Ducks eyes focusing problem

Hi.

Does anyone else have a problem getting Ducks' eyes in focus? I get what is like a reflection. I do not sense it as much on other birds or in other photography.

I'm wondering what I am seeing is evidence that I need to micro focus adjust my 7DII or if there is something unique with Duck eyes giving more reflection?

Two more

Greg_8 wrote in post #18323862
Does anyone else have a problem getting Ducks' eyes in focus? I get what is like a reflection. I do not sense it as much on other birds or in other photography.

I'm wondering what I am seeing is evidence that I need to micro focus adjust my 7DII or if there is something unique with Duck eyes giving more reflection?

Hi, Greg!

I do not understand what you are saying. I think that perhaps you think you are seeing a problem that does not exist?

It is really hard to see what you are talking about in the photos you posted because the ducks are so small in the frame. If you had some close-ups, then it would be possible to see what part of the duck is in focus and what part isn't. When you mention getting something that looks like a reflection, it would be especially helpful if you could post a close-up of this so that we could see what you mean.

I have not had any special difficulties getting duck's eyes in sharp focus......at least no more so than getting other bird's eyes in focus.

.

Greg_8 wrote in post #18323862
..Does anyone else have a problem getting Ducks' eyes in focus?...

Not really, unless you mean the pupil itself, which is hard to focus on because it is of course both jet black and reflective. This is a crop from an old shot so a bit grainy, but you can see what I mean.

You can easily test your camera/lens setup to determine if you need to micro adjust, but if you are only seeing focusing issues with one group of birds, it's not likely a camera issue. There's nothing particular about waterfowl eyes that require special focusing techniques. Don't let the camera select your focus point because it may be focusing on the water movement (not that I see that in your photos). Use one single AF point, no expansion. Put it right on the eye or the head.

Did you use a teleconverter on the last two. Could be the issue.

I've had this same exact problem myself, and I'm nor sure why. Possibly reflections from the water. I use a Canon 1DMKIV and the later version of the 100-400V2. I've tried it in AIServo and also in one shot with the same results. It seems to be very much hit or miss whether the eye is in focus or not. I can basically get within a few feet too of some of the tamer ducks.
Its a very weird thing, which I haven't figured out, but when I saw the title I knew I had to look, because I know now I'm not the only one.

I've had this problem with ducks with extreme change in brightness on their head, like your first shot, but not particularly otherwise.

Now I do occasionally find I just can't get anything sharp, but that is usually air currents.

Thanks to all for sharing your experiences. I have decided to get a micro focus adjustment tool, and hopefully if I don't mess the camera/lens up, I might get the tad more sharp I am looking for.

Thanks again.

I'm not sure exactly why, but I've heard other photographers say the same thing. If everything else shoots ok and its only ducks or birds in water, I'll bet it has something to do with reflections. You could also check and see where the AF point was when you took the shot. I know theres a plugin for Lightroom thats shows where the AF point was, not sure about other ways but it does help quite a bit.

That's interesting and I would think that I might have trouble too trying to focus on just the eye.

I think what happens it depends on how many focus points are being used, if you using more than 1 then it will adjust too which focus points are being used

Bill

Greg_8 wrote in post #18347945
Thanks to all for sharing your experiences. I have decided to get a micro focus adjustment tool, and hopefully if I don't mess the camera/lens up, I might get the tad more sharp I am looking for.

Hey, Greg

Did you get the micro adjustment tool yet? . If so, how did it work out for you?

Also, do you have any close-ups of ducks, so that we can see the eye focus problem you were talking about? . I asked about this in post #3, back when you first started the thread, but didn't hear anything back from you about it.

.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #18324235
Hi, Greg!

I do not understand what you are saying. I think that perhaps you think you are seeing a problem that does not exist?

It is really hard to see what you are talking about in the photos you posted because the ducks are so small in the frame. If you had some close-ups, then it would be possible to see what part of the duck is in focus and what part isn't. When you mention getting something that looks like a reflection, it would be especially helpful if you could post a close-up of this so that we could see what you mean.

I have not had any special difficulties getting duck's eyes in sharp focus......at least no more so than getting other bird's eyes in focus.

.

I am with Tom here, I have often notice apparant eye softness in duck, the tufteds are typical. Yet the feathers around are sharp. I think they have diffused edges to the pupils that can make they eyes look soft and trigger the old wildlife photog paranoia.

You know what I've also noticed this on as well....Cormorants.The thing is it usually happens in the air as well as on the water.

Hi all. No, I never did the Micro adjust. I've been enjoying dragonfly action lately and am getting sharp pictures. I am agreeing with Tom and Lester; I believe duck eyes are naturally diffused and the camera captures it accurately.

Thanks again for all the comments.