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]

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

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. :dunno

[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...
http://tednghiem.smugmug.com/photos/366318916_ez8nY-L.jpg

exif (http://tednghiem.smugmug.com/photos/366318916_ez8nY-L.jpg)

[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]

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]

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...
http://tednghiem.smugmug.com/photos/366318916_ez8nY-L.jpg

exif (http://tednghiem.smugmug.com/photos/366318916_ez8nY-L.jpg)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.
:dunno

[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]

: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.