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A very common fault/complaint we receive is soft images.
There are many contributing factors to soft focus, the camera, the lens, movement, fungus, dust, settings and alcohol induced photography.
How the lens can cause soft images?
Apart from the above contributing factors to soft focus the two main reasons for soft focus in a lens are:
Point of focus
Resolution
What is the point of focus?
This is the ability of the lens focusing system to stop accurately on a subject. If the point of focus is out you will notice forward or back focusing.
What is resolution?
Resolution is the ability of a lens optics to resolve to it's maximum capabilities. Most lenses are not perfect; as light passes through the lens it degregates to a certain degree. Lenses are one piece of equipment that you really do get what you pay for.
Generally the more expensive the lens, the better the quality of the optics, meaning less degregation of light resulting in better resolution.
Regardless of what quality lens you have, each lens has an optimum resolution. Impact, wear and tear, dust, fungus are all things that will affect the optimum resolution of a lens, resulting in soft images.
How do I know if my lens has a focus or resolution fault or both?
Back and forward focusing will be more evident at a wide open aperture due to the shallow depth of field. Try several lenses because your camera could also be forward or back focusing.
To test the lens, set the aperture to 2.8, 1.4 or 1.8 (depending on your lens) take several images in your normal shooting environment, but try to use a still subject. Take particular note where the focusing point is falling on the subject.
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Take careful note of the settings and the lenses you used.
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| This is the best focus testing for you: there are many variables that will effect the focusing system – lighting, angle of shooting, the type of surface you are focusing on and a moving target. |
| Review your images on the computer at 100% (1:1) and look for the following: |
Is the main subject sharp?
| YES | Point of focus ok |
| NO | If it’s sharper behind the subject – back focusing |
| NO | If it’s sharper in-front of the subject – forward focusing |
| If nothing is sharp | It is a resolution problem. |
What can be done to correct the focus or resolution?
We have the adjustment software and tooling to adjust most equipment.
For the best results we suggest leaving your camera when you book your lenses in for an adjustment/repair. This allows us to adjust the lenses to perform to their best ability with your camera.
If the lens has a focus or resolution fault due to wear or impact parts will be required to correct the fault.
Please phone ahead we can address your specific case.
Important: If your images are blurred in the view finder but your images are sharp on your P.C – check your diopter setting on the camera. Most of the digital cameras have an in-built diopter. Check your manual for the diopter location and how to change the settings.