I've been finding my standard Canon 350D lenses a bit of a problem because they 'hunt' for focus, forcing me to use the manual setting more than I like.

I'm told that focussing is done 'in the lens'. Is this true?
I'm also told that after-market lenses such as those from Sigma are better in this regard...any opinions?

Sometimes I adjust the focussing region, but I'd rather not do this most of the time.

If its hunting - its either 1) Low light or 2) You've set a single focal point and its hunting on that point

Point 1 - Bump up your ISO speed a bit
Point 2 - Hit the focal point button and scroll till all focus points are highlighted.

I've had a sigma lens that was notoriously bad for focal point hunting - the EX's are slightly better. What sort of lens are you having the issue with?

Kevin

From what you're telling me.. it sounds like you're using a kit lens (the 18-55mm lens)

Although not opticly great, it is a bit of a hunter.

There are plenty of lenses out there - look at http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/index.php?cat=45 (I post on there as kevmar) . Most of the "budget" canon lenses are hunters... saying that .. a posh L series can be a hunter when it chooses to be (I hire them occasionally when I'm getting in the proper pics for myself when doing Portfolio/Model work) .

Ultrasonic lenses are a bit better... L series are very good... but it depends what you are shooting at.

Looking at the night shots - yeah - it'll hunt. Day shots should be better though.

I have always struggled with auto focusing nikon/canon/ or other - I default to manual often also - it has always felt more solid for me - although sometimes this is a real inconvenience - I do know that Canon L series lenses are amazing (although very $$)

Thats the problem with L series. Way too much on the pocket (and yes... some pro photographers I know agree with me 100% on that)

There's nothing wrong with manual mode... and if done right.. or wrong, you can get amazing results....

yes $ is often an obstacle with photography - sometimes it's worth it - if it's possible. the photographers I work for that photograph lifestyle/people ads are all using Digital Canon 35mm systems with L series lenses - they have paid for themselves in these cases many times over I am sure.
in the end it is still a personal preference as to what you use & how etc.. to make your photos. the most archaic equipment as we all know can make amazing photographs

I recently bought a Canon 400D (Digital Rebel XTi in the States, I think).
The kit lens (18-55mm) is a little bit of a hunter. I soon replaced it with EF-S 17-85mm IS USM, which I have so far been very pleased about (considering that I don't want to invest into a L lens at this stage).

i have a digital camera, i dont have your problem ;) poor me!!!

yeah that kit lens is a hunter for sure even at a bumped up ISO... i sold mine on ebay and opt for a sigma... dont know if that helps but just wanted to say that i just got a little frustrated with mine so yeah... i feel your pain brother!

A lot of lenses tend to hunt at longer focal lengths, due to the narrower depth of field, my old Canon 70-300 was a nightmare in all but the brightest light.

The best thing to do if your finding it a real problem is to buy a lens with a larger maximum aperture, preferably f2.8, or even larger if your going from a prime lens.

Thanks all for the tips.
I think a better lens might be in my future. I have the standard Canon EFS 18-55.
It's been suggested that I go for a fixed-focal length Canon (35mm?).
Very affordable, and has a much better F-stop. But not sure whether I want to give away the flexibility, and lug around another bit of gear.

I'd consider a few lenses... and use them for different situations.

It depends how you shoot - do you shoot to extremities of the lens? What do you shoot?

a 35/f2 will give you about 56mm lens on a EOS300D/350D/400D/10D/20D/30D. This is very useful as its near "normal" length.

If you're feeling cheap, get a 50mm f1.8. Plasticy as hell, but it delivers where it counts - on the images. It goes up to 80mm the bodies listed above.

At the other end, there's the 20mm. Nice hunk of glass, except mine has a major fungus growth, which is turning it into a Digital Holga (I'd be happy - but the lens costed me £225)

Alternately there are some very nice lenses in the 17-55/18-50 range appearing and not all of them are bucket loads of cash (the Tamron and Sigma come to mind - the Canon is very nice, but overpriced)

Focus hunting is part of life.. when in doubt, hit manual and start twisting that dial!