Focus problem with the 50mm f/1.8

Hey..

I just recently got the 50mm f/1.8.

Ive had the following probem with the Manual AF point with this lens. Lets say i select a Manual AF point and i go to focus on a object i try and focus on it but the lens wont focus on whatever im trying to shoot. it has alot of trouble and when it is finally in focus it doesnt seem to shoot. There are two ways of resloving this, either switching it to Manual Focus or selecting Automatic AF Points. But i dont want to set Manual Focus or Automatic AF Points. I want to be able to choose the Manual AF point myself and shoot whatever i want.. Sometimes the Manual AF point does work but i would say most times its a bit of a pain in the ass to get it to work.

Has anyone else had this problem with the 50mm f/1.8?
Does the 50mm f/1.4 blow away these problems? or is it just a issue with me not knowing how to focus properly?

I'd guess that this is a low light situation and the camera is not getting focus confirmation on your chosen AF point ?
Brian V.

LordV wrote in post #2034060
I'd guess that this is a low light situation and the camera is not getting focus confirmation on your chosen AF point ?
Brian V.

i guess its in low light.. and when its stoped down to f/1.8 but its also just in general...

do all lenses do this is low level light conditions?

the 50mm 1.8 does hunt pretty bad in low light and it doesn't help all that much if you're using the weaker af sensors

however, not all lenses perform as poorly in low light conditions

BryanP wrote in post #2034101
the 50mm 1.8 does hunt pretty bad in low light and it doesn't help all that much if you're using the weaker af sensors

however, not all lenses perform as poorly in low light conditions

so its just better just to manual foucs?

verty wrote in post #2034113
so its just better just to manual foucs?

try to get better light if you can.
If not if you can do manual then thats great but i hope it will be accurate, and try to use brackting, and i think you ned a flash somehow.
i had that problem so that i got 50 1.4, but if i need 50 1.8 to be good focus i low light then i do manual or use flash.

another thing is to lock exposure, means try to meter on good light subject and lock the exposure and then move fast for the subject in low light and shoot. give it a try.

Tareq wrote in post #2034214
try to get better light if you can.
If not if you can do manual then thats great but i hope it will be accurate, and try to use brackting, and i think you ned a flash somehow.
i had that problem so that i got 50 1.4, but if i need 50 1.8 to be good focus i low light then i do manual or use flash.

if i was to use a flash would the auto focus be better???

The flash emits a few flashes so the lens can focus.

the 50 1.8 is notorius for not so good focusing though, so don't worry, OR buy the 1.4

Livinthalife wrote in post #2034226
The flash emits a few flashes so the lens can focus.

the 50 1.8 is notorius for not so good focusing though, so don't worry, OR buy the 1.4

is the 1.4 ALOT better with focusing?
pretty spot on all the time?

I don't own the 1.4, but from everyone says, it sounds a lot better at focusing. I KNOW it's certainly nothing like the 1.8

Ask Tim (I'm a llama) he can persuade you into getting the 1.4 for sure

OR you could wait a little while and get the 1.2L at $1600!!!!

verty wrote in post #2034232
is the 1.4 ALOT better with focusing?
pretty spot on all the time?

indeed, even in bokeh is better, sure focus faster due to USM.

Tareq wrote in post #2034240
indeed, even in bokeh is better, sure focus faster due to USM.

i might have to think about upgrading

verty wrote in post #2034249
i might have to think about upgrading

until you seriously upgrade enjoy with you 50 1.8, don't miss shots waiting to upgrade.

i just got it and it comes with a 40 day refund.. ill take it back and upgrade