How sharp should it be?

D

Dan1502

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Name
Dan
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Hi

Please go easy on me as this is my first post (Hi everyone) and I'm a newbie.

I bought a Canon 50D with the 17-85 kit lens a week ago and have just picked up a second hand Canon 17-55 f2.8 and also done a deal on a second hand Tokina 11-16 f2.8 too. Having spent more than double what I originally planned on spending, I also bought an old 70-210 f4 Canon lens on the basis it was very cheap and I can find out if I need the extra range before splashing out on another expensive lens.

Anyway I bought it on ebay and haven't left feedback yet (and have emailed the seller) as I am not sure if it is as sharp as it should be and/or accurate focussing. I have tested it on a tripod using a remote at fast shutter speeds. The problem is I only have my other lenses to compare it with and the 17-55 is pin shart and the 17-85 is excellent too. I've set it to the centre AF point and single shot focussing and have tried a few different apertures. Should it be pin sharp at the centre or just pretty good? Also, should the manual focus ring be quite sticky (for want of a better word) to use?

I could try posting the pics if it would help.

Thanks

Dan
 
The 50D has micro adjust so you can set the lens to the body if it is slightly OOF but if it is horribley out then you may need help from Canon Service.

pics?
 
It sounds like it's only the sharpness of the "old 70-210 f4 Canon lens" which is worrying you?

I assume you are looking at JPEGs.

Try using the micro adjustment feature of your 50D, if then lens is consistently front or back focusing that will solve it.
 
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All were taken with a tripod and remote, the first 3 this afternoon and the last 3 in low light yesterday evening.

After your comments I might try the micro adjust.

The focus point on the wall was the very top apex bit.
 
I think you need to try taking some pics in the day time, 2 and 4 second exposures tell me the light was fading...
 
It looks about right for a 20+ year old non-L lens with a toy car-like AF motor. It won't match 17-55, but should be fine for a random portrait or pet snap as long as you stay away from the brick walls and charts! 70-200 f/4 or 2.8 would be your next target.
 
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Thanks, that's all I wanted to know. The first of these is my 17-85 and the second, my 17-55.

On the basis of what you've said I shall leave positive feedback and use it for now until I can afford a replacement (if I need it).

How do you check the metadata by the way?

(I was looking at jpegs though generally shoot in raw)
 
you can download the extension from the firefox add-ons website.

back to the original question: wow, that's a really old lens. i've never even heard of the lens before, but google helps with everything. the second link has some sample images for you to compare with.

canon museum - [ef 70-210mm f/4]

ken rockwell's [review] with sample pics.
 
willsphots said:
you can download the extension from the firefox add-ons website.

back to the original question: wow, that's a really old lens. i've never even heard of the lens before, but google helps with everything. the second link has some sample images for you to compare with.

canon museum - [ef 70-210mm f/4]

ken rockwell's [review] with sample pics.
Click to expand...

It was after reading this review that I bought it. Maybe I should try a few wider aperture shots at somewhere mid zoom as he says it should be sharp.

I might also try the micro-adjust but that doesn't sound easy!

Thanks

Dan
 
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