Strange focus issues with 5DIV

I set my camera on a tripod tonight, to attempt to dial in my micro focus adjustment. However, I noticed something strange. When I focused normally through the viewfinder it doesn't seem that any part of the image is in sharp focus. However, when I focus using live view, I can definitely notice the in focus area. My eyes are not as young as they used to be, so I am looking for help in deciding where the focus is. My guess is the phase detect AF is slightly front focusing. However, it is concerning that I can't seem to find anything in sharp focus from the fist image.

Here are the 2 test images. Camera on tripod for both images. I was trying to focus on the "C" in Committee. These are 100% crops.

Here is the traditional phase detect focus image.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/Sq6s​dv

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/TAj1​do

Run faster shutter speeds by upping the ISO. 1/25 is to slow especially with mirror slap. Now is not the time to worry about ISO. Get that shutter up to 1/250th if possible.

I was pretty much about to type exactly what TeamSpeed posted above.

Live view = no mirror slap, no vibration.

P.S. if the viewfinder appears soft, try adjusting the diopter to suit your vision.

Ok. So here is a shot with traditional view finder phase detect focus, but at 1/250 ss. I can definitely see a sharp in focus area.

However, this raises 2 more questions...

Even with a tripod, will I always have soft images if my shutter speed is slow? I thought that was the purpose of a tripod, to allow you to use slower shutter speeds and still get sharp images.

Secondly, how did I get a sharp image using DPAF focus? Was it because the mirror was already up?

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/TDXG​LK

So, yes, this is the theory that teamspeed and I both went straight to in our replies.

Live view already has the mirror lifted, no slap. So it holds up as strong possibility for the source of your problem.

You can use old fashioned mirror lock up to reduce this problem with normal viewfinder shooting.

Your tripod may also be unable to eliminate all movement,. I don't know how many tests you did each way.

tim1970 wrote in post #18322392
Ok. So here is a shot with traditional view finder phase detect focus, but at 1/250 ss. I can definitely see a sharp in focus area.

However, this raises 2 more questions...

Even with a tripod, will I always have soft images if my shutter speed is slow? I thought that was the purpose of a tripod, to allow you to use slower shutter speeds and still get sharp images.

Secondly, how did I get a sharp image using DPAF focus? Was it because the mirror was already up?

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/TDXG​LK focus-103 by Tim Richardson, on Flickr

You're dealing with a lot of small pixels with that 30MP sensor. In fact, 40% more pixels over the 5D3, 50% more than the 6D. If you're going to be using slow shutter speeds on a tripod, you should be using mirror-lock up. That's always been a suggestion for the sharpest images. And even more apparent seeing these examples. At that longer focal length and the slap of the mirror, you'll always show vibration.
And as Jake mentioned Liveview = mirror up, no vibration

Yep, if you're wanting to get sharpness *outside* of liveview:

- Tripod locked down tight preferably without any extension of the central column
- Mirror lockup
- Remote shutter release, or failing that 10 sec timer (vs 2 sec) to give vibrations a chance to settle.

FWIW I recently upgraded from an all metal tripod to a carbon fibre model and I'm really seeing the difference with my 5D4; vibration definitely settles down faster with a decent CF tripod.

This happened to me in the past.
I don't know what the little adjuster is called....but for me playing with this fixed things.

Congratulations on the Best of Show.

It might be worth adding that a focus target should not be inclined. The AF point is larger than appears in the viewfinder, and the system might not focus where you intend.

Jethr0 wrote in post #18322717
This happened to me in the past.
I don't know what the little adjuster is called....but for me playing with this fixed things.

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Diopter adjustment.. mentioned in my first post, but your image is far more helpful!

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #18322752
Diopter adjustment.. mentioned in my first post

Oh! Oops. .