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

[bjd]

Interesting infos about the 1DX Firmware.

You can download the software from the Canon website here.

Firmware Version 1.0.6 incorporates the following fixes.

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF Microadjustment cannot be correctly carried out.

2. Fixes a phenomenon such that when using the camera with combinations of certain lens*1) and extender*2), the images captured become back-focused.

*1) EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM or EF200mm f/2L IS USM
*2) Extender EF 1.4x III or Extender EF 2x III

IIRC up till now almost everything concerning AF on the 1Dx also applied to the 5D3.
Been playing with Focal all morning without any improvements.
Cheers Brian

 

[rpt]

Interesting infos about the 1DX Firmware.

You can download the software from the Canon website here.

Firmware Version 1.0.6 incorporates the following fixes.

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF Microadjustment cannot be correctly carried out.

2. Fixes a phenomenon such that when using the camera with combinations of certain lens*1) and extender*2), the images captured become back-focused.

*1) EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM or EF200mm f/2L IS USM
*2) Extender EF 1.4x III or Extender EF 2x III

IIRC up till now almost everything concerning AF on the 1Dx also applied to the 5D3.
Been playing with Focal all morning without any improvements.
Cheers Brian

What firmware version are you on? The site lists 1.1.1 as the latest version...

 

[Loswr]

I think his point was that the 5DIII may have the same problem, which was fixed for the 1DX but not for the 5DIII.

 

[rpt]

I think his point was that the 5DIII may have the same problem, which was fixed for the 1DX but not for the 5DIII.

Right! I don't have those lenses nor the extenders...

 

[bjd]

Interesting infos about the 1DX Firmware.
..

What firmware version are you on? The site lists 1.1.1 as the latest version...

Neuroanatomist is correct in what I meant.
I'm on 1.1.3 (the latest for the 5D3) now.
Also I wonder if they really can be certain that the problem does not occur on other lenses too?
So, yes, I'm hoping for a new 5D3 FW too sometime.
Cheers Brian

 

[rpt]

Interesting infos about the 1DX Firmware.
..

What firmware version are you on? The site lists 1.1.1 as the latest version...

Neuroanatomist is correct in what I meant.
I'm on 1.1.3 (the latest for the 5D3) now.
Also I wonder if they really can be certain that the problem does not occur on other lenses too?
So, yes, I'm hoping for a new 5D3 FW too sometime.
Cheers Brian

I have not had any issue with my 24-105, 40mm, 100L macro or the 100-400L.

 

[revup67]

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

 

[Flo1111]

Hello neuroanatomist,

I did do the normal AF, live view comparison and the life view pictures where alway sharp the normal AF photos something between.

I did do it in that way. Pu the graphic on the wall with some additional light and about 7-8 meter away, on the same level, the lens on a tripod. (Thats the longest distance that I could find.)

So it seems that AFMA could help me out.
I think I will buy FoCal.
What version would I need? Plus or Pro. What would you suggest?

@bjd yes you are right it could be, but Canon would never tell anything. Perhaps in April everything will be better.

Thank you very much.
Bye Flo

 

[Loswr]

I have the Pro version, but the Plus would be fine for the 5DIII. I do like the additional tests with the Pro version (testing all the AF points, etc.).

 

[mingyuansung]

Flo1111. Please let us know the result if you ever bring your camera and lens to Canon Service Center. I really want to know if they can help. By the way, which center you are going to? Thanks.

 

[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.