24-70 f/2.8L for Portraits

OK......

So I was all excited to get my paws on the 24-70 f/2.8 so I could have a decent all-around lens to use for almost any purpose.

I have been shooting some basketball games, which, for the most part came out OK... being basketball, I know that there will be a lot of "misses" as things move rapidly and players, refs, etc, move into the autofocus zone in nano-seconds which can throw the focus off greatly.

My question is, when I have been using this lens for portraits, particularly at the open end of 2.8, it would seem that I am getting a lot more shots out of focus than I would generally expect. Haven't had this same situation with either the 85 1.8 or the 50 1.4.

Is there some sort of nuance to this lens that I need to figure out? Or simply shoot at a higher f-stop... which I don't really want to do as I want the background blurred out.

When this lens hits the mark, the shots are great.... great colors, etc. But it seems that either the AF is reading something else, or I am just making a huge shooting error somewhere. I only use center-focus btw.... usually aiming at the subject's eye.

Yes... I know you want to see examples.... so I will get some up in a few... I just wanted to get this up, then post the examples....

Any others with this issue on this lens?

The only time I use it wide open is if the "subject" is completely still. That way, I can focus on my composition, and maybe even get a few shots to make sure I get it right! I usually end up stopping it down to at least f/4. However, I've never gotten out of focus shots from it unless it was my fault. If they were soft, it was my own mistake. A lot of times, I don't even sharpen my shots with this lens. When I do, it looks like too much.

Possibly a stupid question, but are you using the centre focus point?

OK... here are two examples... in the first, the shot appears to be focused on the baby's left eye.... where I wanted it. (mind you, these were New Year's eve shots, not a real portrait session... but this has happened even in a controlled setting as well.... more than I thought it would)

In the second, the shot was set up and center focused on the middle woman's eyes.... what appears to have happened, for reasons I don't know, is that the focus switched to the woman on the left's shoulder/sweater. ??????

Not sure why.... as I know for a fact, the camera was not even aimed remotely in that direction.... the only thing I can think of is that they moved a little before I shot? At 2.8 would an inch make that much of a difference? I know at f/1.4 it does, big time, I just didn't expect it as much at 2.8.

Anyway, take a peek, and see if you can come up with anything; or, it is just shooter error.... which is possible... I just don't recall having this issue with the 85 as much as this even at 1.8 The 50 1.4 yes... the subject had to be still, or I had to be quick.

Thanks for the comments.... and remember, these really were just for fun... but before my next portrait session, I would like to have the kinks out.

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Yes.... I tend to shoot that way 99% of the time..... is that a bad thing? I have usually gotten better results that way....

Nope, that's the way a lot of people shoot it. I find it way more accurate, I want to choose what the camera is focussing on, I don't want the camera to choose =)

The centre one is the most accurate. It's just sometimes some people shoot with it auto, and it mis-focusses.

Right... and that's my point... since I wasn't aiming anywhere near the woman on the left, let alone her shoulder, I am curious as to why the AF chose that point in this shot.

On a recent assignment, I had a "portrait party" where I was shooting family after family...... the vast majority came out great.... however, there were a few that the AF went elsewhere, and with the small LCD on the 20D it is hard to tell on-scene if the shot is in focus or not.... so I blew it with a few shots there as well... and when you are getting paid for perfection, that simply can't happen.

Well, since you seem to be getting paid, maybe you want to move up in cameras for the better, more accurate AF, if that is posible? 1DMKI, 1DMKII, 5D, 1DsMKI.

Yes, when you're shooting at 2.8, a subject's movement forward or back even a couple inches can make the difference between a tack sharp shot and a slightly soft one.

Don't just depend on auto focus.

I recommend converting from just using the shutter button (to activate focus AND exposure automation) to using Custom Function 4 = 1. That way, you press the * button with your thumb - only when you want the auto focus to do its thing - and then focus won't change when you press the shutter button.

You can also tweak (rock) the focus ring manually - at least on the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 lens - to be absolutely sure you've centered the focus on your most critical distance.

Maybe your lens has a front focus problem.

what happens then with the * function ? (exposure automation ) ?
( may silly Q but - )

Custom Function 4-1 makes the * button the focus button. It makes it so that you can meter a shot and focus individually. In my opinion, it gives much more control.

ok - hope u dont find me rude asking - but can u give an example ob how that can be used in shooting ?

Well the * button would just control the focus, while the half holding the shutter would give you the meter reading.

With that you can figure out your exposure. Then find the appropriate focus and snap.

A lot of people like to use it coupled with AI Servo for sports action.

I myself have not gotten used to it when I did use it so i stick with the default. Might try again if i get a faster body.