topic Re: Lens not focusing in EF & RF Lenses

Lens not focusing

CodeRedAddictMD — Tue, 03 May 2022 04:08:17 GMT

Hello, I'm new to the camera/photography thing so I don't know much about much. For context, I have a Rebel T7 camera, and I recently purchased a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM lens. I take a lot of sports pics of the kids and thought this would be a nice little upgrade from my Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens. I'm often taking photos from afar and am zoomed in to 200mm with the new lens and not a single picture came out clear, all were out of focus. Pictures were taken from a tripod with AF for some and manual focus for others. I did some test shots at home zooming in on the bookshelf and still couldn't get any focus on the photos. Being new, I'm not 100% sure I'm doing something wrong, but I don't feel like any of the photos should be that out of focus. With closer shots the lens focuses better, but I still think it's not as clear as my other lenses. I'm at a point where I'm thinking it's more of a lens problem than a me problem, but wanted to be certain before sending it back.

I appreciate and look forward to any help!

Thank you!

Re: Lens not focusing

Tronhard — Tue, 03 May 2022 05:46:46 GMT

Hi and welcome to the forum!

First, just make sure that your lens has the autofocus switch set to the ON position.

Second, make sure that the camera is not set to macro mode according to the dial on the top, right side of your camera. If in doubt refer to P30 of your manual, HERE is a link to the on-line version. That dial should be on P, Av or Tv mode, but not the one with the flower

If neither of those work, look up how to reset your camera to factory default.

Re: Lens not focusing

ebiggs1 — Tue, 03 May 2022 15:12:32 GMT

OK, here is what you need to do. I am going to suspect this is a used lens? BTW, it is not a "nice little upgrade from my Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens." It is a major upgrade!

First reset the T7. Menu, tool, clear all settings and clear all custom settings. Now set the T7 to P mode. ISO 200 and daylight WB. Make sure the camera is set to One shot not Ai-servo, never Ai-servo. Use the center focus point, only. Make sure the lens is set to AF, not MF. IS in the on position. Consult your manual if you do not know how to do any of these settings.

Now on a nice bright sunny day go outside and take some random shots. Shoot some trees, buildings, go to the park. Take a few of the kids. Different distances. You know random stuff just make sure some have vertical lines, a fence, and good contrast (not the sky). Now doing all this, if it works and all the shots are great there is nothing wrong with the camera and lens. If it doesn't work the lens is faulty and needs service. However if it is the first original model, it may be out of service life by Canon. So, a local camera service center may be your only option. Perhaps you can return it.

Make sure you follow the steps exactly especially resetting the T7 to default. A lot of the time new folks will try to out think the camera. And, a lot of the time the camera is smarter than you think it is. You will be far better served if you stay on the P mode side of the dial. P, Av, Tv are best for sports. Avoid manual and Ai-servo.

Re: Lens not focusing

CodeRedAddictMD — Tue, 03 May 2022 15:47:11 GMT

Thank you, Tronhard and ebiggs1! I will give these a try later this afternoon! Though I don't like the angles that I get on this particular field, the daughter has a softball game that I'll be taking pictures at and will utilize the tips you both provided and see what I can get. I've always used the sports mode for shooting these sports pictures and never ran into an issue like this so it threw me off some.

Re: Lens not focusing

ebiggs1 — Tue, 03 May 2022 16:38:33 GMT

" I've always used the sports mode for shooting these sports pictures ..."

That would not be my first choice nor Trevor's I suspect. When you want the best photos and I am sure you do, its best to follow what the pros do. None use Sports mode! The settings on that side of the dial bassically turn your good DSLR into a P&S. The same as an iphone.

Folks that buy a EF 70-200m f2.8L lens are looking for the best. It is one of the best lenses ever made only being topped by its newer models.

Re: Lens not focusing

CodeRedAddictMD — Tue, 03 May 2022 21:13:12 GMT

"That would not be my first choice nor Trevor's I suspect."

I had expectations that that would be the case, I think I've been in a comfort zone of sorts of not having to make adjustments to settings on the camera for my shots so much, I have no excuse for that. I've got the settings that you guys recommended dialed in on the camera on my lunch, and I'm going to try to take pictures with both lenses to have a comparison of sorts.

I also missed that you said what a major upgrade this lens was versus my old one, I was initially feeling down on this purchase since pictures weren't coming out as expected and started thinking this was a wasteful endeavor, but it got me excited again now that I know I was at least heading in the right direction! Even if I may have to return it pending what I can figure out with it.

Re: Lens not focusing

jrhoffman75 — Wed, 04 May 2022 00:10:42 GMT

Set your camera on your tripod and take a photo with your 75-300mm lens set to 200mm using whatever settings you normally use and get good images with. (It doesn't matter if they are not the most optimum settings if they are giving you images you are happy with for now; improving your skills can come later).

Now put your 70-200mm lens on. If that isn't giving you images equal to or better than your 75-300 lens you have a lens problem to sort out. If the lens is switched to AF does it seem like its focusing? In MF can you manually focus the lens. Is your camera set to One Shot AF? Camera shouldn't actuate shutter if the green focus light doesn't come on.

Re: Lens not focusing

CodeRedAddictMD — Wed, 04 May 2022 04:08:40 GMT

Hello, John!

I've had the opportunity to do exactly that today. I've attached a picture from each lens, definitely thinking there's a lens issue. Used pretty close to the exact same settings. AF was one and does go through the motions of focusing, I can also attempt to MF but still doesn't come out clear. It is set to One Shot AF. When I switched lenses, I noticed how much more clear it is looking through the viewfinder on my old 300mm lens vs the 200mm lens (which is also old, bought used).

Re: Lens not focusing

jrhoffman75 — Wed, 04 May 2022 11:27:51 GMT

Hi. Definitely see what you are talking about.

One more thing to suggest. Try using Live View via the rear LCD.

If the lens focuses properly in that mode Canon can adjust it.

Another possibility is the lens itself is defective. Do you know someone else with a Canon camera you could try? There are usually a bunch of Canon shooters at kids sports events.

If the problem still exists can you return the lens?

Can you post the files (preferably RAW) to Dropbox or One Drive?

Re: Lens not focusing

ebiggs1 — Wed, 04 May 2022 14:16:17 GMT

I will repeat and urge to do my test instructions above. Just do it. The procedure from JH is just guesswork as is yours. If you follow my instructions above it will tell you if the lens is faulty for certain. The problem with just shooting and switching lenses adds variables to the test. You can't test something if the conditions are not exactly the same. Any lens, even the best of the best, with the best camera will miss a shot now and again.

Another issue, Canon may not service the original model 70-200mm f2.8L. You will need to confirm that with Canon 1 (800) 652-2666.

Make sure you are putting the red AF square exactly on what you want in focus. Also on the bright day, as I advised above, your SS should be high enough to eliminate shake as the problem but if need be set ISO to 400 for the test. We want it on the lower numbers if possible (not 1600 or 3200, etc).

Re: Lens not focusing

CodeRedAddictMD — Wed, 04 May 2022 15:15:16 GMT

I did use your test instructions, I reset my camera settings, set the ISO to 200, WB to Daylight, AF to One Shot, with the Focus set to Center Focus with that box directly on my target. My shots weren't completely random as suggested, was mostly trying to get Softball pics, specifically the player that is pictured. Pictures were taken from the same location on the field as it's the best position on that particular field, and it was a bright sunny day. I did switch from P to Tv while taking shots with the 200mm, initial shutter speed was 1/800 and later switched to 1/1000. I took 103 pictures with the 200mm before switching to the 300mm. With the 300mm I shot photos from about 200mm (205mm in the pic I shared as well as most the others now that I look at them) using the same settings that was setup for the other lens, from the same location, on a tripod with both to avoid any instability. I by no means didn't pick the single worst picture, all 103 pictures look as bad as the one shared, the couple that look slightly better are when my player was on 1st and 2nd base, taken from the same location at 200mm.

Re: Lens not focusing

ebiggs1 — Wed, 04 May 2022 15:26:33 GMT

OK here is the bottom line. I would have prefered you shoot truly random shots, "Shoot some trees, buildings, go to the park. Take a few of the kids. Different distances. You know random stuff just make sure some have vertical lines, a fence, and good contrast (not the sky)." However, form what you have just said, I believe the lens is faulty and either needs to be returned or repaired. I again don't think Canon services the original 70-200mm f2.8L lens any longer. You will need to call 1 (800) 652-2666 and ask.

If you are still not convinced or need more evidence do the test following my instructions exactly. I hope the best for you but it sure looks like a bad lens.

Re: Lens not focusing

CodeRedAddictMD — Wed, 04 May 2022 15:32:09 GMT

I believe on a different day, I did attempt to focus from live view, you can hear it go through the motions and will take a pic when done, but still comes out blurry like this.

Offhand I don't know anyone with a Canon, these photos were taken at a high school softball game and the two people I've seen have only used camera's without built in lenses or Nikons.

I still have the ability to return the lens, it was an eBay purchase 🙄 lol

I can, I've uploaded a couple photos from each lens to this link, both jpg and RAW.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kqpruadob33v35f/AADNtaAlZij3KJ1dZI_a0Q6Oa?dl=0

Re: Lens not focusing

jrhoffman75 — Wed, 04 May 2022 15:53:19 GMT

Perfect example of the scientific method; hold everything constant except one variable - in this case the lens.

103 bad shots is pretty indicative of the lens being the problem.

As stated, call Canon. If they can't, and don't have a suggestion, Royal Camera in Illinois and Midwest Camera in Michigan are folks to contact.

Re: Lens not focusing

ebiggs1 — Wed, 04 May 2022 17:14:35 GMT

"I did attempt to focus from live view, you can hear it go through the motions and will take a pic when done, but still comes out blurry like this."

If the lens is faulty that would not help. And it probably tells you nothing that the eye level VF doesn't. The fact the camera thinks the lens is in focus is not good. In One shot mode the camera will not shoot if it doesn't get AF confirmation from the lens. So, I now believe something inside of the lens is out of whack. You are likely better off returning this one and getting another one. This is a fantastic lens and will provide the best photos possible from your T7. They are extremely durable lenses but like anything they can get damaged. Looks like this one was used hard.

Re: Lens not focusing

jrhoffman75 — Wed, 04 May 2022 17:20:13 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
"I did attempt to focus from live view, you can hear it go through the motions and will take a pic when done, but still comes out blurry like this."

If the lens is faulty that would not help. And it probably tells you nothing that the eye level VF doesn't. The fact the camera thinks the lens is in focus is puzzling to me. In One shot mode the camera will not shoot if it doesn't get AF confirmation from the lens. So, I believe something inside of the lens is out of whack.

Since Live View uses a different focusing method, using the LCD for Live View would tell something different than the optical view finder is the problem was lens front focusing or back focusing. The quick and dirty test for front focus/backfocus problems is to focus with Live View and then switch to optical. If the lens focus ring moves when the shutter button is pressed the focusing system is off.

Both DPP and LrC Show Focus Points indicate that the center focus point was considered in focus.

But, even though there is reasonable spread of subject depth nothing is in focus.

Compare that with the 75-300 shot:

Since you can return for a refund I would definitely recommend that.

Re: Lens not focusing

ebiggs1 — Wed, 04 May 2022 18:18:04 GMT

Yes I checked both samples. Since nothing is in focus LV vs VF will not help nor tell us any difference. This lens is broken!

Re: Lens not focusing

jrhoffman75 — Wed, 04 May 2022 18:25:04 GMT

Absolutely.

Re: Lens not focusing

CodeRedAddictMD — Wed, 04 May 2022 19:07:14 GMT

Dang, that's just my luck, I will be sending it back!

I can't express enough just how much I appreciate all of your guy's help! I very much assumed it was the case, but I wanted to make every effort to be sure and all of you helped make that easy! Hopefully my next major upgrade will be much more successful!

Thank you guys and May the 4th be with you!

Eric