5D III and 300 2.8 II hit rate for sharp pictures very low

[bjd]

Hi BJD - I had read this article on AI Servo settings a few days ago wanting to get even more in focus BIF shots.  That 5DM3 has a lot of options for tweaking AI Servo.  If you've not gone through these setings (all 6 cases with 3 settings on each) then this article may help you:

http://www.garyluhm.net/bio/tips_0512.html

Hey Rev, that a very good guide. Thanks for the heads-up. I'll be trying out some of the tips ASAP.
Cheers Brian

[RustyTheGeek]

Hi AlanF
Hi John,

got it. I made everything wrong what I could do wrong.
John I did read again your article http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Photography-Tips/AF-Microadjustment-Tips.aspx

Ok so I will try now the live view / normal AF comparison.
I will us the the png file from your article

Thank you again very much for your help.

Bye
Flo

I really have to say that the AFMA article by nuero is very well done.  Thanks for that!

[bjd]

Hi BJD - I had read this article on AI Servo settings a few days ago wanting to get even more in focus BIF shots.  That 5DM3 has a lot of options for tweaking AI Servo.  If you've not gone through these setings (all 6 cases with 3 settings on each) then this article may help you:

http://www.garyluhm.net/bio/tips_0512.html

So, my problem is sorted, at least partially. I saw that all shots at 70mm were pretty sharp and all at 200mm were back focussed. So I took out the AFMA and it was immediately better. I just cannot seem to get any consistent results with Focal at the moment. I only have one place in the house where I can get far enough away from the target, and natural light is very dull at the moment so I intend to try again with Focal as soon as we have a sunny day.
Next thing is to check that I am getting the Camera to focus where I want it to!
Cheers Brian

Here a new example at 200mm.

[al2]

The AFMA setting is dependent on distance.  If your shot was at a significantly different distance than what you used to make the AFMA adjustment the focus could be visibly wrong.  With a zoom lens not only do you have to account for the change in focal length, you also might have to allow for a change in distance.