SMC 500mm f4.5 soft focus issues :(

rdrum76 · 03-22-2009, 08:45 AM

hi,

i have a 500mm f4.5 I have it on a tripod with a TV of at least 500/sec; the SR is off and my aperture is f8; but i am still getting soft focus when downloaded to desktop, even though I am getting focus indicator when shooting

??

any advice? is this just par for this lens? or am i missing something?

i am using a k10 now going to check with k20

i switched to the k20 and the menu asked for the focal length i put 500mm; however the k10 did not ask????

i turn ed off the k20 aND then back on but it did not ask for manual focal length ;hmmm?????

thanks

Last edited by rdrum76; 03-22-2009 at 09:01 AM.

8540tomg · 03-22-2009, 09:19 AM

Originally posted by rdrum76

hi,

i have a 500mm f4.5 I have it on a tripod with a TV of at least 500/sec; the SR is off and my aperture is f8; but i am still getting soft focus when downloaded to desktop, even though I am getting focus indicator when shooting

??

any advice? is this just par for this lens? or am i missing something?

i am using a k10 now going to check with k20

i switched to the k20 and the menu asked for the focal length i put 500mm; however the k10 did not ask????

i turn ed off the k20 aND then back on but it did not ask for manual focal length ;hmmm?????

thanks

I have noticed on the K10 when shake reduction is turned off that you are not prompted for lens length. With a 500mm lens I suspect depth of field will be very shallow even at f 8. I would recommend trying something in the f 11 - f 22 range. I have had a lot more success with my M 400mm in this f stop range. Even if the camera confirms focus this is not always accurate.

What sort of focusing screen are you using? Until I got a KatzEye I found getting sharp focus with older lenses to be very difficult especially with longer telephoto lenses. The Katzeye screen has helped me a lot in this area. Even with the new screen I take multiple shots fine focusing all the time. This has improved the number of acceptable shots.

Tom

philbaum · 03-22-2009, 09:26 AM

I don't know if you are already doing this, but to get the FL menu on power up, the K10D has to be in Manual exposure mode and the AF switch has to be in Manual as well (i think :-))

I don't have the 500 but i have an smc 400mm f5.6 lens, has a very long focus travel and is a bit tricky to focus. But you're saying that you haven't been able to hit it at all? That hasn't been my exp. with the smc 400mm

rdrum76 · 03-22-2009, 09:34 AM

i actually have a magnifier on

i am trying f11 but not easy to focus; i heard the katz eye throws off your EV?

**Canada_Rockies** · 03-22-2009, 09:36 AM

Originally posted by philbaum

I don't know if you are already doing this, but to get the FL menu on power up, the K10D has to be in Manual exposure mode and the AF switch has to be in Manual as well (i think :-))

The only factor for asking for the focal length is to have the shake reduction turned on.

I find this handy, even on the tripod, because the EXIF includes the shooting focal length based on this input. I turn on the SR, turn on the camera, and set the focal length, then set SR off. I have photos with EXIF data that says "550mm K/M Lens" which tells me when I look at the image in Lightroom that I was using my M 400 with the 1.4X-S converter, for example.

rdrum76 · 03-22-2009, 09:40 AM

f11 should be good, right???

when would use try it use anything close to f4.5; i am guessing bright light and big thing

rdrum76 · 03-22-2009, 09:41 AM

ty; i just learned that trick by accident

now i am opening up for focus then close down to an acceptable shutter speed while in green auto exposure

a little better

i need to get a friend to stand in the backyard instead of crazy moving birds and rabbits

Last edited by rdrum76; 03-22-2009 at 10:05 AM.

Mark2100 · 03-22-2009, 10:08 AM

I have the Tak 500/4.5, and it tends to front focus with the af confirmation light by 8 or 9 inches. (tested on a wooden fence). Of course the coating on one the elements is half gone, so the lens isn't perfect. But I don't think that would affect the ff/bf issue. I would adjust the camera to fix it, but none of my other manual lenses behave this way.

Here's the pic... I had focus confirmation on the center picket. The one with the black spot on it.

rdrum76 · 03-22-2009, 10:24 AM

how would you adjust the focus on a k10, when it is set to mf? i do not think the k10 has af adjustment?

**dadipentak** · 03-22-2009, 10:35 AM

I had this lens and it is a challenge. Stop down and don't rely on focus confirmation. My best results were with tripod & remote, taking multiple shots with fine focus gradations. And, right--the camera only cares about FL for SR purposes. Good thinking, Albert!

Mark2100 · 03-22-2009, 10:35 AM

Originally posted by rdrum76

how would you adjust the focus on a k10, when it is set to mf? i do not think the k10 has af adjustment?

I was using a k20d. You're right, the k10 doesn't have a focus adjustment. The downside of the focus adjustment on the k20 for manual lenses, is it's generic, and changes for all manual lenses.
With the Tak, I just focus a little past where I get confirmation. If you have a fence, you should try this test as well. I'm curious if your lens has the same issue as mine.

**Ron Boggs** · 03-22-2009, 10:47 AM

I'm betting the softness is "pilot error." Are you using a substantial tripod? Look through the viewfinder, can you see tiny movements? That will equal blur even though the focus indicator will show focus is OK. Tap the top of the lens while looking through the viewfinder at a detailed subject...how long does it take for the vibration to dissipate? This exercise will likely surprise you as you can see the vibrations continue. And if your tripod is pretty light, the vibrations may not stop no matter what. If you haven't used large teles before, you may presume an ordinary tripod will be enough--NOPE!

I personally have a heavy shutter finger which causes many "lost" images due to my "slamming" the shutter button down. As a test, try using the 2 second timer which also locks the mirror. This will remove the human factor just for testing.

Are you using a tripod quick release plate? Does it fit the tripod foot/shoe well? If you are simply screwing the tripod screw into the foot, the amount of attachment is likely too small--insufficient coupling. Is your tripod head heavily constucted? That too can be an issue.

Good luck. Shooting super telephoto lenses WELL is a learned skill. Took me almost a year and a new monster tripod to become "passable" at it.

**Canada_Rockies** · 03-22-2009, 10:55 AM

Ron, those are excellent points. When I use my 400, and particularly with the 1.4X on the back, it s mounted on the tripod in my avatar. The only change from the rig in my avatar is the camera body is now the K10D instead of the MZ-S. That's a Manfrotto 055B with a Manfrotto 0168 ball head on top. It came with the largish hexagonal quick release plate. I often use the Remote F and 3 sec mirror lock up to ensure sharp photos. Some days it seems that if the guy in the canoe 100 meters away sneezes the whole rig moves. I never extend the centre post of the tripod, even though, as you see, It would be more comfortable up a few inches.

8540tomg · 03-22-2009, 01:38 PM

I haven't notice the KatzEye throwing off the EV. Then again with manual focus lenses I rely less on the meter and work a lot from the Sunny 16 rule.

Lots of good advice above. My own tripod is a little suspect now that I think about it. A solid base is undoubtably the single most important factor in getting better shots. That and a lot of practice. One thing I didn't mention above was the cable switch CS-205 for use with the K10/K20 etc. It is like an electronic cable release and like the remote or self timer will cut down a lot of "heavy finger" vibrations. Good luck with your long lens.

Tom G

borno · 03-22-2009, 01:47 PM

My k100d worked best with the smc 500mm I had because of the exposure errors with k10d/k20d but a real bear to focus with the digital bodies and my old eyes. I had to sell off some stuff to try and get a good long af lens. I got some good shots with the 500mm f4.5 but really had to work for 'em.

03-22-2009, 08:45 AM	#1
rdrum76 Inactive Account Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 221	SMC 500mm f4.5 soft focus issues :( hi, i have a 500mm f4.5 I have it on a tripod with a TV of at least 500/sec; the SR is off and my aperture is f8; but i am still getting soft focus when downloaded to desktop, even though I am getting focus indicator when shooting ?? any advice? is this just par for this lens? or am i missing something? i am using a k10 now going to check with k20 i switched to the k20 and the menu asked for the focal length i put 500mm; however the k10 did not ask???? i turn ed off the k20 aND then back on but it did not ask for manual focal length ;hmmm????? thanks Last edited by rdrum76; 03-22-2009 at 09:01 AM.

03-22-2009, 09:19 AM	#2
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	Originally posted by rdrum76 hi, i have a 500mm f4.5 I have it on a tripod with a TV of at least 500/sec; the SR is off and my aperture is f8; but i am still getting soft focus when downloaded to desktop, even though I am getting focus indicator when shooting ?? any advice? is this just par for this lens? or am i missing something? i am using a k10 now going to check with k20 i switched to the k20 and the menu asked for the focal length i put 500mm; however the k10 did not ask???? i turn ed off the k20 aND then back on but it did not ask for manual focal length ;hmmm????? thanks I have noticed on the K10 when shake reduction is turned off that you are not prompted for lens length. With a 500mm lens I suspect depth of field will be very shallow even at f 8. I would recommend trying something in the f 11 - f 22 range. I have had a lot more success with my M 400mm in this f stop range. Even if the camera confirms focus this is not always accurate. What sort of focusing screen are you using? Until I got a KatzEye I found getting sharp focus with older lenses to be very difficult especially with longer telephoto lenses. The Katzeye screen has helped me a lot in this area. Even with the new screen I take multiple shots fine focusing all the time. This has improved the number of acceptable shots. Tom Last edited by 8540tomg; 03-22-2009 at 11:04 AM. Reason: typo

03-22-2009, 10:55 AM	#13
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Ron, those are excellent points. When I use my 400, and particularly with the 1.4X on the back, it s mounted on the tripod in my avatar. The only change from the rig in my avatar is the camera body is now the K10D instead of the MZ-S. That's a Manfrotto 055B with a Manfrotto 0168 ball head on top. It came with the largish hexagonal quick release plate. I often use the Remote F and 3 sec mirror lock up to ensure sharp photos. Some days it seems that if the guy in the canoe 100 meters away sneezes the whole rig moves. I never extend the centre post of the tripod, even though, as you see, It would be more comfortable up a few inches. Last edited by Canada_Rockies; 03-22-2009 at 11:04 AM.

03-22-2009, 01:38 PM	#14
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	I haven't notice the KatzEye throwing off the EV. Then again with manual focus lenses I rely less on the meter and work a lot from the Sunny 16 rule. Lots of good advice above. My own tripod is a little suspect now that I think about it. A solid base is undoubtably the single most important factor in getting better shots. That and a lot of practice. One thing I didn't mention above was the cable switch CS-205 for use with the K10/K20 etc. It is like an electronic cable release and like the remote or self timer will cut down a lot of "heavy finger" vibrations. Good luck with your long lens. Tom G Last edited by 8540tomg; 03-22-2009 at 05:24 PM. Reason: typo

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03-22-2009, 09:26 AM	#3
philbaum Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Port Townsend, Washington State, USA Posts: 3,659	I don't know if you are already doing this, but to get the FL menu on power up, the K10D has to be in Manual exposure mode and the AF switch has to be in Manual as well (i think :-)) I don't have the 500 but i have an smc 400mm f5.6 lens, has a very long focus travel and is a bit tricky to focus. But you're saying that you haven't been able to hit it at all? That hasn't been my exp. with the smc 400mm

03-22-2009, 09:34 AM	#4
rdrum76 Inactive Account Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 221 Original Poster	i actually have a magnifier on i am trying f11 but not easy to focus; i heard the katz eye throws off your EV?

03-22-2009, 09:36 AM	#5
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by philbaum I don't know if you are already doing this, but to get the FL menu on power up, the K10D has to be in Manual exposure mode and the AF switch has to be in Manual as well (i think :-)) The only factor for asking for the focal length is to have the shake reduction turned on. I find this handy, even on the tripod, because the EXIF includes the shooting focal length based on this input. I turn on the SR, turn on the camera, and set the focal length, then set SR off. I have photos with EXIF data that says "550mm K/M Lens" which tells me when I look at the image in Lightroom that I was using my M 400 with the 1.4X-S converter, for example.

03-22-2009, 09:40 AM	#6
rdrum76 Inactive Account Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 221 Original Poster	f11 should be good, right??? when would use try it use anything close to f4.5; i am guessing bright light and big thing

03-22-2009, 09:41 AM	#7
rdrum76 Inactive Account Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 221 Original Poster	ty; i just learned that trick by accident now i am opening up for focus then close down to an acceptable shutter speed while in green auto exposure a little better i need to get a friend to stand in the backyard instead of crazy moving birds and rabbits Last edited by rdrum76; 03-22-2009 at 10:05 AM.

03-22-2009, 10:24 AM	#9
rdrum76 Inactive Account Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 221 Original Poster	how would you adjust the focus on a k10, when it is set to mf? i do not think the k10 has af adjustment?

03-22-2009, 10:35 AM	#10
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	I had this lens and it is a challenge. Stop down and don't rely on focus confirmation. My best results were with tripod & remote, taking multiple shots with fine focus gradations. And, right--the camera only cares about FL for SR purposes. Good thinking, Albert!

03-22-2009, 10:35 AM	#11
Mark2100 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 185	Originally posted by rdrum76 how would you adjust the focus on a k10, when it is set to mf? i do not think the k10 has af adjustment? I was using a k20d. You're right, the k10 doesn't have a focus adjustment. The downside of the focus adjustment on the k20 for manual lenses, is it's generic, and changes for all manual lenses. With the Tak, I just focus a little past where I get confirmation. If you have a fence, you should try this test as well. I'm curious if your lens has the same issue as mine.

03-22-2009, 10:47 AM	#12
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,349	I'm betting the softness is "pilot error." Are you using a substantial tripod? Look through the viewfinder, can you see tiny movements? That will equal blur even though the focus indicator will show focus is OK. Tap the top of the lens while looking through the viewfinder at a detailed subject...how long does it take for the vibration to dissipate? This exercise will likely surprise you as you can see the vibrations continue. And if your tripod is pretty light, the vibrations may not stop no matter what. If you haven't used large teles before, you may presume an ordinary tripod will be enough--NOPE! I personally have a heavy shutter finger which causes many "lost" images due to my "slamming" the shutter button down. As a test, try using the 2 second timer which also locks the mirror. This will remove the human factor just for testing. Are you using a tripod quick release plate? Does it fit the tripod foot/shoe well? If you are simply screwing the tripod screw into the foot, the amount of attachment is likely too small--insufficient coupling. Is your tripod head heavily constucted? That too can be an issue. Good luck. Shooting super telephoto lenses WELL is a learned skill. Took me almost a year and a new monster tripod to become "passable" at it.

03-22-2009, 01:47 PM	#15
borno Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: md-usa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,580	My k100d worked best with the smc 500mm I had because of the exposure errors with k10d/k20d but a real bear to focus with the digital bodies and my old eyes. I had to sell off some stuff to try and get a good long af lens. I got some good shots with the 500mm f4.5 but really had to work for 'em.