Help with Focus

[sundog101]

Alright, so this is probably an easy question. I'm trying to get some close up shots of corals, but my camera won't focus past a certain zoom point. I've used auto and manuel focus. I've also tried shooting up close and far away. Once I get the zoom to where I'd like it the camera won't focus. I'm sure this is a basic concept but I'm just not getting it.

I have a cannon sx 50 hs. It does have a macro focus mode but I wasnt sure if that was the same as a macro lens.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

but my camera won't focus past a certain zoom point.

it wont focus past a certain(far) point in macro mode.

It does have a macro focus mode but I wasnt sure if that was the same as a macro lens

it works similarly but is limited by the above.
You'll have to find the sweet spots by trial and error and adjust composition accordingly.

 

[sundog101]

Thanks for the reply! I've tried both macro and normal mode and this is about is close as I can get and still be in focus.

Any further and it won't focus. Is there a way to get more detailed shots?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

in normal focus mode. No digital zoom, zoom in all the way(or to what looks good for composition). If it doesn't focus. back up.
You need to figure out the minimum focusing distance of the lens. in normal mode focus mode. (it may say on the lens or in the manual.)or the above
(you can also do this sitting on the couch)
Conversely
you can do the same in macro mode(find the minimum and max focus distance.)
adjust composition accordingly.

(read this later)
If you have a digital zoom function, ie x2(yes it may lose some fine detail), use what you learned above.
hope it helps.

 

[sundog101]

Thanks for the info!