Problems with my 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro

[crbeveri]

Hey everyone, didn't find any other posts about this so here it goes. Sorry if it's already been asked.

I own the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro and I am having a problem eight the lens hunting a lot and never finding the target. I use the limited range switches on the side of the lens barrel and it's always the same it seems regardless of the selection. Is this lens just 2 sensitive to hand hold or is there something wrong with my copy of it. The images are awesome with they come out and it seems I have to always MF it then let the AF take over. Even when I do that it'll start hunting again and throw everything way out of focus.

Any and all help is welcomed here. I really enjoy this lens but it seems that every time I take it out it's more a hassle b/c it'll never focus or will focus but only after hunting for ever. The lighting doesn't seem to matter as I went out 2 days ago to take pictures around 4pm with a clear sunny day and it did the same thing (I was trying to AF on highlights not shadows).

Let me know what you guys think... It's still under warranty so maybe I should send it back to Canon IONO

[picman]

I do a lot of macro shooting at work. Always manual focus. With autofocus, too many variables - your moving, subject is moving and AF is moving. All movements are magnified, a tiny move and the lens is off trying to focus on something else.
I set the lens for approx. reproduction size and then move the camera for focus.
If your out of the macro zone, I bet the lens focuses great.

[DigitalScape]

Chris is your camera on AI Servo or AI Focus mode? As Brian mention, if the subject is moving, it gets a bit challenging to get the focus locked.

[jfoureyes]

I use a Nikkor AF 105/2.8D and it will hunt sometimes in low light. I shoot 100% from a tripod so it locks on the subject pretty good most of the time unless it's moving around..then I'll go to manual focus.

[shnitz]

If you're talking about when you're just walking around and shooting people or buildings, etc. then you have continuous focus set on your camera. Change the servo setting.

If you're talking about using autofocus when using macro mode, then that's your problem right there. No one in their right mind should shoot macro with autofocus. Autofocus is for when you are shooting large subjects. In macro mode, you should default to manual focus.

[crbeveri]

Hey everyone, Thanks for the help and quick replies.

I mostly shoot in AI Servo however, when I use this lens and "try" to do macro stuff I change it to one shot. I am in no way a macro person and am just trying to learn it so that is why I am sure the lens is fine and it's just be but have to ask.

I usually use AF b/c my vision is not the best and after extended time looking through the VF it gets blurry sometimes. I will deff start just using MF on macro work. I only use to mostly for Macro stuff and nothing else.

I try to always use a tripod but have found sometimes it's hard when the flowers are either small or I wanna get a good shot at the side (maybe investing in a shorter tripod).

Again thanks for y'all help. I hope/ am glad it's probably just me. I can be fixed for free with practice and training... glass costs money :P

[jfoureyes]

Originally Posted by shnitz

If you're talking about when you're just walking around and shooting people or buildings, etc. then you have continuous focus set on your camera. Change the servo setting.

If you're talking about using autofocus when using macro mode, then that's your problem right there. No one in their right mind should shoot macro with autofocus. Autofocus is for when you are shooting large subjects. In macro mode, you should default to manual focus.

I must not be in my right mind because I use AF shooting nature macro all the time and don't seem to have much of a problem with it. The other thing is I use a tripod 100% of the time in natural light and don't use a flash except for fill light on some subjects. There is no one way of doing things!!

[Jim Victory]

I use AF and handhold my 100 f/2.8L IS exclusively for macro work. I also use AI Servo if the subject is moving.

The only time I have had a problem with it hunting is in very low light