Camera Problem or User Problem? 70D Focus & Hockey

I'm dealing with a limitation. I'm hoping the issue is with me and not my 70D.

I'm having trouble with focus while shooting hockey using my 70D and 70-200. I'm quite sure the lens isn't the problem.

I always use AI Servo. I typically use Zone AF, with the centre zone selected. This is annoying, as the camera and I don't see eye-to-eye on the focus point it chooses the vast majority of the time. Being that I shoot at f2.8 there isn't much DOF wiggle room in most cases. Focus is usually not where I want it.

When I try using a single focus point (centre, second from the top) it seldom actually focuses on that point. It winds up searching for focus more often than not. The 70D doesn't have AF Point Expansion, which I think might actually be the ticket (though I really hope it isn't).

I am going to be moving back to a two camera system (one with my 70-200, and one with my 40 or 50) for hockey, but I'm hoping to make my next camera purchase a 6D and not a 7D.

I'm hoping this is operator error. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions for resolving the issue?

Hi there, I don't shoot hockey, and don't have that type of quality lens, but I'd suggest four things (because I've ha focus issues too):-

1) Micro-Adjust (Custom Functions) - try this feature and see if that helps using the camera tethered to camera and remote shooting mode
2) Use AI Focus instead
3) AF Point Expansion - Look under Custom Functions (when in PASM setting), there is a 'continuous' feature which goes outside standard AF points (though I don't think this is your issue)
4) Look under (I think) custom functions for release vs focus priority and change 1st and 2nd shot to Focus priority.. i.e. it won't take shots in burst mode unless focussed

Hope some of these help, it helped me as I shoot aircraft and birds (with a camera ) a lot since I am by an airport

jedpause wrote in post #16584895
Hi there, I don't shoot hockey, and don't have that type of quality lens, but I'd suggest four things (because I've ha focus issues too):-

1) Micro-Adjust (Custom Functions) - try this feature and see if that helps using the camera tethered to camera and remote shooting mode
2) Use AI Focus instead
3) AF Point Expansion - Look under Custom Functions (when in PASM setting), there is a 'continuous' feature which goes outside standard AF points (though I don't think this is your issue)
4) Look under (I think) custom functions for release vs focus priority and change 1st and 2nd shot to Focus priority.. i.e. it won't take shots in burst mode unless focussed

Hope some of these help, it helped me as I shoot aircraft and birds (with a camera ) a lot since I am by an airport

Thanks, jedpause!

I have FoCal Pro and I've been learning how to use it with my 40 and 50. I'll make my 70-200 next on the list . . . as long as I can get enough room in my house (or I get a warm day outside).

I'll try AI Focus. I've never used that setting at all.

I know I have the "AI Point Expansion" in the custom functions set to not search outside the selected focus points. I'll fix that. It never occurred to me that it may be the feature I was looking for (though now it seems obvious) as it is buried in the C.F. menu.

I changed the priority to both 1st and 2nd shot to "Focus Priority" several days ago, but I haven't had the opportunity to test it yet. I think this will be important.

I've always been more of a 'scape and macro shooter. Shooting things that move in garbage light has been a real eyeopener for me. I've spent two+ months figuring out how to work with the light. Now I've got to focus on focus.

jedpause wrote in post #16584895
Hi there, I don't shoot hockey, and don't have that type of quality lens, but I'd suggest four things (because I've ha focus issues too):-

1) Micro-Adjust (Custom Functions) - try this feature and see if that helps using the camera tethered to camera and remote shooting mode
2) Use AI Focus instead
3) AF Point Expansion - Look under Custom Functions (when in PASM setting), there is a 'continuous' feature which goes outside standard AF points (though I don't think this is your issue)
4) Look under (I think) custom functions for release vs focus priority and change 1st and 2nd shot to Focus priority.. i.e. it won't take shots in burst mode unless focussed

Hope some of these help, it helped me as I shoot aircraft and birds (with a camera ) a lot since I am by an airport

That continuous feature just means that you can scroll all the way to the other side of the point selection grid and not stop at the edges when doing manual single point selection. It has nothing to do with Point Expansion.

I also have problems doing shot in low light and fast action. I have read many discussions and I think the issue is that it takes a split second for the camera to gain focus in AI Servo mode, when in low light this takes even longer. Therefore if you try and take the first picture too quickly it will not be in focus. If you take multiple in high speed then the 2nd,3rd etc.. should acquire focus.

What helps a bit in AI Focus is that it beeps first indicating focus is acquired so you know that all is good.

Other factors that play a role:
1. Contrast of subject.. Its hard in low light to keep a single point on a fast moving face.. so then you can try the body.. However if they are wearing a solid color shirt it might have issues with focus.
2. DOF - To get good speed and low iso you will need a large aperture.. fast moving objects and narrow DOF is definitely challenging!

Hi from germany,

I found your thread, because I was searching in the WWW if there are some users in different countries with this Issue!

I'm sorry to tell you this but in germany this is an well known issue of the EOS 70D.

We had in our board about 180 sites of talking about this issue.
After we start a new one http://www.dslr-forum.de/showthread.ph​p?t=1375786

We make an list of of faulty 70D's in our board, and right now there are 45 User with an AF issue.. http://www.dslr-forum.de …ead.php?t=13646​83&page=10

Issues are:

-Mostly in small (compared to the overall picture) to be focused objects
- So often at remote distances
- When lens aperture of 1.2 to 2.8 the problem has been observed and is at low depth of focus most clearly or at all visible
- Often the problem occurs only with the Middle AF sensor

here are some videos which show the issues:

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=DjGgKI4tIhw

http://www.bluetopas.c​om/Fotograf/fo...st_70​D_10.html


While Canons statemant via Facebook and the help support was: we can't find any issue...

regards
Azuma

Are you shooting through the glass? Hockey even in the best of circumstances is not exactly an easy sport to shoot.

Forget about AI Focus.

Using AI Servo has a learning curve - it predicts motion, so it needs time to lock onto a subject that is moving. If the subject is not moving, you'll find the focus hunts because it is expecting motion.

Search the forum for "back button focus". It may not be your cup of tea but it's an avenue worth exploring.

Post some shots and it'll be easier to diagnose the issues you are having.

So, I finally got out to shoot again on Friday.

My results were really interesting. Overall, focus was improved. But, only when using AI Focus. When using AI Servo, almost all of my shots were out of focus. I was not expecting that!

joeblack2022 wrote in post #16604559
Are you shooting through the glass? Hockey even in the best of circumstances is not exactly an easy sport to shoot.

Forget about AI Focus.

Using AI Servo has a learning curve - it predicts motion, so it needs time to lock onto a subject that is moving. If the subject is not moving, you'll find the focus hunts because it is expecting motion.

Search the forum for "back button focus". It may not be your cup of tea but it's an avenue worth exploring.

Post some shots and it'll be easier to diagnose the issues you are having.

I shoot from beside the bench, not through the glass.

I will investigate back button focus. I've heard of it, but I've never used it before.

Unfortunately, I can't post any shots. The association prohibits me from doing so. If I were taking photos as a parent I could, but as the team's "official" photographer I follow a different set of rules and I'm unable to do so.