Focusing ?

[scarlet-daytona]

Hi,

Can someone help please ?

I have a Canon EOS 350D. My focus (auto & manual) seems completely off.

I just don't seem to be able to get a good clear shot.

It is just my lack of skill, or are there specific settings needed.

:thanks:

[Nath]

Hmmm.

Ok, first off do you have a tripod? If so, set the camera up and use autofocus on a news paper pinned to the wall. That should exclude any camera shake etc.

It's possible that your lens is front/back focusing but then, has this always been the case, or has it only happened recently?

[Reef bloke]

Is this through the eye piece or you notice in when viewing the pic on the lcd or pc?

[scarlet-daytona]

Thanks both for the quick replies.

It's only with the tank (am trying to take the crabs / snails).

But haven't really taken much that small yet.

Looks ok through the eye peice, but not the LCD or pc (atfer downloading).

Am trying with the tripod & RAW type now .....

[Nath]

Ok,

Are you keeping the lens perpendicular (at right angles) to the glass? If not then the light and thus image recorded will get bent as it travels through the water/glass/air.

Try and keep as square to the glass as you can and focus manually as the AF can be fooled by the difference in refractive index of the glass/water.

[scarlet-daytona]

Nath - thankyou - i'll try that

:thanks::thumbsup::thanks:

[Alastair]

As it's only with tank shots that you're getting this problem, then it's my bet that you're too close.

If you look at the side of the lens you'll see the minimum focussing distance printed (sometimes just the macro symbol and a number, eg <symbol> 0.45 which would mean that you must be at least 45cm from the subject).. if you're any closer than this then it is physically impossible to focus either automatically or manually. Some zoom lenses (even those labelled as macro) may have a minimum focussing distance of 80cm or more.

It would be useful to know what lens you're using.

[scarlet-daytona]

Alastair - thankyou.

The lens is an 80mm-55mm / 0.28mm-0.9ft

It the standard lens which came with the camera.

Have tried the other halfs point & shoot - am getting much better pics.

So can only assume it's the lens & operator.

Thankyou.

[garybooth]

Turn the pumps off as well, when you take the pics, this can make a big difference to the picture as well.

[Alastair]

Ok.. you've got the EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 (http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/EF_Lenses/Zoom_Lenses/EF-S_18-55mm_f-3.5-5.6/index.asp) from the sound of it.. the minimum focussing distance for this lens is 28cm.. so you need to be at least this distance from you target to get a focussed shot. If you're using a tripod it will probably be easier to use manual focus.

Has the 350D got a 2-second (or 10-second) delay shutter mode? (self-timer). If so, try using that, you could be introducing some wobble when you press the shutter, even on a tripod this can be a problem.