50mm 1.2L on a 5D MKII

[trevor_chesal2]

<p>Hey Folks,<br>

I just purchased a 50mm 1.2L prime to use for portrait and street/travel photography purposes. I have quickly realized it is going to take a lot of practice with this lens in nailing the focus. I have read this lens has back focusing issues (depending on the f-stop and subject distance) and was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on using the 5D's micro focus adjustments. How to set up a "focus test" properly. I've never done this before.<br>

And is it really worth the effort? Should I just use manual focus at close distances and troubled f-stops?<br>

Thanks! </p>

<p> </p>

[alan_bryant1]

<p>I would suggest using the precision focus screen, which I believe is screen Eg-S for the 5D2. That will make manual focus considerably easier - you'll be able to see the focus more clearly.</p>

<p>I've never used micro focus adjustments so I can't comment on that.</p>

[tudor_apmadoc]

<p>I've never heard of the back focusing issue you refer to, where did you read this?</p>

<p>Tudor ApMadoc<br>

http://photos.apmadoc.net</p>

[craig_meddaugh]

<p>Just set up a detailed test target and make repeated adjustments (with repeated trials at each adjustment) until you get it right. There's no real right or wrong way to do this test. </p>

<p>It should be worth the 20 minutes of effort it takes or you can just give up on autofocus and get one of the alternate screens. </p>

[PuppyDigs]

<p>

<p align="left">There has been some concern on internet forums with back-focusing problems at 1 meter or less between F2 and 4. I was not able to duplicate these problems and close focus with the center AF point of my 5DII was generally accurate. Although some folks claim back-focusing is due to design defects (no floating element), I suspect it's mainly due to sample variation and/or user error. Nevertheless, I have accurate focus below a meter while stopped down or wide open. Maybe my camera is defective causing the lens to nail it! Or the amount is so small I can't see it. In any event, micro focus adjustment won't help if the back focus is only at 1m, F2.8-4. If you compensate you'll throw off the rest of the range.</p>

</p>

[steven_f1]

<p>In the photo.net search box in the upper right type focus test and you will find an article by Bob Atkins on how to test for focus problems including back focus. The test doesn't take that lonk and will tell you if you have a autofocus issue or not.</p>

[scott_ferris]

<p>Far and away the best focus testing method and <a href="http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/cameras/1ds3_af_micoadjustment.html">adjustment is here</a> . The main advantage of interference patterns is that they magnify the slightest differences, indeed it is still how they test the best hand ground elements.</p>

[mattb1]

<p>I liked the Norther lights test as well, really removes some of the guess work.</p>

<p>Have you used a full frame camera recently? Moving back to full frame caused me some issues getting use to the DOF again. Nothing to do but take photos and relearn.</p>

[chris_clarke3]

<p>I used the ISO 12233 chart for MA and found it easy to use. My lens is adjusted to -10.<br />I still miss more shots with this lens than any other I have but I'm getting a lot more accurate shots than I used to.<br />I'm am getting used to its foibles, it is has a really shallow dof that can be a tad frustrating as you get to to the dizzy heights of competent.<br />I really do like this lens besides all that and I'm really happy with the look it gives. It's very distinct. I can always tell straight away a 50L shot as look back through files. The bokeh and 50 mm perespective is a dead give away.<br />I think its definitely worth a go on the 5D2. It's well built, kinda sexy looking and the best 50 there is at 1.2L that Canon make.</p>

[PuppyDigs]

<blockquote>

<p>It's well built, kinda sexy looking and the best 50 there is at 1.2L that Canon make.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Yikes! You just described the EF 50 1.2L as sexy looking and well built? Well, if anything, it more closely resembles a stubby flat black travel mug than a hot woman...</p>

[PuppyDigs]

<blockquote>

<p>It's well built, kinda sexy looking and the best 50 there is at 1.2L that Canon make.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Yikes! You just described the EF 50 1.2L as sexy looking and well built? Well, if anything, it more closely resembles a stubby flat black travel mug than a hot woman...</p>

[markonestudios]

"... the best 50 there is at 1.2L that Canon make."

<p>You mean there's <i>another</i> one? :]

[chris_clarke3]

<p>I was being ironic. I'm English, it comes naturally!</p>

<p>And puppy. I just like the look of the lens!</p>

[mendel_leisk]

<blockquote>

<p>The bokeh and 50 mm perespective is a dead give away.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I'd be very interested in seeing some comparison shots between the Canon 50mm f1.2 and f1.4, say with both set to f2.0, if anyone happens to have both. I suspect it the differences, in bokeh or whatever, would be very minor and inconsequential, but wouldn't mind being disappointed ;)</p>

[jeffrey_c1]

<p>Check out this site for a comparison...<br>

<a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-50mm-f-1.2-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx">http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-50mm-f-1.2-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx</a><br>

In the image below, you'll see a comparison between the 1.2, 1.4, and 1.8. These were shot at f2.8.<br>

<img src="http://media.the-digital-picture.com/Images/Other/Canon-50mm-Lens-Bokeh-Comparison.jpg" alt="" width="516" height="330" /></p>

 

[trevor_chesal2]

<p>Thanks for the help everyone. <br>

Puppyface, I agree I was hesitant to use micro adjustments as it would throw off the rest of the focusing range. I will look into focus charts and run a few tests with the lens...but regardless I am sure 80% of the focus problems are user related. </p>

[bert_liza2]

<p>I have a 5D2 but I do not have a 50L. I have an 85mm f1.8 and I get more consistent focus at f1.8 using 10X live view than using AF. I also have a Nikkor 50f1.2 AIS and I am happy with the results at f1.2-f1.6 using 10X live view.</p>