Help me decide if something is wrong. (with pics)

Hey, I have the exact same problem, so I guess I am not alone.
I use the 28-135 IS and the kit lens and I have that problem that when I am not filling the frame with one subject and I take group pictures my pics look exactly the same at 100%
I dont know what cause it but thats how it is.
the thing is, that when I take a portrait and I fill up the frame with the subject, it comes out much crispier and sharper even in 100% crop.
if you ever solve this problem please share

If you think it is a focus problem set the lens on MF then shoot. Then bracket a few exposures changing the focus ahead and behind just a tad. If you duplicated the original with one of the test shots you will know the problem. Same exposure of course. Also use the same focus point that you use when you have the camera set on AF. If it is an under or over exposure problem then this is no help. At least you have narrow down the problem.

JON

Jon wrote in post #2311312
It looks a tad underexposed; that'll make any picture look noisy.

I agree. To me, the image in the original post looks underexposed by at least a stop or so.

I do not think there was focusing issue - just the noise caused by the underexposure.

do more tests.
I tested my lenses before such as 24-70 and i always got soft smooth shots, now i don't have any problem with all my lenses.
do more tests with same lens or different lenses and becareful of your settings and see the results.
I hope you can use flash if so.

Underexposed, and lack of contrast can make a photo at that ISO look that way.

Use your histogram, and use your exposure comp, I haven't had a Canon DSLR that I have not used at least 1/3 over on 99.99% of my shots.......10D+1/3, 3 20D's +1/3, Mk2N +1/3, 5D......I actually had to go a 1/2 on that camera. But regardless of the amount you need to use it to adjust for shots like that......it's part of getting to know your camera. For example when I shoot parties, or family stuff (in dark settings) I know I will get 98% of my shots perfect if I have my camera set to +1/3, and my 580 flash set to +2/3rd's.........sound​s like it would be alot but it works perfect.

Bottom line is you have to find "the sweet spot".

And as far as your photo.......anything with that low of contast will look soft ( keep in mind that's what USM actually does...adds contrast), combine the fact that it's underexposed and that will show more noise.

At least from my experience that would be my guess.

SkipD wrote in post #2314346
I agree. To me, the image in the original post looks underexposed by at least a stop or so.

I do not think there was focusing issue - just the noise caused by the underexposure.

If you are using CS and auto exposure correction is on, I would bet all I got that Skip is right. To me tis looks like classic noise from under exposure correction.

Dante King wrote in post #2316349
If you are using CS and auto exposure correction is on, I would bet all I got that Skip is right. To me tis looks like classic noise from under exposure correction.

I have always had all the "autos" turned off. But I am starting to agree with everyone that the problem is underexposure. I did a shoot today and the images looked a little better, but still not exactly what I think they should be. I will be heading to Roberts tommorow with my 30d and CF card to do two of the same shot with my camera and one with theirs for comparison. thanks for everyones help.