10D and lens cant seem to focus right

[N707JT]

hey guys

I currently own a Canon 10D paired up with a EF L 100-400mm lens. Lately, I've realized that my pictures have turned out to be pretty out of focus. I can't seem to pinpoint if it is the camera body or the lens that is causing the problem. I've been using my camera for almost 5 years straight without once going into the service center. Is this just a normal thing for a DSLR for a few years of usage?

I rang up canon service center and they said they wanted to charge me $120 (ex. parts) to do a general check and maintenance on the camera and $180 (ex parts) for my lens. I thought that is kinda steep.

I was wondering if there is any other alternative to this?

[Photo Nuts]

If you tell them all you want to do is focus calibration, it should be much less.

[N707JT]

Originally Posted by Photo Nuts If you tell them all you want to do is focus calibration, it should be much less.

I see. Thanks! Is the charge standard?

[theveed]

Hmm, that's a pretty long focal range, did you try to shoot using a tripod and shooting a stationary subject to make sure it's not shake?

[Frijj]

You can go down to canon to ask them to check the focus of your lens and camera. The check is free, but if you want to do any calibration or servicing (they will tell you when they call you), you ahve to pay $$$.

[Photo Nuts]

While you're at it, ask them to check the shutter count. It may be about time to replace that shutter since the camera is 5 years old.

[N707JT]

Originally Posted by theveed Hmm, that's a pretty long focal range, did you try to shoot using a tripod and shooting a stationary subject to make sure it's not shake?

Well I only shoot in very good light conditions and the pictures I've got previously were quite well focused except lately.

[N707JT]

Originally Posted by Photo Nuts While you're at it, ask them to check the shutter count. It may be about time to replace that shutter since the camera is 5 years old.

Most definitely.

[Dream Merchant]

Were all your previous lenses/shots using a long telephoto hand-held?

Were you using IS and what mode for what kind of subjects, camera/lens mounted or unmounted on a mono or tripod, and what were your focal lengths and shutter speeds, was the subject or the platform you were on moving, and how long have you been using the 100-400L?

There can be any number of reasons why you were not getting properly focused/blur/soft shots, but it's hard to identify unless more specifics are provided. No offense.

Perhaps you could post up some sample pictures and EXIF details?

[N707JT]

Originally Posted by Dream Merchant Were all your previous lenses/shots using a long telephoto hand-held? Were you using IS and what mode for what kind of subjects, camera/lens mounted or unmounted on a mono or tripod, and what were your focal lengths and shutter speeds, was the subject or the platform you were on moving, and how long have you been using the 100-400L? There can be any number of reasons why you were not getting properly focused/blur/soft shots, but it's hard to identify unless more specifics are provided. No offense. Perhaps you could post up some sample pictures and EXIF details?

Hi!

I don't use IS because I only prefer to shoot in good light condition. I don't mount them onto a tripod because its quite impossible for aviation photography. Of course my ground was stable as I was standing on good old solid earth (no earthquake! ). I've been using the 100-400L together with my 10D for 5 years odd.

I have included a link for my pictures shot with this camera. You can see that the pictures are pretty well focused.

http://www.airliners.net/search/phot...ne_version=6.0

This is one of the latest I have shot and I was really disappointed with the fuzziness. I will provide the EXIF details when I get home tonight.



Please do advise! Thanks!

[calebk]

The blurriness is very obviously due to camera shake and subject movement.

Take a look at the letters 'Singapore Airlines' and you will notice some motion blur.

Also, in the background, the subjects are obviously motion-blurred.

[N707JT]

Originally Posted by calebk The blurriness is very obviously due to camera shake and subject movement. Take a look at the letters 'Singapore Airlines' and you will notice some motion blur. Also, in the background, the subjects are obviously motion-blurred.

Hmm I was thinking of that too. Probably a poor example. Apologies. Allow me to return home tonite to whip out some other photos.

[Dream Merchant]

Originally Posted by N707JT Hi! I don't use IS because I only prefer to shoot in good light condition. I don't mount them onto a tripod because its quite impossible for aviation photography. Of course my ground was stable as I was standing on good old solid earth (no earthquake! ). I've been using the 100-400L together with my 10D for 5 years odd. I have included a link for my pictures shot with this camera. You can see that the pictures are pretty well focused. http://www.airliners.net/search/phot...ne_version=6.0 This is one of the latest I have shot and I was really disappointed with the fuzziness. I will provide the EXIF details when I get home tonight. Please do advise! Thanks!

Was a bit difficult to check your other photos - tons of photogs and photos listed and couldn't find any listed under Photog>N707JT. Imight have missed it though.

Anyways, the sample provided is cam shake.

One thing I personally found with the 100-400L is that even with the IS switched on, it actually benefits from being mounted on a stable platform that's not tightly locked down. Since a tri-pod is not feasible for you, have you considered a monopod ... AND IS?

On a 70-200 2.8 IS, even in noon-day bright sun at shuter speeds exceeding 1/400, 200mm, IS helps, and this is considering that I can, or could hand-hold at 200mm down to 1/8 but that was because I was squatting. A standing, off-hand shooting position is one of the least stable especially if your elbows are extended out away from your body. I'm not saying your were ... just considering any and all possibilities. I have no idea of your body position, holding technique, whether you tension your strap and use it as a brace, breathing technique and even how you work your shutter. I do know that may photographers aren't even aware of how these things can affect stability, and / or the variations they induce as opposed to say, developing a consistent breathing/holding and firing technique.

Also, the human body and conditions frequently varies - even from day to day so I'm guessing sometimes, steady hand-holding abilities may also vary.

You have the IS function, why not give it a try?

Also, has your lens or cam been dropped, or knocked recently?

Another possibilty, and this one may be far less likely, is that the amount of vibrations caused by sonic/audio waves may be enough to affect the lens/cam, if you're close enough and one of those birds are being fired up, or the blast-wall is being used.

Just thinking aloud that's all...

[Bcool]

I too shoot with a 100-400L on a Canon 10D. With this lens, I shoot with the IS on and always with support. Even then, I sometimes do end up with blur images.
I don't understand why with the added IS feature that is built into the 100-400L, you are not using it. It seems like a waste of good money.
Btw, is the above image cropped?
If it is, I can see where your problem lies.

[theveed]

Hmm, aren't you supposed to not turn on IS when mounted on a tripod to prevent the gyro motors from actually CAUSING blur even if the lens is stable?

In addition, at that focal length, if you're not feather light with pressing the shutter, it'll cause blur as well...

I suggest turn IS off, mount on tripod, MLU then timer/remote... Just to rule things out.

Then try shooting in broad daylight with IS, bump the iso/exposure so you can shoot f/4 or higher at over 1/500 shutter speed to test IS.

[Adam Goi]

Originally Posted by N707JT hey guys I currently own a Canon 10D paired up with a EF L 100-400mm lens. Lately, I've realized that my pictures have turned out to be pretty out of focus. I can't seem to pinpoint if it is the camera body or the lens that is causing the problem. I've been using my camera for almost 5 years straight without once going into the service center. Is this just a normal thing for a DSLR for a few years of usage? I rang up canon service center and they said they wanted to charge me $120 (ex. parts) to do a general check and maintenance on the camera and $180 (ex parts) for my lens. I thought that is kinda steep. I was wondering if there is any other alternative to this?

Hmm ... have you tried using other lenses? It's good to narrow down on the problem ... whether it's a lens or camera problem ...

Interestingly I still own a 10D and a 100-400mm ...

[varf]

Originally Posted by theveed I suggest turn IS off, mount on tripod, MLU then timer/remote... Just to rule things out.

i'd agree with this approach, just to make sure it's not the IS unit.

i've encountered issues with IS on another lens before - the IS assembly was either damaged or spoilt and caused the lens to 'buzz' along one axis, resulting in what appeared to be very fine camera shake. ultimately, the IS assembly had to be replaced (thankfully still under warranty - just).