A few lens repair/callibration questions.

<p class="MsoNormal"]Ok&hellip; three issues, only two of which I really need feedback
on.<o:p></o:p>
<p class="MsoNormal"]<o:p></o:p>Firstly, I have a 24-105mm L IS f/4.0 and I&rsquo;m wondering if
the sharpness is not what it should be. I can post an example picture, but
simply put my Canon 10-22mm EF-S is far sharper and even my Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 seems to be sharper.
Surely an &ldquo;L&rdquo; quality lens should outperform both if not the Tamron. Has
anyone themselves or heard about many sharpness issues with this
lens?<o:p></o:p>
<p class="MsoNormal"]Next, I&rsquo;m considering sending in my 50D and a selection of my
lenses to be calibrated by the factory. Does this seem to have a significant
impact in anyone&rsquo;s experience? In so doing I wondering if it would correct any possible
sharpness issues I am having with the above mentioned lens (24-105 L)?. Can
anyone tell me what they would commonly charge for this services? Lastly, does
anyone know if they will perform this service in the factory for a non-canon
lens (such as the 17-50mm Tamron)?<o:p></o:p>
<p class="MsoNormal"]So, the final issue&hellip; I am sending the 10-22mm EF-S lens into
repair because unfortunately, to make a long story short, I effectively chucked
it over my shoulder onto the pavement. Probably a five foot high and five foot back
launch. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;"]L Landed on the front edge,
but had both the front and back caps on. The front glass was not damaged, but
overall&hellip; not good. The inner plastic ring around the front glass broke off, the
lens will not zoom or focus, and the inner lens assembly jiggles a little.
Which means this lens is going in for repair no matter what. I&rsquo;m sure it won&rsquo;t
be covered by warranty. Makes me think even more about getting insurance for my
camera gear. Too bad I didn&rsquo;t have this lens for the last third of my trip too,
I&rsquo;ve been really happy with this lens&hellip; very sharp, fun to use, produces some
great shots.

I recently had my 24-105 f4 and 70-200 f4 lenses calibrated at the Canon Service Center and found that my pictures seem to be better focused that they were in the past.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cory

Firstly, I have a 24-105mm L IS f/4.0 and I&rsquo;m wondering if
the sharpness is not what it should be. I can post an example picture,

---

An example would be great. It's important to differentiate between missed autofocus problems and optical problems. Optical problems ("this lens is soft") are actually very rare. But autofocus problems are very common. I suggest reading this post:


"This lens is soft" and other myths


Also, what kind of body are you using? Does it have liveview? Liveview is the best way to make sure you are getting critical focus. Does it have microadjustment?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cory

Has
anyone themselves or heard about many sharpness issues with this
lens?

---

For me it was very sharp on the 5D1 and 20D. So sharp it hurt. Especially stopped down. And I've heard from plenty of others who almost cut themselves on the sharpness of this lens. But autofocus issues abound.

My 24-105 Was ridiculously sharp. I used it a lot for portraits and it was almost to sharp. I use to have to soften skin quite a bit.


One time I sent my 24 1.4 L mkI in for service and they calibrate after repair ing it and when it came back I noticed a substantial increase in sharpness.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cory

Can
anyone tell me what they would commonly charge for this services?

---

Asked the repair person at the NJ center that question a few days ago. She said around $120 :/

Although the 50D has micro focusing adjustment. So you could do it yourself probably. Or it might be cheaper. My estimate was on a 20D. No micro focus adjustment there. haha.


-Rodger

Ah! I think you might have nailed it Daniel. Some pictures are
better than others, so it is almost surely an autofocus issue. In any
case, sending it in with the Camera for calibration or doing it myself
will probably solve that issue then. I own a 50D by the way.


Still,
$120 for calibration isn't horrid... after all some of us spend that
for a filter to make our pictures just that much better when often
times some post processing could do almost as if not just as much good
instead.

I now check the focus carefully on lenses when I get them, and if they don't focus correctly, send them in while they're under warrranty.


I just sent my 5D in with my 135L to have the 135L calibrated for the 5D. It backfocused with my 5D and 30D, both of which worked fine with my other lenses.


my 24-105 is good enough to make the pixel density on my 5D a real limitation. 100% crops are just stupid sharp.

I now check the focus carefully on lenses when I get them, and if they don't focus correctly, send them in while they're under warrranty.


I just sent my 5D in with my 135L to have the 135L calibrated for the 5D. It backfocused with my 5D and 30D, both of which worked fine with my other lenses.


my 24-105 is good enough to make the pixel density on my 5D a real limitation. 100% crops are just stupid sharp.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cory

$120 for calibration isn't horrid

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When your workplace only gives you one night a week and you have to pay for photo equipment yourself, it is :/


Which is exactly why my 70-200 f/4L will be sans filter for awhile more.

Cory





The micro adjustments on the 50D is great so I would use that first to see how things work out. I myself bought the Lens Align Pro which is pricey but works really great and really improved my lens focusing. You don't need the lens align and there are several targets on the net to use. Give it shot and see how you like it.