Why aren’t my Canon R7 photos as sharp as expected with a Tamron 35mm f/1.4?
Asked 9/26/2023
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2 answers
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I’m new to photography and using a Canon R7 with a Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 DI USD. I’ve read that this lens is very sharp, but my results don’t look as crisp as I expect. In one close-up shot, sharpness seems to land in a different area than I intended. In a landscape shot, the image looks a bit hazy even though focus seems correct.
My questions are:
- Is this lens a poor match for the R7?
- Could my camera settings or autofocus setup be causing the issue?
- Is the hazy look in landscapes caused by focus or by the light/air conditions?
Example settings:
- Photo 1: ISO 125, f/8, 1/320s
- Photo 2: ISO 100, f/2, 1/800s
Both were shot on a Velbon EX-530 tripod.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
2y ago
2 Answers
3
First the VW: the photo is extremely sharp, but it may not be sharp where you want it to be. The point of greatest sharpness is the edge of the VW logo in the middle of the wheel. The sharpest area extends towards the camera along the wheel spokes to the edge of the tire. If your camera is set to multiple autofocus points it has chosen that area. To ensure you, and not the camera, decide what should be in the sharpest focus you may need to adjust the autofocus settings. Try different numbers of focus points, and make sure you can see the squares in the viewfinder indicating the focus points.
The landscape: This is not a focus issue but rather atmospheric haze. Your lens is most likely focused at infinity, which is correct. The trouble is that there is a lot of very humid air between your lens and the landscape. This has several effects. Light coming towards the lens is partially scattered, causing sharp lines to appear blurry. The humidity absorbs different light wavelengths than more arid air, changing color hue and contrast. The overall effect is similar to looking through a fogged window.
Both are very good photos, and with a little more experience you will be more comfortable with your equipment and be able to create even better photos.
Originally by user106382. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user106382
2y ago
0
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The lens is not the problem here. Based on the examples described, your issue is likely a mix of autofocus point selection and atmospheric conditions.
For the close-up image, the photo may actually be very sharp—but not at the spot you wanted. If the camera is using multiple AF points, it can choose a nearby high-contrast area instead of your intended subject. Try using a single AF point or otherwise controlling which focus point is active so you decide what should be sharp.
For the landscape image, the “hazy” look is probably not a focus problem. It’s likely atmospheric haze from humid or distant air between you and the scene. In that case, even correct focus at or near infinity won’t remove the softness caused by the atmosphere.
So:
- The Tamron 35mm is a good lens and should work fine on the R7.
- Your settings may be okay, but your autofocus setup may need adjustment.
- Landscape haze is often caused by air conditions, not bad focus.
Check where focus actually lands, and don’t judge distant scenes only by clarity if the air itself is reducing contrast.
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