The focusing features

13 years 3 days ago #51719 by Phil0
The focusing features of this camera / lens (17-85mm ) has been a bit confusing. I've been using AF mostly, but have toyed with the manual as well. Anyway, in the days of the point and shoot, I loved taking macro shots, and it was easily done. With this camera however, it seems that I can't get as close to things anymore, as if I get TOO close, the camera will NOT fire, at all. At that time, I have to back the camera away from the subject, and then it will shoot. Why is this??? Is it because it can't focus? If so, why can't it? What am I doing wrong? I'm able to get really close, don't get me wrong, but not as close as I used to could get, which was probably TOO close anyway, but I'm just really curious about the camera not firing, and why.


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13 years 3 days ago #51723 by 4UThomas
All lenses have a min focusing distance and that is what you are running into. To shoot close up/macro shots, you will need a macro lens.


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13 years 3 days ago #51730 by Rob pix4u2
You could try manual focus but I doubt that will work except to obtain a blurry image if you are closer than the minimum focusing distance, macro lens is the better solution for close focusing or a 50mm and a reversing ring

Remember to engage brain before putting mouth in gear
Rob Huelsman Sr.
My Facebook www.facebook.com/ImaginACTIONPhotography

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13 years 3 days ago #51735 by Phil0

Rob pix4u2 wrote: You could try manual focus but I doubt that will work except to obtain a blurry image if you are closer than the minimum focusing distance, macro lens is the better solution for close focusing or a 50mm and a reversing ring


Thanks Rob. I have tried manual focusing sometimes, but it always seem to focus on anything by the subject.


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13 years 3 days ago #51853 by Baydream
Rob is, or course correct. Consider extension tubes. They mount between the camera and the body and let you get VERY close.
Your lens most likely has the focus limit stamped on it. For example, the Canon 70-300 has a tulip symbol (for close up) followed by 1.5m/4.9ft. That the limit for that particular lens without "help".

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork

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13 years 3 days ago #51865 by effron
The camera probably isn't allowing a shutter trip because you aren't achieving the correct focus. Put that puppy in full manual, and focus yourself. I rarely use af in macro photography......B)

Why so serious?
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13 years 3 days ago #51899 by Screamin Scott
Bear in mind that most DSLR's focus screens are designed to be used for auto focusing. They can be very difficult to focus manually due to the lack of a "fine" manual focus option like a split prism & the focus throw of most all AF lenses is very short, meaning it's hard to nail focus exactly, unlike older MF lenses that took a few turns to get from min to max focus points...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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