-=5D2 owners unite! Discuss and Post Photos! (Round 4)

I'm having focus problems. When I focus with the center point (about 10 ft away) at f1.4, the focus is tac sharp about 8 inches short. When I change the active focus point to the top or bottom one and shoot the same spot, the aimed point is tac sharp. I went into the menu and changed the micro focus adjustment to +20, and now the center focus point is very close to where it should be, but when using the top or bottom point, the focus is way off (focusing far about 8 inches or so). Tried this with another lens (at f4.0), and the same issues occurred. So, it appears my center focus point is "off" somehow, while the other 8 are fine. What is the issue here? Anyone seen this? Any suggestions?

golfecho wrote in post #18767457
I'm having focus problems. When I focus with the center point (about 10 ft away) at f1.4, the focus is tac sharp about 8 inches short. When I change the active focus point to the top or bottom one and shoot the same spot, the aimed point is tac sharp. I went into the menu and changed the micro focus adjustment to +20, and now the center focus point is very close to where it should be, but when using the top or bottom point, the focus is way off (focusing far about 8 inches or so). Tried this with another lens (at f4.0), and the same issues occurred. So, it appears my center focus point is "off" somehow, while the other 8 are fine. What is the issue here? Anyone seen this? Any suggestions?

UPDATE:

I have discovered through further testing that the OOF condition (focussing short) only happens when I am using the AI SERVO focussing mode. When I switch to "ONE SHOT", the focus is spot on. So it seems that the issue is tied to the SERVO mode. Anyone hear of a problem with focussing differences between focussing modes??

I have found out a few years ago I get a lot more keepers when i shot with "one shot". I never turn it off of there now.

golfecho wrote in post #18769556
UPDATE:

I have discovered through further testing that the OOF condition (focussing short) only happens when I am using the AI SERVO focussing mode. When I switch to "ONE SHOT", the focus is spot on. So it seems that the issue is tied to the SERVO mode. Anyone hear of a problem with focussing differences between focussing modes??

In my experience you can expect to get the best results by using the most appropriate focus mode; AI Servo is intended for movement, so it's to be expected that results might be less predictable with a stationary target. I must admit I used to get away with AI Servo via back button AF most of the time on my 7D2 and 5DIII, but on my 5D2 and 5DIV I switch to one shot if that's what's appropriate, especially with a fast-ish lens.

In the specific case of the 5D2 there could be another factor at play - you may have the invisible helper AF points enabled. These surround the center point and only come into play when in AI Servo; they effectively make the AF target area much larger. It's possible the camera is grabbing something else that is closer / has more contrast, even though the main AF point is still - apparently - on target.

HKFEVER wrote in post #18766564
One more from Faroe

InPhoto wrote in post #18767934
by the sea

Hosted photo: posted by InPhoto in
./showthread.php?p=187​67934&i=i245360649
forum: Nature & Landscapes

GammyKnee wrote in post #18769595
In my experience you can expect to get the best results by using the most appropriate focus mode; AI Servo is intended for movement, so it's to be expected that results might be less predictable with a stationary target. I must admit I used to get away with AI Servo via back button AF most of the time on my 7D2 and 5DIII, but on my 5D2 and 5DIV I switch to one shot if that's what's appropriate, especially with a fast-ish lens.

In the specific case of the 5D2 there could be another factor at play - you may have the invisible helper AF points enabled. These surround the center point and only come into play when in AI Servo; they effectively make the AF target area much larger. It's possible the camera is grabbing something else that is closer / has more contrast, even though the main AF point is still - apparently - on target.

WOW! I never thought of that! That is ecactly how I have them configured! You may be on to the problem here. I will try it again when I get a chance, and turn off the "helper" points.

From inside some sort of man-made cave at a Catholic school ...

I'm also boggled with outer AF points.
I'm on my second 5dmk2 camera and it does the same as first one did.
If I have outer af point selected, camera doesn't focus. Not even hunting for focus.
Does it will all lenses.
I have to press for focus numerous times, recompose to make it works.
Same lenses works with outer af points on 500D and with 5Dc it was never the problem.
Or even with film EOS300.

An older photo from 2014. Not spectacular, but I like the way it looks.Taken in the coast redwood forest.

Presently I have the EOS R and 5DS, but had 2 of the 5D mk ii at the same time. I bought both around that year 2014 for $900 each used with about 5000 on the shutter. Then sold both for $900 and $850 late 2016 with around 10,000 to 15,000 shots taken.

Some high altitude fog and frozen trees.