Focusing Problem

[raythefab]

Help!! Please, its been very overcast and raining, i was using my 350D and sigma 70-300 lens, taking a bird table at approx 12 feet because of the rain i was sat in the car with the window down, and no way could i focus on the table, i did manage 3 half decent shots by focusing on the ground then with shutter button half pressed, i brought the camera up to the bird table it was still in focus then i took a shot, is the problem me, or the lens, or the 350D any advice would really be appreciated , thank you...Ray

[Steep]

Show us one of the bad shots as well as one of the better ones.

[davidbridges]

i love my camera, but once again another 350d...

[raythefab]

No1 not too bad, this one i had to focus on the ground first then raise to the subject
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1139/1479013626_248169c73d_o.jpg
No2 very poor
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1360/1479013644_6399a342fb_o.jpg

[raythefab]

i love my camera, but once again another 350d... i dont understand dave are you saying the 350D is the problem...Ray

[davidbridges]

well i dont think it is my 350d or yours that is the problem it just seems like these problems keep on cropping up on them. But with your problem are you using autofocus or manual focus ?

[raythefab]

well i dont think it is my 350d or yours that is the problem it just seems like these problems keep on cropping up on them. But with your problem are you using autofocus or manual focus ?im using auto focus
dave:(

[RobertP]

Is the camera set to use only the centre AF point? If not it should be for this (and most) type of shot. Read the manual for how to.
AF works by contrast. Make sure something with a clear dark/light border runs through the AF square and it should focus fine.... except in very low light where the contrast will be poor.

[raythefab]

Ah thank you robert ive just checked and it was set for the point on the extreme left, do you think that was my problem ive set it to the centre now...Ray

[RobertP]

:)

Guess you can answer that one by looking at your pictures!

[raythefab]

is this why my first picture had to be focused on the ground first, is there an explanation for this robert, sorry for being a nuisance...Ray

[RobertP]

As I said... look at the pictures. If something that can be focussed on is in that (off to the side) position in the picture then it should be in focus. If there is only plain background with no contrasts to lock onto then it can't focus and the lens will hunt.

So low down it can find a twig - anything to the side when higher up it could focus on?

[raythefab]

Brilliant thank you very much appreciated...Ray