5D MkII Sharpness

[neuroanatomist]

Granted, both of those shoots were done with all AF points activated.

Usually not a good idea, IMO. The camera is going use the AF point on the closest subject (or part of subject, or foreground element). Usually, that's not what you want. I prefer to choose for myself what the actual subject is (generally for portraits, that's the eyes).

For calibrating again, should I just try it using the center AF point instead of having all points activated?

Yes, calibration should always be performed with the center AF point. This is especially true for f/2.8 and faster lenses, since the center AF point is a high-precision point with f/2.8 and faster lenses.


On a 5DII at 200mm f/2.8, the DoF should be ~3.5". Instead of a flat sheet of text, have you tried shooting a ruler or focus target at a 45° angle? You can use a chart like this linked one, taped to a door so it's easy to get the angle.

[Sean Setters]

Granted, both of those shoots were done with all AF points activated.

Usually not a good idea, IMO. The camera is going use the AF point on the closest subject (or part of subject, or foreground element). Usually, that's not what you want. I prefer to choose for myself what the actual subject is (generally for portraits, that's the eyes).

For calibrating again, should I just try it using the center AF point instead of having all points activated?

Yes, calibration should always be performed with the center AF point. This is especially true for f/2.8 and faster lenses, since the center AF point is a high-precision point with f/2.8 and faster lenses.


On a 5DII at 200mm f/2.8, the DoF should be ~3.5". Instead of a flat sheet of text, have you tried shooting a ruler or focus target at a 45° angle? You can use a chart like [url="http://focustestchart.com/focus21.pdf]this linked one[/url], taped to a door so it's easy to get the angle.
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He beat me to it by a minute. Use center point for focus calibration on a test sheet that is angled at 45 degrees. Also, it's best to calibrate at the focal length you'll be using most.

[Jon Ruyle]

When I tried my hand at testing my lenses a few weeks back, I used a level and square to square the camera with the wall on which I taped the chart. I wasn't super careful, but I did try. Even so, when I focused on the corner, the center was out of focus and vice versa.