Volk359 Loc: Fairbanks, AK

Greetings All,

I purchased a Canon 50D a few years ago and never have been very satisfied with it; the main issue is soft focus with my pictures. I've tried every trick to get clear photos, even using a tripod, but I just can't get tack sharp with it. I'm also getting a halo effect around white objects against a dark background. (see attached) I've done a fair amount of research on the web and among forums and the impression I get is it's a fine camera. I'm very meticulous in cleanliness with my equipment so I'm wondering if it needs calibration or something. Lately I've also been getting an error 99 and the only way to clear it is to turn off the camera, remove the battery and reinsert it. The flash hood tends to stick closed on it, too.

So... the camera is in need of repairs but I'm not sure "calibration" would fix the soft focus issue or the haloing. Is fixing this camera worth the price or should I be looking at a replacement?

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

The only way to really give good advice is if you post a few fulls size images.

Please post a few that you think represents what your trouble is.(check the "store original" box and don't click the preview button.

FredB Loc: A little below the Mason-Dixon line.

The 50D is normally a pretty decent body. I can't say for sure what your underlying problem may be, but I can see a potential flaw in your sample.

You are using an aperture of f/5.6 which is fairly large for your scene composition. There is a narrower range of focus or depth-of-field at that opening, and given your shot, I'd bet the focus points are in those areas of high-contrast - the edges of shadows, the white horse on the right, etc. In fact, if you look closely, the right-hand white horse's rump is sharper than the rump of the left-hand white horse.

When I'm outside, with bright sunlight, I stay with an aperture of f/11 or even a stop or two higher. This will give you a much wider depth of field.

Your 28-135 lens is decent, but not the sharpest in the Canon lineup. I had one for several years, on a 50D for that matter.

Next time you post-process, turn on the showing of focus points, if you can. It will help you get a better idea of where your camera is focusing, and perhaps why some areas are less sharp than others.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

See if your firmware is up to date on the 50D as that might resolve the Err 99. I used the 28-135 for a while as well. Much better less wide open as Fred pointed out.

Volk359 Loc: Fairbanks, AK

Sorry folks, didn't mean to take so long to respond but I've been out of town. Here's the original exported as a jpeg. Wasn't sure about settings but if there's a preferred please let me know.

Volk359 Loc: Fairbanks, AK

Here's a couple more.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

Can you "store original"?

Volk359 Loc: Fairbanks, AK

Here's the raw image.

Attached file:
(Download)

Volk359 Loc: Fairbanks, AK

and these were from my pre-raw days.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Volk, I don't think that cameras will soft focus on their own. That body I'm pretty sure will Micro Adjust(MA) for the lens and body. MA the lens/camera, that should help.
If your looking for an excuse to buy a new camera, you don't need one, I say it's OK.
SS
Good luck. SS

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Well...from what you posted at full size, I'd say that you don't have a problem....or at least I don't see one.

I see that you are using the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and though that's a nice lens, it's not top of the line by any stretch and I see that you took these shots racked out to 135mm.

No zoom lens (especially one that didn't cost a few grand) will be at it's best at it's extreme ends of the zoom range. Zooms are a compromise and a "bargain priced" zoom such as this will be especially so.


It's POSSIBLE that the lens and camera need to be calibrated though.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

:thumbup:

I have this camera body as well; I've never had to MA anything, but that doesn't mean much. Of course, the only non-L lens I have is the nifty fifty 50mm f/1.8, and it's pretty dang sharp. Perhaps post another with a different lens? Sorry, I couldn't be more helpful.