Crosspoint AF on Canon 60D: I upgraded my 17-85mm to the 17-55 f/2.8 and sent the glass back because I couldn't nail focus at wide open in any light. I was constantly focusing...

redpepper Loc: Central NY

I upgraded my 17-85mm to the 17-55 f/2.8 and sent the glass back because I couldn't nail focus at wide open in any light. I was constantly focusing manually, which led to shoulder fatigue. This lens was heavy! After much research, I purchased the Sigma 17-50 EX DC OS 2.8. The images rendered are extremely Sharp. However, same thing....the camera.uses the wrong focus pt and manual focus is nearly impossible on this lens with short ring distance. I figured out that the crosstype sensors use the center pt on fast lenses. My question: How do I focus in on an off center.subject? I typically shoot with my subjects all off center. Do I focus then recompose the shot? Anyway, this lens is much lighter and feels rather balanced on the 60D in my hand. Although its not a.Canon, Im impressed with the fast focus and image quality. I'd like to keep it but need to understand the AF strategy. Thx so much.

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

You should be able to choose the focus point you want to use. I don't have the 60D but my Canon has a small button near the shutter release that will light up the focus point in use and by turning one of the wheels you can change to a different one. Check your manual, it should be a simple fix.

Robert Graybeal Loc: Myrtle Beach

I noticed my 60D would use which ever focus point it wanted too, not the one I wanted so I set it to only the center point. I focus, hold the button half way, then recompose.

FilmFanatic Loc: Waikato, New Zealand

I had a 30D for a while, I believe you press the 4-way controller to switch to selecting a point, then move the controller round to select which point you want. Could be wrong, but something like that.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

This is going to be hard to explain but if you have your manual look at page 78. There is a button on the back of the camera. Press button, turn wheel, select AF point.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

More specifically to the Canon 60D -
In Full Auto everything is done for you even "Sports Mode"- page 54
Creative Mode is the same, but you can change a few things - page 59
In P, Tv, Av, M, or B you control a lot more...
The Drive Modes are: - page 75
- One Shot AF for Still Subjects
- AI Servo AF for Moving Subjects
- AI Focus AF for Automatic Switching Between The Two
Now the question is one of selecting the proper AF Area
Default AF Area Selection Modes - page 78
Selecting The Drive Mode - page 81

There are also some good write-ups and videos at http://goo.gl/BHlZS

richardp1958 Loc: Los Angeles

redpepper wrote:

I upgraded my 17-85mm to the 17-55 f/2.8 and sent ... (show quote)

google back button focus canon 60D. There are articles and youtube videos explaining back button focus where you can lock in the focus and recompose the shot.

redpepper Loc: Central NY

Thanks everyone. I think I will use the custom function thru the menu to decrease steps in selecting focus point. I'm from the old school and manually focus when I can't get the tack Sharp results from a nearby focus point. Too bad my Sigma lens doesn't have FT manual focus. This will be a good test for me!

Turbo Loc: Raleigh, NC

If you are serious about learning and understanding how the CANON autofocus system works, watch the detailed explanation from the Canon rep. himself

This is part 1 of 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAx86nblZ2g&feature=relmfu

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Agreed. Use center point focus. Don't let the camera pick the focal point. It almost never works except for distant landscapes.

Robert Graybeal wrote:

I noticed my 60D would use which ever focus point it wanted too, not the one I wanted so I set it to only the center point. I focus, hold the button half way, then recompose.

sunsacre Loc: Western Minnesota

Thank you, that was one of the best video series I have seen on how the focus system works.

Turbo wrote:

If you are serious about learning and understanding how the CANON autofocus system works, watch the detailed explanation from the Canon rep. himself

This is part 1 of 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAx86nblZ2g&feature=relmfu

:thumbup:

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

redpepper wrote:

I upgraded my 17-85mm to the 17-55 f/2.8 and sent ... (show quote)

Because the camera's autofocus only has crosspoint AF on the center focus point, that is the only focus point I use. Focus, hold halfway, re-compose, shoot.

Unless you have changed the focusing screen in your camera, manual focus is poor at best with our "modern" lenses. If I had problems with autofocus with Canon lenses, I would try another copy. I have had pretty good luck with Sigma, not so good with Tamron, but never has any of them been as good as my Canon "L" lenses.

steinr98

As already mentioned, use the back button for focus lock and re-compose. Use only the center focus square and you will be much happier. The second item- you need to manually set your lens up to your camera for the corrected focus - there is an adjustment that remembers what lens you have on the camera, and it adjusts the focus for that lens. It is called AF Microadustment Feature. Do it !!! You will be grateful you did. Do this for all your lenses!!!

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

steinr98 wrote:

As already mentioned, use the back button for focus lock and re-compose. Use only the center focus square and you will be much happier. The second item- you need to manually set your lens up to your camera for the corrected focus - there is an adjustment that remembers what lens you have on the camera, and it adjusts the focus for that lens. It is called AF Microadustment Feature. Do it !!! You will be grateful you did. Do this for all your lenses!!!

The 60D dose not have that Feature. The 7D yes, maybe others, don't know.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

Bangee5 wrote:

quote=steinr98 As already mentioned, use the back... (show quote)

AF Microadustment Feature -That I mean