Help me with my Canon 5d

**jryoung** · 07-08-2008, 11:30 AM

After many years of hesitation to make the jump from film to a dSLR, I bought a 5d. I bought a USA package that came with the 24-105 L. None of my pictures are coming out as sharp as I think they would. I'm guessing there is something off in calibration somewhere, but I don't know where to start. Take a look at the photos below, I'd appreciate your thoughts. My 10 year old Elan, with a bottom shelf 28-80 or 75-300 lens takes much better picture.

Thanks for your help.

**smalls** · 07-08-2008, 11:45 AM

How's the quality at full-res? It looks like you didn't sharpen after you resized.

**squirrelmurphy** · 07-08-2008, 01:25 PM

Set up a tripod and shoot a well-lit brick wall. That should give you a pretty good idea if the lens is front- or back-focusing.

**jryoung** · 07-08-2008, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by squirrelmurphy

Set up a tripod and shoot a well-lit brick wall. That should give you a pretty good idea if the lens is front- or back-focusing.

Do I shoot from one spot at different focal lengths, or single focal length from multiple distances (or both)?

**squirrelmurphy** · 07-08-2008, 02:53 PM

I'm no expert, but I would guess shoot at long focal lengths so you have a very narrow depth of field. This way, you'll know if there's a difference between what the focusing screen sees and what the sensor sees; the camera will autofocus on the wall and the image will be out of focus on your computer/in your camera. To see if the lens is focused in front of or behind your sensor, autofocus first and then manual focus both directions, forward and back to see which way it is off.

Hugh Conway · 07-08-2008, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by jryoung

Do I shoot from one spot at different focal lengths, or single focal length from multiple distances (or both)?

Try this:
http://www.leongoodman.com/d70focus.html

**blackhand** · 07-08-2008, 07:47 PM

the picture of the barrels looks pretty damn sharp to me

**jryoung** · 07-10-2008, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Hugh Conway

Try this:
http://www.leongoodman.com/d70focus.html

Thanks for the link, it was very helpful. I think that is my problem, but adjusting is a bit different with a Canon. I do not have hex nuts behind the mirror, so I'm going to send it off for warranty and let someone who knows what they are doing tool around with it.