Can you adjust the focus point?

Is there anyway the focal point/radius of my camera can be 'zoomed' in or made smaller? These shots are straight out of the camera and I it looks to me as the bush in #1 and the stand in #2 are more in focus than the birds.

I was obviuosly focusing on the birds but this is what happened.
Many tahnks for any help.

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Yes you can, just press on the zoom in button when not viewing a photo and you get to choose the focal point you want

Beginning on page 87 in your manual are the instructions for the different types of focus points for the 7D.

whuband wrote in post #14454521
Beginning on page 87 in your manual are the instructions for the different types of focus points for the 7D.

I have looked, I've also got the David Busch 7D guide but for me it's just hard not being able to find a solution to a problem without knowing how to search it.

Thanks guys for your input.

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I wonder if you mean that the birds are in the focus point, but you're not getting them focused. I think the focus point will focus anything in a small area around its square so even if the birds are at the focus point the camera thinks you want to focus on the bush instead and chooses that (as long as its within the focus point radius).

The stand has greater contrast so the camera may have thought you meant that instead of the bird.

goldboughtrue wrote in post #14456515
I wonder if you mean that the birds are in the focus point, but you're not getting them focused. I think the focus point will focus anything in a small area around its square so even if the birds are at the focus point the camera thinks you want to focus on the bush instead and chooses that (as long as its within the focus point radius).

The stand has greater contrast so the camera may have thought you meant that instead of the bird.

So how would the OP overcome that?

It would be interesting to know exactly where in these images your focus points were. I know that Breezebrowser can show these and then you have to take a screen capture in order to share.

There are times when I am looking at a scene that I know the AF just isn't going to give me what I need. It takes less than a second to turn off the AF and use the focus ring on the lens. I grew up photographically in a period where there was no such thing as AF so it is not a big deal for me to manually focus.

There is information (as outlined above) in the manual on how to change your focus points and then there is the good old internet that has plenty of tutorials on how to accomplish this. Its not that hard but it does take some getting used to and it is routine that one should stay brushed up on.

I was using spot metering, AI servo and focused on the right hand bird. Same setting for the Goldfinch and of course I was focused on the bird.

Sorry, should have said originally

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Dj Silver wrote in post #14458555
I was using spot metering, AI servo and focused on the right hand bird. Same setting for the Goldfinch and of course I was focused on the bird.

Sorry, should have said originally

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You need to learn to "eyeball" your focus! The AF of the camera/lens can be "fooled" when bits away from your main subject have more contrasty detail. So, with your eye glued to the viewfinder, learn to "spot" when the AF actually "catches" your subject. This can require some "bumping" of the AF with the shutter button or rear button if you are using that setting. It takes practice, experience, learning!

tonylong wrote in post #14463151
You need to learn to "eyeball" your focus! The AF of the camera/lens can be "fooled" when bits away from your main subject have more contrasty detail. So, with your eye glued to the viewfinder, learn to "spot" when the AF actually "catches" your subject. This can require some "bumping" of the AF with the shutter button or rear button if you are using that setting. It takes practice, experience, learning!

Didn't want to hear that Tony, needed to hear "Oh you just need to push so and so button!"

Thanks really helpful, need to get taking photos.

Not that I'm an expert here since I just got my 7D last week but I have found that using the single point focus on a single, stationary object works. As far as the first pic is concerned I have just started to play with the AF-On button on the back. Same as pressing the shutter halfway but locks the focus. Since both birds seem to be the same distance focus on one. Hit the AF-On button (locks the focus), compose your shot and hit the shutter button. I'm sure there are better techniques but I am at the bottom of the learning curve for this camera. Practice, practice and a dash of more practice! Good luck, I'm there with ya!