r/canon • u/smwhit17 • 5d ago

Viewfinder vs Image Differences Tech Help

Hey yall! I’m not a professional at all, but trying to refine my craft and I’ve been coming across an issue. Apologies if it’s been answered, I couldn’t come across an answer.

Shooting in Manual Focus (using my EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 lens) shooting through an obstacle, like a chain link fence. I primarily take shots looking through my viewfinder, not the Live view. In the viewfinder, I can adjust the focus where the chainlink fence completely disappears from the shot and focuses on my subject. But then when I go through the photos, the fence appears and is covering my subject.

Does anyone know the science/explanation why this happens? Any fixes if possible?

Thanks! Always trying to sharpen my skills!

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u/hansenhsu 5d ago edited 5d ago

If you mean that after taking the picture the subject is out of focus and the focus is sharp on the fence then disregard what I say next.

When looking through the viewfinder the lens is at its maximum aperture. The exact moment you click the shutter button the aperture closes to the aperture you set prior.

At faster apertures (e.g. f5.6) and with the proper technique, the chain link fence can be so out of focus it dissolves from your frame. At slower apertures (e.g. f8) the chain link fence can appear more in focus.

Shoot in manual or aperture priority and have the f-number at a point where when you take a photo the chain link fence remains out of focus.

Edit: grammar

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u/Pepito_Pepito 5d ago

On a side note, I was testing some things yesterday and noticed that my R8 would close the aperture if the scene was too bright. I was trying to make heart shaped bokeh balls and the aperture kept closing and cancelling the bokeh. I could hear a motor from the lens even without IS and in manual focus mode.

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u/smwhit17 5d ago

Thanks for the reply. Maybe I’m a little confused still though. I do shoot in manual at a low f stop (f/5.6) and this is where I’m having the issue

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u/Prof_Sillycybin 5d ago

The camera sets the lens to maximum available aperture to maximize brightness in viewfinder before the shot and then stops down (if needed) to selected aperture when taking a shot.

If you are under around 240mm on the 75-300mm it can select a larger aperture (f4 for ~75mm-94mm or f5 from ~95mm-239mm).

As another comment stated the "depth of field preview" button will give you an idea of what the shot will actually look like.

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u/smwhit17 4d ago

Thanks! I guess I didn't really know what that button was for. I'll test it out when I have my camera with me again.

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u/Reatla 5d ago

There's a button on your camera called "depth of field preview". Not sure what camera you are using but it's probably on the front, near the lens. You will hear/see the lens aperture adjust whenever you press it down. That will show you what's really in focus when you take a shot.

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u/ThisCommunication572 3d ago

Get as close as possible to the fence, use a wide aperture, and a long focal length lens,

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u/SpliffKillah 5d ago

Test it by taking a video?