Focus on 100 - 400

12 years 2 months ago #206982 by ElSchultzy
Just wondering if anyone with a canon L 100-400mm lens have found the same as me. I put a quality Uv filter on it as soon as I got it and put it on my D7. I started noting that all my long shots were just slightly out of focus. Tried tripod and different settings and no difference, manual and autofocus etc etc. Was really getting concerned that I had a faulty part somewhere. Worked out it was when shooting at 400mm or near enough only. Took the filter off and .......... the shots were all perfect. Is this common with filters on long lenses? I would rather prefer to have an expensive piece of glass protected at all times but........how????
Thanks for any comments

ElSchultzy
Photography: My love affair with "Pachamama"

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12 years 2 months ago #207001 by Darrell
I know quite often the extreme ranges of a lens may not be 100% but to have it improve when you remove the filter seems unusual.

Now this will be very interesting to find out what others have to say... :beerbang:

You will not be judged as a photographer by the pictures you take, but by the pictures you show.
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12 years 2 months ago #207019 by Baydream
The filter may be diffracting stray light. A lens hood is a better choice for "protection" and will chase away glare from light coming from oblique angles.
Note - all UV filters are NOT created equal - but a hood would work wonders.

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
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12 years 2 months ago #207064 by CWphotos
I have a quality, thin UV filter, also for my 100-400, and noticed that my shots were not as clean ( especially in the sky ) with it on. Now I only shoot with it on if I'm photographing near sand/salt water. I don't worry about wiping the filter glass as often as needed, as I would the lens glass, and don't worry about blowing sand scratching it. The only time I've had a problem with sharpness is when I forget to switch to the appropriate distance range ( if the focus is very close, it will aloow you to take the shot ), or forget to turn off the IS when on my tripod. I always attach my lens hood...if something were to happen to that lens, I would not be able to replace it unless my hubby won the LOTTO!
Hope you resolve the problem! :ohmy:

What you are is so loud, I can't hear a word you say!
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12 years 2 months ago #207132 by ElSchultzy
Thanks, be interesting to hear if Canon has a comment.
I do use a hood most times didnt make a difference to the sharpness of the focus

ElSchultzy
Photography: My love affair with "Pachamama"

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12 years 2 months ago - 12 years 2 months ago #207134 by ElSchultzy
I shoot quite a bit in harsh environment hence getting the D7, not really a problem as its perfect without the filter, but just shouldnt be especially when your paying that kind of money I believe.
Just keep on trucking ;-)

ElSchultzy
Photography: My love affair with "Pachamama"

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