Using 50mm 1.8

[bonaina]

Hi, I just got a canon 50mm f/1.8 (for its cheap price) to use with my canon 40D
I tried taking some test pictures with it
but it seems like most of my pictures come out blurry
in elaboration, the object that i want in focus isnt sharp
so can i have some advice in how to shoot with a 50mm ?
its my first time with a prime lens
until now ive used a nikon d40 with 18-135mm zoom lens and had no blur problem

[inkista]

There are a few things to consider:

1. If you're shooting with the lens wide open, the large aperture is causing a very narrow depth of field, so focusing becomes more critical. Consider stopping down to get a deeper depth of field. Also, the lens will get sharper stopped down past f/2.8.
   
   
2. If you're using the full matrix of autofocus points, the AF system may just be too stupid to pick the right target. Consider activating only a single AF point, to choose your target, and checking the image in the Canon software afterwards to see which AF point was used..
   
   
3. Are you sure your shutter speed is high enough? It may not be a misfocus issue but motion blur caused by camera shake. Remember that the 50/1.8 is not an IS lens, and that you should probably using a shutter speed of at least 1/60s or faster to avoid camera shake blur..
   
   
4. If you're shooting in low light, the auto focus system may not have enough light to see by. Try to help out the AF system by choosing targets with high contrast, ideally where black meets white, or look for ways to get more light in the scene.

The 50/1.8 is a great lens, but it does have its limits. You may be overestimating its available light capabilities.

[bonaina]

Ah thank you
I'll take your advice and see if its the shutter speed or autofocus problem

Thanks!