Auto focus on my Canon XTi: My XTi keeps searching when in autofocus on one shot AI focus, but when in AI servo it locks the subject in.i have been doing manual focus trying to get...

Elmosal Loc: Austin Tx

My XTi keeps searching when in autofocus on one shot AI focus, but when in AI servo it locks the subject in.i have been doing manual focus trying to get better with that.
Do you use autofocus or manual. I just received my 24-105 L glass & will be out tomorrow testing it.
Any suggestions on the reason autofocus is not locking in would be appreciated.i want to recover from the new lens purchase before I make the painful decision 5D MKii or the 7D.
Thanks in advance

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

How many focus points do you have it set for? Just use the one in center.

Elmosal Loc: Austin Tx

Linda, I have it set for 1 point ....center. I will let my photography instructor check it out tomorrow when I go to class. It's weird that I can lock focus on servo. thank you for your response

sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA

Also I would get the 7D save on money and it is a great camera, I have some friends that shoot professionally for a NFL team and use that camera and it works great.

Elmosal Loc: Austin Tx

sportyman140 wrote:

Also I would get the 7D save on money and it is a great camera, I have some friends that shoot professionally for a NFL team and use that camera and it works great.

Thanks sporty. Many have told including some I meet at my workplace.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I shoot with Canon 50D so I feel your pain. AF is a complex issue with a Canon. It needs contrast to focus correctly. Try using a high contrast focusing chart and see what happens. Also, try all your lenses if the problem persists it is in the body of the camera. I have one old lens that wants to "hunt" when placed in Auto Focus mode. So, I shoot it in manual. I know the problem is not in the body since the "Hunt" is only on one lens. If the camera is new, and within warranty send it back to Canon, if not look for a local camera repair shop.

Elmosal Loc: Austin Tx

Bill Emmett wrote:

I shoot with Canon 50D so I feel your pain. AF is... (show quote)

Thank you I will give that a try!

Elmosal Loc: Austin Tx

Elmosal wrote:

My XTi keeps searching when in autofocus on one shot AI focus, but when in AI servo it locks the subject in.i have been doing manual focus trying to get better with that.
Do you use autofocus or manual. I just received my 24-105 L glass & will be out tomorrow testing it.
Any suggestions on the reason autofocus is not locking in would be appreciated.i want to recover from the new lens purchase before I make the painful decision 5D MKii or the 7D.
Thanks in advance

Well went to photography class tonight only to find my 24-105 is tack sharp & the focusing problem is the camera.....manual focus for now.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

So, what are you planning to do about the focus problem? I suggest sending the camera into Canon ASAP to get it fixed. In the mean time just relax, or you can rent a body for a few weeks and maybe familize yourself with a better body, and think of upgrading your XTi to a 60D, or 7D. Your EF lenses and EF-S lenses will work on these two bodies I suggest.

Elmosal Loc: Austin Tx

Bill Emmett wrote:

So, what are you planning to do about the focus problem? I suggest sending the camera into Canon ASAP to get it fixed. In the mean time just relax, or you can rent a body for a few weeks and maybe familize yourself with a better body, and think of upgrading your XTi to a 60D, or 7D. Your EF lenses and EF-S lenses will work on these two bodies I suggest.

Bill, that's a great idea. There is a local canon service center here in town. I was on their website & to get a dslr to factory specifications is a flat fee $180.00. I will ask them about the rental. I will also call canon.

Elmosal Loc: Austin Tx

Bill Emmett wrote:

So, what are you planning to do about the focus problem? I suggest sending the camera into Canon ASAP to get it fixed. In the mean time just relax, or you can rent a body for a few weeks and maybe familize yourself with a better body, and think of upgrading your XTi to a 60D, or 7D. Your EF lenses and EF-S lenses will work on these two bodies I suggest.

Well the auto focus problem on my XTi would have cost $225-250 for repair & canon said 4-6 weeks for repair.i just wanted a stop gap used camera to fill in until I get a new body & got lucky & found a canon 40D at a pawn shop for $100 , yep $100 grabbed my lens & took through a quick workout & everything worked flawlessly.i don't think the kid working knew what if was. It came with all of the cables 3 batteries & the charger. the button layout is quiet different than my XTI so there will be a learning curve. I have been reading the owners manual trying to make sense of everything. Any pointers from 40D owners would be appreciated. Unfortunately by the time I got it home & charged it was late & I will be at work all day so tomorrow I hope to get out & take some shots after I get off of work @ 4:00.