Canon 7D soft images, does Canon have a problem with some of it's 7D's???

[johnf3f]

What lens/lenses were you having this problem on?
I do not have a 7D myself but I do know a number of people who do and the only problems I have heard of are with some long Sigma Zooms, I think it's the 150-500 if memory serves.
If you are getting soft images on Canon lenses then it is a problem for Canon to sort out!

[darrenm]

i use a Canon 400mm F5.6 and Canon 300mm F.4 and both work fine with my 40 and 60D

[matt_xyz]

But were the images soft using manual focus and autofocus? It would be interesting to know if it was an AF problem or something more fundamental.

Matt

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by darrenm

The first model produced soft images from the start and the 2nd started out producing sharp shots and then became progressivley soft over time. I even had a two people who teach Wildlife photography for a living look at the 2nd model and they both agreed it wasnt up to scratch.

I've seen on other forums people that have been very dissatisfied with their 7D, and changed it.

There's also been mention on this forum of 7D owners struggling with their 7D.

Jim

[Jonsfotos]

Originally Posted by darrenm

i use a Canon 400mm F5.6 and Canon 300mm F.4 and both work fine with my 40 and 60D

I have had my 7D for around 18 months now and have only ever had the Canon 400L USM 5.6 attached and it works fine. I have had a few soft images over time but that`s with B.I.F shots where sometimes (or should I say often ) my technique is questionable....:-).Set up on a tripod , single spot AF, no problems at all.... but as stated, I have only ever used the 400 on it.As Jim says, there are a few forums about where there are problems with the 7D and there has been a lot of debate. It appears I am fortunate to have one of the better ones.

Jon

[glsammy]

I've also had no problems whatsoever with my 7D. I've used it with my Sigma 50-500mm as well as my Canon 400mm F5.6 and my Sigma 150mm. Personally I don't see much difference between the shots I get from that and the ones I get from my 40D but as I was very happy with my 40D shots, that's not a problem!
Mind you I don't shoot using RAW. I long ago decided RAW was a waste of time. I hasten to add, this is only my personal opinion. Others will only shoot RAW and swear by it.
All I ever did was swear at it!

[The_Moaner]

You want to meet someone who had problems..Meet me. But with help from others, from WAB and elsewhere I solved my 7D. I blamed everything but the kitchen sink. I even sent my 7D back to Canon..Fair dos to Canon they did a Full Service, re-corrected the AF etc. etc.
I sold my 150-500 and bought a 400mm "L" 5.6.
I set up my focus points for (never remember the name) the 5 focus points for birds in flight and single centre point for everything else. Now 99% of time I just use centre point. PERFECT.
NEVER EVER Use the STUPID 19 points you'll never get the focus you want. You'll struggle for ever..Canon BOOBED doing that.
Honest, it's not the camera or lens it's the way you set it up.
jonf3f in this thread proved that for me. He was a great help and I'm greatful to him. I can't believe you solt it back to shop not once but TWICE! Jesus. Waste of cash.
7D is one of best cameras out in a long time for those of us who can't afford a 1Dmk4 upwards. I'm Very Happy with mine.
Go get your cash and 7D back, Shop DIDDLED you..

[johnf3f]

Originally Posted by darrenm

i use a Canon 400mm F5.6 and Canon 300mm F.4 and both work fine with my 40 and 60D

I asked the question because there seems to be an issue with the 7D and a couple of Sigma lenses. I am suprised to hear that you have a problem with the 300 F4 IS (mine is probably my sharpest "L"). I don't own the 400 F5.6 so cannot comment.
Is the problem on moving subject or stationery?
If you are having a problem with Birds in Flight then join the club! (Tip - turn off the IS on the 300!)
If the problem is on static subjects then maybe you need to investigate the AF system of the 7D. You may not be making the most of it so (I hate to say it) try referring to the manual - if that does not work then try Micro Adjusting the focus (PM me for some focussing targets) - this may help, it never has for me but others swear by it. The 7d has quite an advanced AF system so it takes a fair bit more learning than its XXD predecessors!
If the above does not help then you need someone who knows a lot more about AF systems than I do - ther are quite a lot of them out there!
Good luck!

[johnf3f]

Thanks for the "Thumbs Up" Dennis (The Moaner). It is nice to know I was of some help.
Hope you are well.

[The_Moaner]

I am fine thank you John.
Being photographing some Go-cart Racing and really enjoyed it..
Hope all is well with you.
Dennis