Canon EOS Rebel XT blurry close ups?

Question

So, I just bought a Rebel XT and I'm really loving it. My only problem so far is that whenever I try to get a close up shot it doesn't focus at all, thus the shot comes out horribly blurry.

Is there some sort of setting that I need to change to fix this? :\

Answer 1

use manual focus, likely you are holding your camera too close to the subject.

Answer 2

I think you trying to get too close with the kit lens.  To get real close up and photograph small objects you need to invest in a macro lens.  

Answer 3

How close are you trying to get? Are you aware that your lens has a minimum focus distance of around a foot, and it can't focus on anything closer? If that's not the problem, it may be a limitation (or a malfunction) of the autofocus at close distance, or it may be picking something further to focus on. Close-ups are a good place to practice manual focus. It helps too to use a tripod.

Answer 4

We might need some more information.  It sounds like you are getting closer than the minimum focusing distance of the lens.  If you are on autofocus, your lens typically would be 'hunting' - trying to focus properly.  Or, as someone else said, it is focused on the wrong thing.  You should see a red light in your viewfinder showing what the autofocus is zero'd in on (assuming you are in AF)

What are you trying to photograph?  If it is a flower, and you are getting too close because you want to fill the frame, that is a likely issue.  

I have an XT also, if you want to email to discuss feel free.  

EDIT:  So is your lens "hunting"?  This is when, when you press the shutter a little and it starts to focus, it goes from one extreme to the other but can't find the right spot.  Is it only in low light situations?  

I love a Tamron 28-75 lens I have, but if the lights get a little low, even in dark shade during the day, I really have trouble getting the AF to lock in properly.

Is it only this one lens that seems to have the problem?