How to get more focussed images with the 550D

I know that camera well; fortunately I didn't have that problem.  But I can imagine it could be frustrating. Have you tried another lens like the inexpensive Canon 55-250mm lens to see if it still does the same thing?  If it still is not quite focusing correctly, then I would suggest stopping down the lens to F9, F10 or F11.

I read your two other posts. For birding, why are you not using something like a 100-400mm or 150-600mm lens for under $1000 (USD)? You have been using the Canon T2i (550D) camera for 10 years from what I read. Yes, you should upgrade that camera if you can afford it. But I would upgrade the lens first for wildlife (that would be my suggestion).

Here's one of my old photos from the Canon T3i (600D) camera with the Tamron 150-600mm lens. I was happy with this one because I took it at 1/50th of a second hand-held. Because it doesn't perform as well in low light (as the newer cameras), I had to keep the shutter speed low. It's similar to the Canon T2i (550D).

Here's another old photo I liked with the Canon T3i (600D) camera and Tamron 150-600mm lens. I have thousands of these types of telephoto pictures. I hope this convinces you to get a lens with more reach.

That may be a good excuse to get a new camera. When I upgraded from my Canon T2i (550D) and Canon T3i (600D) cameras, I decided to get a total of three (3) Canon T7ii (800D) cameras. I keep them attached with lenses; that's why I have so many (I normally don't change lenses). I was looking at the Canon 90D and the Canon EOS R cameras. I don't know if there's an advantage of getting mirrorless or not.

In your case, I would upgrade both the camera and lens (by getting one with a longer reach). I know when I made the decision to buy the Tamron 150-600mm lens, it was a lot of money. But after about five years of continual use, it was money well-spent. I take pictures almost every weekend and having the right gear like that is important.

One time I accidentally dropped by Canon T2i (550D) camera with the 18-55mm kit lens. The camera bag strap broke and the camera/lens/bag fell down on to the pavement. After that incident, I found that there was an issue with the autofocus. I was lucky that it appeared to be only the inexpensive lens, as when I put in another lens, everything was fine. So maybe something happened to your camera after all of these years, to cause some problem like that.

If you are on a tight budget, you might consider a used Canon T2i (550D) or Canon T3i (600D) on something like Ebay from a reputable seller. I look for the cameras with low shutter clicks (as reported). Last year I got two new Canon T7i (800D) cameras for about $500 each including shipping from Ebay. This year, I noticed the prices went up a lot. When I first heard about the pandemic, I decided to get two of them instead of one. I like this photography hobby too much, to not have the equipment I want. I was afraid that there might be a shortage and the prices would go up substantially.

On Ebay I see used Canon 60D cameras near $300 (USD). Also the Canon 7D might be a good choice if you find used one with low shutter clicks. I see one at $309 with about 6K clicks from a reputable seller with over 2800 100% positive feedbacks. Also they say they have a thirty day return policy.

speedbird52 wrote:

The single point focus of the 550D shows its flaws in wildlife photography. I am almost never able to get the eye of the bird in focus. I intend to upgrade my body, but before I do, what can you do to get better autofocus performance from the camera?

birds photography burns money.

Since I've had my Tamron 150-600mm lens for about five years, I think the average cost for that lens has been near $20 (USD) per month. I use free IrfanView software for post processing the photos. Yes, it does cost a lot for the lens initially, but if it is used a lot for a long time, then for me it's worth it.