Focus problems with the Canon 7DII?

[digital paradise]

Quick question. Using dot tune method I have the tamron 150-600 set to +3 on the wide end and -2 on the long end. A quick test showed it is definitely front focusing at 250. Are the micro adjustments linear along the zoom range. In other words the adjustment range is 5 over the focal length so is it safe to assume it has moved from +3 at 150 to about +2 at 250. I have it pushed up to +6 on the wide end now and have taken more shots. Trying to figure out which direction to work on regarding the adjustments.

It's a simple linear regression between the W and T values. Here are my confirmatory data, tested with 4 different lenses set to W = -10 and T = +10:

FWIW, I've found 'dot tune' to be somewhat unreliable.

I'm trying to understand this graph. It is showing all 4 lenses need to be set from -10 to +10?

 

[Loswr]

I'm trying to understand this graph. It is showing all 4 lenses need to be set from -10 to +10?

No, I just arbitrarily set to W = -10 and T = +10, and moved the zoom ring from the wide to the tele end in small increments taking a shot each time. I then looked at the recorded EXIF for each shot, which shows the focal length and the AMFA applied to each image, and plotted those values for each lens (each point is an image). The point was to test how the camera determines the AFMA value to use for focal lengths between the extreme ends of a zoom lens. It seemed logical that it would be a simple linear regression, but I wanted to confirm that empirically (unlikely, but maybe it would use the W value from the wide end to the midpoint of the zoom, then the T value from the midpoint to the long end, for example). I chose four lenses ranging from a 2x zoom (16-35) to an 11x zoom (28-300).

Practically, when I do AFMA on zoom lenses, I do both ends and some intermediate focal lengths. For 2-3x zooms (16-35, 70-200), I test one or two intermediate FL (e.g. 16-24-35 and 70-135-200 for those lenses, or 24-35-50-70 for a 24-70). For 4x zooms, I test two intermediate FLs (e.g. 24-50-85-105 or 100-200-300-400. You have to draw the line somewhere, so for the 28-300L I tested 28-50-100-200-300. Basically, I want to know that when I set W and T values, the intermediate FLs fall on that regression line. For example, my 24-70/2.8L II needs W = 0 and T = +5, and FoCal indicated +1 for 35mm and +3 for 50mm, which fall right on the regression line. If the lens had needed 0 at 35mm and +1 at 50mm, for example, then shots at intermediate FLs would not have the right AFMA and would be out of focus...and in that case, I'd have returned the lens for another copy and tried again.

Hope that makes sense, but let me know if it doesn't!

 

[DP the Snapper]

Hi

I have set my 7DMk11 to BBF, AI Servo with the AF-ON button and One Shot using the * button.

The camera focuses when I press the AF-ON but not when I move across to One Shot with the * button.

Hopefully this just me not understanding how it works but I would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks

Dave

 

[East Wind Photography]

Hi

I have set my 7DMk11 to BBF, AI Servo with the AF-ON button and One Shot using the * button.

The camera focuses when I press the AF-ON but not when I move across to One Shot with the * button.

Hopefully this just me not understanding how it works but I would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks

Dave

I would assign one shot to the DOF preview button, AF-OFF to AF-ON, and * to AF-ON AND single point AF. This way you can simultaneously hold the DOF button and either of the back buttons to achieve your goal.

 

[digital paradise]

I'm trying to understand this graph. It is showing all 4 lenses need to be set from -10 to +10?

No, I just arbitrarily set to W = -10 and T = +10, and moved the zoom ring from the wide to the tele end in small increments taking a shot each time. I then looked at the recorded EXIF for each shot, which shows the focal length and the AMFA applied to each image, and plotted those values for each lens (each point is an image). The point was to test how the camera determines the AFMA value to use for focal lengths between the extreme ends of a zoom lens. It seemed logical that it would be a simple linear regression, but I wanted to confirm that empirically (unlikely, but maybe it would use the W value from the wide end to the midpoint of the zoom, then the T value from the midpoint to the long end, for example). I chose four lenses ranging from a 2x zoom (16-35) to an 11x zoom (28-300).

Practically, when I do AFMA on zoom lenses, I do both ends and some intermediate focal lengths. For 2-3x zooms (16-35, 70-200), I test one or two intermediate FL (e.g. 16-24-35 and 70-135-200 for those lenses, or 24-35-50-70 for a 24-70). For 4x zooms, I test two intermediate FLs (e.g. 24-50-85-105 or 100-200-300-400. You have to draw the line somewhere, so for the 28-300L I tested 28-50-100-200-300. Basically, I want to know that when I set W and T values, the intermediate FLs fall on that regression line. For example, my 24-70/2.8L II needs W = 0 and T = +5, and FoCal indicated +1 for 35mm and +3 for 50mm, which fall right on the regression line. If the lens had needed 0 at 35mm and +1 at 50mm, for example, then shots at intermediate FLs would not have the right AFMA and would be out of focus...and in that case, I'd have returned the lens for another copy and tried again.

Hope that makes sense, but let me know if it doesn't!

Nope that makes sense. Thanks

 

[DP the Snapper]

Hi

I have set my 7DMk11 to BBF, AI Servo with the AF-ON button and One Shot using the * button.

The camera focuses when I press the AF-ON but not when I move across to One Shot with the * button.

Hopefully this just me not understanding how it works but I would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks

Dave

I would assign one shot to the DOF preview button, AF-OFF to AF-ON, and * to AF-ON AND single point AF. This way you can simultaneously hold the DOF button and either of the back buttons to achieve your goal.

Thanks East Wind. But what I am concerned about is that when I go from the AF-ON button to the * button (or as you suggested the Depth of Field button) and try to refocus – say after tracking a flying bird that landed had a peck and then walked a few yards for a better peck (sorry about the technical language!) - it won't focus. It will focus if I hit the AF-ON button again so is the technique to do that and then hit the * for One Shot. Or is the AF not working properly?

Dave

 

[East Wind Photography]

Hi

I have set my 7DMk11 to BBF, AI Servo with the AF-ON button and One Shot using the * button.

The camera focuses when I press the AF-ON but not when I move across to One Shot with the * button.

Hopefully this just me not understanding how it works but I would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks

Dave

I would assign one shot to the DOF preview button, AF-OFF to AF-ON, and * to AF-ON AND single point AF. This way you can simultaneously hold the DOF button and either of the back buttons to achieve your goal.

Thanks East Wind. But what I am concerned about is that when I go from the AF-ON button to the * button (or as you suggested the Depth of Field button) and try to refocus – say after tracking a flying bird that landed had a peck and then walked a few yards for a better peck (sorry about the technical language!) - it won't focus. It will focus if I hit the AF-ON button again so is the technique to do that and then hit the * for One Shot. Or is the AF not working properly?

Dave

So maybe you misunderstood. The 7D2 has an additional custom control mode (looks like a camera). Instead of assigning a function to AF-ON only, you can select that camera icon and press INFO to check and uncheck different settings so instead of JUST AF-ON you can assign AF Control (AF-ON) AND AF spot focus. It will activate both functions when you press the button.

I have the following set up:

AF-ON set to AF-ON
* set to AF-ON and AF Spot Focus
DOF Preview set to switch between One Shot/Servo AF

I can press the DOF and * buttons to quickly go from BIF mode to one shot spot AF then back quickly to BIF mode by releasing DOF and rolling over to AF-ON....or just leave it spot AF and try to catch the eye as it takes off again.

 

[MichaelTheMaven]

I ran into the focusing problem today with the Canon 7Dii during my Servo Testing. It is consistently focusing behind the subject, nearly all of it's side to side test shots were out of focus. The 5Diii as a control had no issues with the same lens.

I am looking to send it back for a swap out. Ill update if the replacement is better.

 

[meywd]

I ran into the focusing problem today with the Canon 7Dii during my Servo Testing. It is consistently focusing behind the subject, nearly all of it's side to side test shots were out of focus. The 5Diii as a control had no issues with the same lens.

I am looking to send it back for a swap out. Ill update if the replacement is better.

AFMA?

 

[Sabaki]

I ran into the focusing problem today with the Canon 7Dii during my Servo Testing. It is consistently focusing behind the subject, nearly all of it's side to side test shots were out of focus. The 5Diii as a control had no issues with the same lens.

I am looking to send it back for a swap out. Ill update if the replacement is better.

AFMA?

meywd, this is what I did before I returned my 7Dii for a swap out.

I ran my images through Canon's ZoomBrowser to ascertain where the camera was focussing. Why? Well, via the results, I could determine whether it was merely a calibration issue or perhaps there was an issue with the focussing system/mechanism.

It was the focussing mechanism and not calibration.

Secondly, test the camera with shutter focus/release and do not setup for Back Button Focussing. This way, you can eliminate potential user issues/misunderstanding of the focussing set up and see how the images turn out.

For the record, the new copy of the camera I received works 100%, no AFMA required and it's performance is far better than the first.

 

[chris1957]

Hi All

Yes same issues here in the UK with my 7D MkII spoke with Canon UK they have given me a ref number to return my faulty body and get a new one. Two shoots almost lost loads of time spent fixing images in Lightroom. Not best pleased as all the chat about this camera was so good. Still willing to try a replacement.

 

[meywd]

I ran into the focusing problem today with the Canon 7Dii during my Servo Testing. It is consistently focusing behind the subject, nearly all of it's side to side test shots were out of focus. The 5Diii as a control had no issues with the same lens.

I am looking to send it back for a swap out. Ill update if the replacement is better.

AFMA?

meywd, this is what I did before I returned my 7Dii for a swap out.

I ran my images through Canon's ZoomBrowser to ascertain where the camera was focussing. Why? Well, via the results, I could determine whether it was merely a calibration issue or perhaps there was an issue with the focussing system/mechanism.

It was the focussing mechanism and not calibration.

Secondly, test the camera with shutter focus/release and do not setup for Back Button Focussing. This way, you can eliminate potential user issues/misunderstanding of the focussing set up and see how the images turn out.

For the record, the new copy of the camera I received works 100%, no AFMA required and it's performance is far better than the first.

I am glad your issue is solved, I just wanted to point that if its "consistently focusing behind the subject" it might not be a bad camera, and can be fixed with AFMA, without loosing time while the camera is away.

 

[MichaelTheMaven]

I have an update on my "soft focus" 7Dii.

Turns out that if you have your AFMA turned on, even if all the settings are at "0", it can mess up your cameras focusing. I had mine turned on, with no settings adjusted and it was missing focus, turned it off, and it appears to have resolved the issue.

I will do some sports testing tonight to confirm, but in my tests here at the house it appears to be corrected.

MM

 

[East Wind Photography]

I have an update on my "soft focus" 7Dii.

Turns out that if you have your AFMA turned on, even if all the settings are at "0", it can mess up your cameras focusing. I had mine turned on, with no settings adjusted and it was missing focus, turned it off, and it appears to have resolved the issue.

I will do some sports testing tonight to confirm, but in my tests here at the house it appears to be corrected.

MM

Was that trial and error or was that something canon recommended?

 

[dolina]

I think the focus problems has its roots in unfamiliarity with the body or too much excitement over new gear. In other words user error.

To correct this try downloading and reading the EOS 7D Mark II AF-Setting Guidebook

http://www.brochures.canon-europe.com/getFile.php?productid=9090&languageid=-1

If the body still gives focus problems after thoroughly reading, understanding and practicing what is found in the PDF then try doing microadjustments.

Still a problem? Then send it over to Canon.

Again, I see it as most likely a user error. I myself got a lot of soft images but I put it down to a new lens + new body + not shooting in months than anything else.

 

[Loswr]

I have an update on my "soft focus" 7Dii.

Turns out that if you have your AFMA turned on, even if all the settings are at "0", it can mess up your cameras focusing. I had mine turned on, with no settings adjusted and it was missing focus, turned it off, and it appears to have resolved the issue.

I will do some sports testing tonight to confirm, but in my tests here at the house it appears to be corrected.

If there is a difference between AFMA set to Disable and set to adjust all at zero or adjust by lens with the lens at zero (W and T if a zoom), then there's most likely a firmware issue that Canon needs to address.

 

[East Wind Photography]

I have an update on my "soft focus" 7Dii.

Turns out that if you have your AFMA turned on, even if all the settings are at "0", it can mess up your cameras focusing. I had mine turned on, with no settings adjusted and it was missing focus, turned it off, and it appears to have resolved the issue.

I will do some sports testing tonight to confirm, but in my tests here at the house it appears to be corrected.

If there is a difference between AFMA set to Disable and set to adjust all at zero or adjust by lens with the lens at zero (W and T if a zoom), then there's most likely a firmware issue that Canon needs to address.

or perhaps canon is doing something with DPAF when AFMA is disabled???

 

[DP the Snapper]

Hi

I have set my 7DMk11 to BBF, AI Servo with the AF-ON button and One Shot using the * button.

The camera focuses when I press the AF-ON but not when I move across to One Shot with the * button.

Hopefully this just me not understanding how it works but I would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks

Dave

I would assign one shot to the DOF preview button, AF-OFF to AF-ON, and * to AF-ON AND single point AF. This way you can simultaneously hold the DOF button and either of the back buttons to achieve your goal.

Thanks East Wind. But what I am concerned about is that when I go from the AF-ON button to the * button (or as you suggested the Depth of Field button) and try to refocus – say after tracking a flying bird that landed had a peck and then walked a few yards for a better peck (sorry about the technical language!) - it won't focus. It will focus if I hit the AF-ON button again so is the technique to do that and then hit the * for One Shot. Or is the AF not working properly?

Dave

So maybe you misunderstood. The 7D2 has an additional custom control mode (looks like a camera). Instead of assigning a function to AF-ON only, you can select that camera icon and press INFO to check and uncheck different settings so instead of JUST AF-ON you can assign AF Control (AF-ON) AND AF spot focus. It will activate both functions when you press the button.

I have the following set up:

AF-ON set to AF-ON
* set to AF-ON and AF Spot Focus
DOF Preview set to switch between One Shot/Servo AF

I can press the DOF and * buttons to quickly go from BIF mode to one shot spot AF then back quickly to BIF mode by releasing DOF and rolling over to AF-ON....or just leave it spot AF and try to catch the eye as it takes off again.

Thanks again East Wind. I really appreciate your taking your time to explain this to me and am going to adopt your method.
One last question:
After tracking the bird with AF-ON using AI Servo when it lands I take my finger off the AF-ON and hit the DoF button for One Shot. The thing that is worrying me is that if the bird walks away a short distance and stops and I just press DoF the camera doesn't focus.
Hopefully I am being rather dense and not understanding how the system works but if not then there is something wrong with the camera.

Dave

 

[East Wind Photography]

Hi

I have set my 7DMk11 to BBF, AI Servo with the AF-ON button and One Shot using the * button.

The camera focuses when I press the AF-ON but not when I move across to One Shot with the * button.

Hopefully this just me not understanding how it works but I would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks

Dave

I would assign one shot to the DOF preview button, AF-OFF to AF-ON, and * to AF-ON AND single point AF. This way you can simultaneously hold the DOF button and either of the back buttons to achieve your goal.

Thanks East Wind. But what I am concerned about is that when I go from the AF-ON button to the * button (or as you suggested the Depth of Field button) and try to refocus – say after tracking a flying bird that landed had a peck and then walked a few yards for a better peck (sorry about the technical language!) - it won't focus. It will focus if I hit the AF-ON button again so is the technique to do that and then hit the * for One Shot. Or is the AF not working properly?

Dave

So maybe you misunderstood. The 7D2 has an additional custom control mode (looks like a camera). Instead of assigning a function to AF-ON only, you can select that camera icon and press INFO to check and uncheck different settings so instead of JUST AF-ON you can assign AF Control (AF-ON) AND AF spot focus. It will activate both functions when you press the button.

I have the following set up:

AF-ON set to AF-ON
* set to AF-ON and AF Spot Focus
DOF Preview set to switch between One Shot/Servo AF

I can press the DOF and * buttons to quickly go from BIF mode to one shot spot AF then back quickly to BIF mode by releasing DOF and rolling over to AF-ON....or just leave it spot AF and try to catch the eye as it takes off again.

Thanks again East Wind. I really appreciate your taking your time to explain this to me and am going to adopt your method.
One last question:
After tracking the bird with AF-ON using AI Servo when it lands I take my finger off the AF-ON and hit the DoF button for One Shot. The thing that is worrying me is that if the bird walks away a short distance and stops and I just press DoF the camera doesn't focus.
Hopefully I am being rather dense and not understanding how the system works but if not then there is something wrong with the camera.

Dave

you can press both buttons at the same time and still shoot with your index finger.

 

[MichaelTheMaven]

Turning off MFA when shooting at a ruler seemed to correct focusing with very wide apertures on a non-moving subject.

So this morning, I went out to redo my servo sports test, with a different BRAND NEW Canon 7Dii, same lens 24-70 2.8 (which I know is working on my 5Diii).

More soft focusing.

Im upset about this, thats 2 Canon 7Dii Bodies in a row. Ill have access to two more later this week. Ive taken a couple thousand shots with 2 different 7Diis, about 90% or so are no good.

This is what it looks like: