Canon 100-400L Need help with Auto Focus (Page 2): I agree with Amehta. With all the small twigs in these photos, it's very difficult to use autofocus to find the bird in the middle of...

gym Loc: Athens, Georgia

I agree with Amehta. With all the small twigs in these photos, it's very difficult to use autofocus to find the bird in the middle of all that. Pick a definite subject without all the possible distractions and give it a go. If you're in a situation where there are a number of possible objects that auto focus might select, then go to manual focus so that you can be more selective in what you're focusing on.

Cassy Loc: New England

CHG_CANON wrote:

Cassy - I've posted DPP crops below with the shoot... (show quote)

HI, I was shooting through our front window plus I have a protector filter on my lens. Although I did take the filter off, went out side and I did try manual focus as well. No tripod at any time though. Today wasn't the best light either. I am not good with Manual focus, so I depend on the AF to work.
There are times is seems to work pretty good, but not getting the Sharp pictures I except to get. I guess I have a lot of learning to do in a short time. I am hoping the Ospreys come back this year so I can spend my summer shooting them again. That is why I bought this lens :-). I will keep trying different things and let you know how I make out.

All, thank you so much for the help on this.
Cassy

Cassy Loc: New England

amehta wrote:

I think when you're trying to figure out if there's an AF issue, it helps to simplify the shooting situation: aim at simple subjects for the AF to lock on, have bright enough light, and use a stationary subject. Then try it with lower light to see when it gets limited. Once the lens passes those tests, you can start adding complexity.

I will try this too. Thanks so much for the help.
cassy

Cassy Loc: New England

gym wrote:

I agree with Amehta. With all the small twigs in these photos, it's very difficult to use autofocus to find the bird in the middle of all that. Pick a definite subject without all the possible distractions and give it a go. If you're in a situation where there are a number of possible objects that auto focus might select, then go to manual focus so that you can be more selective in what you're focusing on.

That is what My husband is telling me too. My problem is, I have a really hard time with Manual Focus, so I really depend on the AF.
I will try this though. Thanks for the help
Cassy

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Cassy wrote:

That is what My husband is telling me too. My problem is, I have a really hard time with Manual Focus, so I really depend on the AF.
I will try this though. Thanks for the help
Cassy

If the birds are staying in the one spot long enough, maybe you could use tripod, live view, 10x zoom, autofocus, remote/cable shutter trigger.

Edit: But failing that, do whatever Swamp Gator suggests. Its his area and he is very good at it.

Cassy Loc: New England

lighthouse wrote:

If the birds are staying in the one spot long enough, maybe you could use tripod, live view, 10x zoom, autofocus, remote/cable shutter trigger.

Edit: But failing that, do whatever Swamp Gator suggests. Its his area and he is very good at it.

Great, thanks so much!!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You might too look at a monopod. It will need to be a good one to hold the weight, but will make a difference in your ability to hold steady. The single subject shooting is to confirm the camera + lens accuracy. If in a controlled environment things are correct, then it becomes available light, shutter speed, aperture and techique in the field.

Cassy Loc: New England

CHG_CANON wrote:

You might too look at a monopod. It will need to be a good one to hold the weight, but will make a difference in your ability to hold steady. The single subject shooting is to confirm the camera + lens accuracy. If in a controlled environment things are correct, then it becomes available light, shutter speed, aperture and techique in the field.

Thanks, CHG_CANON, I really appreciate all your help today. Cassy

BigBear Loc: Northern CT

Cassy wrote:

HI, I was shooting through our front window plus I... (show quote)

Shooting through a window will distort the quality as well as any extra piece of glass that is between the front lens glass and your subject.

tmrawshooter Loc: Tampa, FL

You might also try checking your AF distance setting switch (on the lens). It has 2 positions: 1.8m - Infinity and 6.5m - Infinity. You may be having an issue with distance to subject or (hopefully not) a problem with the lens. Chances are its something already mentioned by others above. Keep shooting, keep posting and good luck!

Xantoz Loc: Delaware

Make sure you have the focusing distance button on the left upper side of the lens set on the proper range. This drove me crazy also. I still have to check that it's set correctly. It gives you the ability to focus something in close range as opposed to the max range of the lens. It will not autofocus properly if you are not focusing in the right range for this setting. I have had this lens for many years I love it.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I will suggest two things - move closer ( larger subject size) and the use of a well articulated monopod - not so much for the stabilisation ( you already have that - to some degree) as for the ergonomics and ability to concentrate on the subject. As mentioned, whatever filter you are using - I would leave it off. I would also get a round metal lenshood and leave it on the lens 24/7 and cap it for protection.

LolaPL Loc: Richardson, Texas

How is the small slider near the AF/MF slider set? 1.8 is for closer subjects and 6.5 makes farther subjects sharper.

clicktime Loc: Yucca Valley Ca.

One more thing with a new lens. It might not be in sink with the camera. Most new camera's have a adjustment for focus distance settings. You can adjust the focus point forward or backwards in camera if it consistently is off. Take a pic at an angle of a chain link fence with the focus point locked on a set point [ a ribbon tied on the fence ] If the focus is forward or backward then you need to do a focus adjustment in camera. I had this issue with my 400mm and it made all the difference once I had it correct.

avman Loc: Normal IL

LolaPL wrote:

How is the small slider near the AF/MF slider set? 1.8 is for closer subjects and 6.5 makes farther subjects sharper.

Don't forget the stabilizer mode switch also....if not panning (don't think you are) this switch needs to be set on 1...even if you are panning consider 1....I have been fighting this for two years shooting aircraft and finally came to realize this is an important setting. Additionally, shooting through a window...get as close to the glass as you can, take the lens hood off and even rest the front of the lens on the glass...hope this helps!....