Focus/Sharpness Expectations

JohnB57 wrote in post #16864741
Could you show me how that works without conversion to a viewable format?

I believe that the suggestion was that the OP should post a link to a/multiple RAW files so that those who may wish to try to help could open them at full resolution in a RAW converter. DPP, which is available to all owners of a Canon DSLR, and some of the compact/bridge PnS types too, would probably be a good choice of software to use to view said RAW files. Not only will it apply the camera default conversion, it also has the ability to identify which AF point/points achieved focus with an on screen overlay.

Alan

BigAl007 wrote in post #16865285
I believe that the suggestion was that the OP should post a link to a/multiple RAW files so that those who may wish to try to help could open them at full resolution in a RAW converter. DPP, which is available to all owners of a Canon DSLR, and some of the compact/bridge PnS types too, would probably be a good choice of software to use to view said RAW files. Not only will it apply the camera default conversion, it also has the ability to identify which AF point/points achieved focus with an on screen overlay.

That's a pretty big leap from what he actually said Alan - I believe the suggestion was being made to the OP, not the rest of us. Zoombrowser also shows focus points of course.

tonylong wrote in post #16864103
I'm not sure why all the bickering, I doubt it helps the OP when those who are trying to help end up arguing with each other...!

As has been said, there are various considerations, but it doesn't have to be all that difficult and complicated to step through a few things to address those considerations, such as how well the camera/lens focuses under good" use/conditions, and given good focus what can one expect regarding sharpness, of course in the center, but, hey, you can check out corners and edges too!

And, if during the course of things we do suspect front or back focusing (that is not caused by us not "properly" using the AF), well, sure, doing the angled chart test, then using MFA if you can address things that way...

Wow this thread blew up! Wild as it might be the bickering did help me to some degree.
I have run the battery test, I have done a flat chart for sharpness test, and thanks to this thread did an angle chart. I also did various versions of real world shooting going handheld and using tripod as mentioned in an earlier post about the sliding door (that is a nice quick and dirty method, much easier than figuring it out the way I was attempting.

I actually straddle both camps in that a chart can help narrow things down but I still insist in testing real world afterwords to verify in best way possible - to me it's like the gun range, I could shoot a paper target all day but it will not simulate heat of the moment urban combat shooting - helps and doesn't hurt but doesnt simulate the situation where something odd shows up!

I also thank EVERYONE who participated in big or small ways- I would post up the RAW files as someone mentioned here but I have narrowed down my problem enough to know that Micro focus adjustments are not going to cut it. Thankfully the gear is still under warranty so I am shipping it off to a Canon Service center tonight in hopes of getting it back before Memorial Day lol...

The results of my test came out sharp and in focus when micro adjusted at specific distances. But whenever I moved the distance things were wildly "unsharp" So figured it was time for a tech to get involved as it sounds slightly similar to the "decentering" someone had mentioned here. Also with a brief conversation with a Canon tech they think one of the front elements might be slightly out of wack on the lens and that it likely isn't the body giving me problems.

BTW someone should compile the ideas thrown around here - Having both controlled and quick and dirty options listed and detailed is of GREAT help to those of us just learning the craft!

werds wrote in post #16866632
BTW someone should compile the ideas thrown around here - Having both controlled and quick and dirty options listed and detailed is of GREAT help to those of us just learning the craft!

Maybe that could be done in our "Focus Problems" thread, although it would require some work!