Originally posted by TER-OR That's strange indeed. It could be a lens issue, might it be a shake reduction issue? Have you tried turning off the SR and keeping your shutter speed above 1/125 or so? Also, which focus mode are you using? If the subject moves while you're in AF.S then you might be missing focus - but some part of the image will still be in focus, so that doesn't sound likely. AF.C is for tracking a moving subject.
A zoom will change focus as it extends out or in - unless it's a parfocal lens like in a videocamera.
Does the image seem in focus in the viewfinder? Does the focus confirmation hexagon light up? I presume you did your focus test with Live View, does this make a difference?
1) I have not tried turning off the SR - I will though
2) I have been keeping the shutter speed above 125, and yesterday I kept it above 300 - no improvement.
3) There is usually some part of the photo in focus, just not what I want. If I use spot focus and place the focus point on the face of a stationary puppy laying on its side, I will sometimes get a body in focus and a blurry face.
4) we are using the "shutter half down" to focus before each shot.
5) I get the red focus point / points when I pre-focus, and the green hexagon at the bottom of the information display, yes.
6) I did NOT use live view when doing my focus test.
7) I have not posted pictures before, I assume I need a photo bucket account or similar? I can do that, maybe there is a thread on how to post pics to the site?