cval52

I am having issues with my shots not being as sharp as I would like. ( I also have a cataract so maybe just my eyes)

Should I switch from single point metering to multipoint?

I use autofocus because I don’t trust my eyeballs

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Metering has no effect on sharpness.

Bill_de Loc: US

If you mean multi point focus, give it a try. That should answer your question.
But, that will only help if the problem is not getting the single point where you want it.
My cataracts have not affected my ability to get the camera to focus. However, as I get older I can't hold the camera as steady as I used to, requiring a higher shutter speed.

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Hank Radt

I sometimes shoot without my glasses - I'm far-sighted, so when I do, can't really see what is in focus and what isn't. On my Sony (not sure what you have), I can set the focus area to wide, normal or spot and have generally (but not always) found that spot works best for me- I can see the focus square in the VF and generally lock it on to my subject. If shooting moving subjects (kids, dogs, sports), the better choice is wide - once you lock on, it keeps the subject in focus, where ever it is in the frame. The Sony also has face detection and eye AF which help if you're shooting people / portraits. Suggest you try different combinations on your camera to see what works best for you.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I believe you meant one point AF VS multi point AF.
The one point, by and large in my experience is better, as multi point gets fooled or does not know what is important to you.
First, could the lack of sharpness be your eyes as well looking at the final result, perhaps a second opinion, like post a photo in this thread so the experts (Not me ) can pontificate as to the sharpness. Some will actually give you excellent feedback.
Next the lens might need a micro adjustment. But for that, you will need someone again with good vision to do that as well.
Finally, and least likely there is an equipment failure.
Good luck.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

FWIW - cataracts tend to creep in slowly, so your vision changes without much notice until all of a sudden you are 3/4 blind. I shot for a long while as cataracts crept across one eye, then the other. I am right handed and right eyed, but at one point needed to learn to be left eyed to be able to use my camera.

Cataract surgery was a piece of cake - had my left eye done on a monday, and the right done on the following Tuesday afternoon. Amazed to see how bad my photography really was at the time I was shooting & editing thru cataracts :) Actually, the ride home from the eye surgeon was "eye opening" in of itself with the increase in clarity and color.

Don't put off getting the cataracts taken care of. It may resolve 90% of your sharpness issues.

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Remember, sharpness is affected by several factors beyond focus itself. If the entire image is not crisp, camera or subject movement is likely the cause, try faster shutter speeds. Aperture affects depth of field, so at wide apertures only a relatively small portion of the image may be in focus.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Some more details about the camera and lens(es) you're using will help with actionable suggestions specific to your equipment. You might also add a response and attach an example image so we might judge the issues with lack of sharpness and likely causes.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Soft focus has multiple issues not related to your eyes.

- If you use auto-focus - any kind - You just need to make sure the camera locks onto what you want, not what it thinks you want.
- Aperture is an issue. Too much or too little will affect the final result. This is too long to explain here but each lens has an optimal aperture.
- Focusing distance. Same as aperture each lens has an optimal focusing distance. Focusing out of the range will lead to softness, especially in specialized prime lenses.
- Focal length enters into play. The longer the lens the more difficult to stabilize. Using a greater speed helps some but does not prevent the camera to record motion, it is just shorter so... softer.
- Sensor. The smaller the sensors on a sensor array the softer an image if the camera is not stabilized. This is why high pixel count cameras are better suited for studio work.
- Subject matter. The more contrast in your subject the sharper the image.
- Type of lens, zoom, prime or generic fixed length influence the final sharpness (see above aperture/distance)
- Some lenses need to be calibrated or fine tuned in camera.
- And, oh, yeah, the lens can be defective or become that way over time.
- ....

All the issue above that are related to motion blur are correctable. The others are not.

Summary:
Your vision is the last denominator when it comes to sharpness. Now if you consider color that is another story.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

If you are having significant cataract problems, it may be time for surgery. I had mine done a few years ago. Before cataract surgery my eyesight was 20/400. After I had the lenses replaced I was seeing 20/20. I hadn't seen so well since elementary school. Better sooner than later. It's a simple surgery, painless, and healing time is short.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

Before you assume it is your eyes, eliminate your camera as the cause. Have someone with good vision take photos with your camera. If it is out of focus, assuming it is an DSLR, have that person tweak your lens profile by following the instructions in the video below. If that doesn't produce sharp photos, then the problem is your eyes. If it is your eyes, consider some of the other UHH suggestions.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zE50jCUPhM

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

OR... as others have suggested, POST an image you consider out of focus and be sure to check the STORE ORIGINAL so all the EXIF and focus points are included in the image.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I won't say how bad my eyes are but I'm not allowed to drive legally. I get around my vision problems by, like you using auto focus, single point. I'm also not anywhere near as steady as in my youth so a tripod is always in the equation. When the tripod is not an option, as high a shutter speed* as I can get away with and back button continuous focus, with that button held in until after the shot is taken.
*Shutter speed relative to more depth of focus, aka hyper focal distance.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I believe you answered your own question. I believe you need to get another eye exam soon. And maybe adjust the diopter on your camera.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Before you fix the camera fix your eye.