a far more complicated (and better) af system then what you were likely coming from. What AF mode were you shooting with (auto, center, zone, single point)? I suggest doing a quick search for 7D AF. It takes some practice to get use to, but once you do you will love it.

I only shoot single point. It is quick to adjust between shots, but I rarely miss a focus point.

Yes, my last camera is a 10D so there's a big learning curve. I think that I was on spot. Let me check.

spot looks like this (o) right?

If you press the shutter button half way the camera will focus on which ever focusing point (s) you have selected. If you hold the shutter button half way it will only hold that focus only if your camera is set to one shot. If the camera is set to Al Servo mode the camera can continue to focus on the selected focus points as you move the camera around. From what I can see in the photograph you posted the focus point is well in front of her face. This most likely tells me that the focus point used was probably somewhere else other than her face when you fired the shot. Especially if the camera works fine when you don't recompose the shot.

The only thing that throws me a little is you said you had the same result using manual focus. If you manual focus on her face then you should always be in focus there unless you manually change it. Not sure about this? IS it possible you haven't adjusted the focus of your vue finder piece for your eyes?

I hope this helps.

Bill

There IS a possibility that the body and Tamron lens need to be adjusted in MA. (in you camera's menu) but that's a tricky operation.

I would make sure you are in single point focus.....set your camera up so you can moe the focus point around with the 8 way joystick. This way you don't need to focus on the face and recompose. You can simply move the focus point to her face and compose how you want.

If that does not work you mgiht have other issues. Look into AF microadjustment C fn III -5 in your menu. READ about it before you do anything. It's not for everyone.....especiall​y if you are just learning. Just know it's available.

I checked the camera, it's set to AI. Thanks, I'll give it another try.

Your welcome. Good luck. Let me know if that helped your problem.

Bill

sass25479 wrote in post #14150765
I checked the camera, it's set to AI. Thanks, I'll give it another try.

That's the problem. Set that baby to single point / One shot / view all points all the time in the VF / move the focus points with the joystick /

You will be happy. You might have to look some of that up in your manual.

Ok, I'm back to reading the book. It sucks to get old. Things just don't stay in my head like they use too.

Yup sounds like AI was most likely the problem, but since you have a 7D get the focus recompose out of your head. Compose the shot and use one of the many focus spots you have available. Go into custom functions and set the joystick to quick switch focus points.

sass25479 wrote in post #14150946
Ok, I'm back to reading the book. It sucks to get old. Things just don't stay in my head like they use too.

I was just looking at my setup. I show all focus points all the time in my VF but you can just show the active one and move that around with the multi controller. (or joystick) If you would like to try my set-up.....I will tell you exactly what to change i your menu. Let me know if you need help. You will find the items in C fn III Autofocus / Drive portion of the menu.

Here they are if you want to try:

1. C fn III -7 Continuous
2. C fn III -8 Enable
3. C fn III -9 Depends on whether you want all focus points or just the active one
4. Go to Custom Control screen and make the joystick move the focus point (not the only the finger and thumb dials)

That will make things easier.

It looks like you may need to micro adjust the lens as your subjects shin area looks in focus or it could be the autofocus set up. have a nosey at this video/

http://www.youtube.com …gTGlGYz4WvJK13r​kHhvpBU%3D

HTH, Bob

sass25479 wrote in post #14150765
I checked the camera, it's set to AI. Thanks, I'll give it another try.

Also, becareful with the 7D's center focus point with 4 addtional nearby Assist AF points because one of the Assist points might pick up her knee and thought that's the area it should focus on. It happened to some of my shots. However, the center focus point + 4 nearby assist is very useful with shot where the subject clearly stands out from the bg, such as a bird inflight.