EF 50L sharpness -- Canon Lenses in photography-on-the.net forums

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Jun 15, 2013 09:02 | #1

I've had this 50L for a few weeks now, and I've really struggled with sharpness. So I downloaded the focus test sheets and set about to adjust the micro focus adjust in the 5D3's menu. Well I got all the way to -20 and still can't pull it in.

To make sure, I stuck my 24-70 on there and did a check - it is sharp as a tack.

Anyone know, do I need to send the camera back with the lens to get this looked at? Anyone ever had a local shop fix a problem like this? This lens is way off, and basically useless as is, so I have to do something...

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Charlie

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Jun 15, 2013 09:29 | #2

try the dottune method: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zE50jCUPhM

at 1.2, the lens is fairly sharp

at 2.0, it should be really really sharp.

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gasrocks

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Jun 15, 2013 11:20 | #3

Let's make sure it is the lens first. Are you using AF? By that I mean have you tested the lens in MF, Liveview 5x 10x to see if the lens itself can be sharp?

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benttop
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Jun 15, 2013 19:59 as a reply to @ gasrocks's post | #4

Oh I can manually focus it and get it dead nuts. There is simply not enough range in the micro-adjustments to pull it in with auto focus. It looks to me like I would need about -27 or so, and of course I only get -20 on the 5D3.

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benttop
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Jun 17, 2013 22:52 as a reply to @ benttop's post | #5

So I realized I had not tried this lens on my other 5D3, so I put it on there and tried to calibrate. Same deal - I got to -20 and still needed a few more clicks to get to the sweet spot. Think I'll swing by the dealer and see what they say - it's only about a month old.

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PitaDaVespa

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Jun 18, 2013 06:23 | #6

Take it to Canon and ask them to calibrate it with your camera.
If you bought if new, they do it for free.

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snake0ape

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Jun 18, 2013 06:43 | #7

benttop wrote in post #16034598

Do some live view focus shots in multi situations. If it produces great photos, send lens to canon for calibration. If you find other problems with lens, return it.

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Sirrith

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Jun 18, 2013 07:57 | #8

Exchange it or send it in for calibration.

-Tom
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benttop
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Jun 18, 2013 11:24 as a reply to @ Sirrith's post | #9

Thanks guys. I think...

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CanonCameraFan

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Jun 18, 2013 16:29 | #10

Let us know how this turns out!

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benttop
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Jun 19, 2013 21:03 as a reply to @ CanonCameraFan's post | #11

Well the dealer agreed to send to Canon on warranty, so we shall see in about 6 weeks. At least I didn't have to box it up and pay the freight.

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panicatnabisco

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Jun 20, 2013 00:43 | #12

Ahhh, the 50L. The most frustrating lens ever. Guaranteed half your shots will be OOF and the other half just amazing, no matter how much MA you do

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snake0ape

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Jun 20, 2013 05:12 | #13

benttop wrote in post #16046897

Well the dealer agreed to send to Canon on warranty, so we shall see in about 6 weeks. At least I didn't have to box it up and pay the freight.

Should be three days shipping, 5 days service, three days shipping + weekend. So in two weeks you should get it back. If your CPS, it a little bit faster. Good luck and keep us posted.

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benttop
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Jun 20, 2013 18:04 | #14

panicatnabisco wrote in post #16047408

Ahhh, the 50L. The most frustrating lens ever. Guaranteed half your shots will be OOF and the other half just amazing, no matter how much MA you do

Well that's why it took me so long to figure out I had a problem - those narrow depth of field shots are very difficult in the first place! But then there were a few that I KNEW they were set right, and it was soft. Turns out they are all soft. Hope the get it squared away...

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Sirrith

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Jun 20, 2013 18:56 | #15

The dealer quoted you 6 weeks turnaround?

When I sent my 24-105 in for repair, it took just over a week including shipping both ways!

-Tom
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