7D focusing question

I have new 7D with 28-135 kit lens. When im shooting in AFlive mode, im achieving much sharper focus then in any regular modes using a single point AF, is this normal??? I think there is something wrong here. please help.

Single shot or servo focus mode?

Well, if your Live View gets you sharper photos (assuming you're not using "P" mode), then it's possible that your lens needs micro focus adjustment. Live View focus is based on contrast detection on what the sensor sees. Normal focus is via the AF sensor so it could be your lens, or even possibly your 7D. But won't know until you have more than 1 lens to test.

This isn't your first DSLR, is it?

I assume you mean to say that when you are in live view and use that AF it is more accurate than the normal focus in the viewfinder. The focus mechanism in live view is not only more accurate but it is able to work at smaller apertures. The downside is that it is so very, very slow.

They shouldn't be too far apart in accuracy and this may indicate that you need to use the auto focus microadjust to calibrate the focus with that lens.

bsmotril wrote in post #10160884
Single shot or servo focus mode?

im using single shot

jwcdds wrote in post #10160891
Well, if your Live View gets you sharper photos (assuming you're not using "P" mode), then it's possible that your lens needs micro focus adjustment. Live View focus is based on contrast detection on what the sensor sees. Normal focus is via the AF sensor so it could be your lens, or even possibly your 7D. But won't know until you have more than 1 lens to test.

This isn't your first DSLR, is it?

i have tried every mode where I can use a single point and i get the same problem.

If your lens needs microadjustment, it won't make any difference what mode you are in. Try the suggestion of microadjusting the lens.

krb wrote in post #10160907
I assume you mean to say that when you are in live view and use that AF it is more accurate than the normal focus in the viewfinder. The focus mechanism in live view is not only more accurate but it is able to work at smaller apertures. The downside is that it is so very, very slow.

They shouldn't be too far apart in accuracy and this may indicate that you need to use the auto focus microadjust to calibrate the focus with that lens.

yeah i does takes a bit longer to focus in live view but using viewfinder it seems to be soft and OOF. How do i calibrate, is this something i can do on my own or do i have to send it in?

Everyone thanks for helping.

pknight wrote in post #10160958
If your lens needs microadjustment, it won't make any difference what mode you are in. Try the suggestion of microadjusting the lens.

is this something that I can do on my own??

You can do it yourself with the 7D. It is explained, somewhat, in the manual. Search here for microadjustment and you will find lots of advice on how to do it.

It's an option in the custom function menu for autofocus. You can also search this forum for the term "MAF" for discussions of how and what.

IMO, you should:

1. Use MAF to confirm that there is a calibration issue.
2. Borrow another lens from somebody and take some test shots with it to see if it is accurate or if it needs calibration too. This will help you identify whether it is the camera or the lens that is not calibrated correctly.
3. Once you have an idea of which item is not calibrated, send it to Canon for repair under warranty.

The calibration needs to be set at different focal lengths and different focus distances and the MAF in the camera doesn't allow that level of control. Better to tell Canon to make it work the way it is supposed to.

Yes, the 7D allows you to make adjustments to each lens. It's in your custom functions and you can register up to 20 separate lenses for adjustments. That said, it can only compensate for -20/+20 so if your lens falls beyond that range, then something's off. It's possible, though usually less likely that it's the camera body that's off, but you'll need to have more than 1 lens to prove that.

I think it's time to break open that vacuum-sealed manual and read through it.

See the second message in this thread:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=862834

krb wrote in post #10160990
It's an option in the custom function menu for autofocus. You can also search this forum for the term "MAF" for discussions of how and what.

IMO, you should:

1. Use MAF to confirm that there is a calibration issue.
2. Borrow another lens from somebody and take some test shots with it to see if it is accurate or if it needs calibration too. This will help you identify whether it is the camera or the lens that is not calibrated correctly.
3. Once you have an idea of which item is not calibrated, send it to Canon for repair under warranty.

The calibration needs to be set at different focal lengths and different focus distances and the MAF in the camera doesn't allow that level of control. Better to tell Canon to make it work the way it is supposed to.

I've shot my brothers wedding with 17-55 f2.8 canon rental over the weekend and they seem to be good pictures in focus. so now i've placed my lens back on since i have returned the rental and noticed how unsharp it is. In live view its actually pretty sharp for 28-135 lens. Its upseting to discover a problem like this for the price.

Seems like its a very common problem with these lenses or cameras. what makes it worse is that a lot of users are not even aware of this. Makes me very disappointed when i spent so much money for something that is suppose to be so great and it turns out NOT to be. I don't understand one thing, how can Canon allow these issues to so many costumers with their lenses or whatever is causing that focusing problem?? Im losing trust in Canon after spending so much money. Its like buying a new car with terrible alignment.

Meh. I certainly am not defending Canon but this is just the nature of electronics. Besides, we don't know if it's the 7D or if it's the 28-135. microadjusting lenses isn't difficult. But if you don't want to be bothered with it, then return it to the store.