Question about 50mm autofocus

Moogle Pepper

Houston, I think we have a problem!

I have been using my 50 f/1.4 lately and been wondering forever, why does it take so long to focus? Do I need to get my readjusted?

On Sunday night, I put on my prime and I was in a fairly lit area, but when I tried to focus and lock onto a stationary subject, or moving for that matter, it took a long while. Giving up, I went to manual focus instead.

The reviews said it is a fast tracker, but lately it has been anything but. It hasn't gotten abused or anything! :dunno

ziggy53

Moogle Pepper wrote:

Houston, I think we have a problem!

I have been using my 50 f/1.4 lately and been wondering forever, why does it take so long to focus? Do I need to get my readjusted?

On Sunday night, I put on my prime and I was in a fairly lit area, but when I tried to focus and lock onto a stationary subject, or moving for that matter, it took a long while. Giving up, I went to manual focus instead.

The reviews said it is a fast tracker, but lately it has been anything but. It hasn't gotten abused or anything!

Is it possible to see some examples with EXIF?

One thing I noticed with my copy is that if the scene has some spectral highlights in the background, the focus gets confused. Manual focus with confirmation works fine in that situation.

Moogle Pepper

I'll have to post them a little bit later, as I haven't started processing the photos from Sunday night. I had my camera set on manual, one shot mode, and ISO at 800. That is all that I remember.

Ekaj

Don't forget to check your auto focus mode. Sounds like it you may be on continuous.

Moogle Pepper

I was on one shot single shot mode.

Ekaj

No, I was referring to your auto focus mode. For example, my d300 can shoot in manual focus, single, or continuous (constant?) focus. When shooting in the latter (it's a switch on the front of the camera) the camera will refocus every time you move the camera.

Hope this helps.

Jake

Tee Why

Assuming proper technique, I'd say the AF is off.
Are you finding this in other settings as well or just one instance/situation?

Moogle Pepper

Well here is one. I stayed steady and there was ample light, my 24-70 had no problems AF (then again that is an L.) and it took me forever to lock on.
I think at this point I went to MF instead...


exif

Tee Why

EXIF link doesn't show any.
If the shot was in MF this may not help.
A shot with AF point used and the exif would help.
The scene looks bright and contrasty enough for AF to work though IMO.

LiquidAir

I haven't had any trouble with my 50/1.4. It is maybe a touch slower than my newer lenses, but not so much that its a problem.

There is one problem I have with all my primes and that is at f/2 and ISO 1600 the room is dark enough that the AF system can have trouble finding something to lock on to. That is a camera problem rather than a lens problem; if I had a 1-series body it would likely not be as much of an issue.

Moogle Pepper

Tee Why wrote:

EXIF link doesn't show any.
If the shot was in MF this may not help.
A shot with AF point used and the exif would help.
The scene looks bright and contrasty enough for AF to work though IMO.

That's what I would think too, but it really had a hard time to focus. I just probably ended up using manual, to just get the idea of the lighting.

DoctorIt

Moogle Pepper wrote:

Well here is one. I stayed steady and there was ample light, my 24-70 had no problems AF (then again that is an L.) and it took me forever to lock on.
I think at this point I went to MF instead...


exif

The highlights in this image are in the background, so I can see why you had the focus hunting. While a great lens for color and sharpness, the 50 is not known to be a fast focusing tool. However, speed aside, if it's hunting excessively, it could have an issue, especially if your other lens is fine.

Moogle Pepper

:cry

I don't expect it to be blazing fast like my other lenses, but for a minute or so? Come on!

DoctorIt

Moogle Pepper wrote:

:cry

I don't expect it to be blazing fast like my other lenses, but for a minute or so? Come on!

Yeah, well, I hate to say it, but Canon Service might be the way to go. It's a valuable enough lens to make a service worthwhile. Do you have a reputable Canon dealer around? That would be a good first stop to make. Some shops are better than others are listening to a problem and backing up a Canon warranty.

Moogle Pepper

I guess it's time for me to go visit a Canon repair place. I think there is one in NJ.